Let's eat!

Let's eat; snow that is. I was floored to see Faith enjoying the taste of snow more than the throwing of snow this last snowfall. What makes snow so much fun for a kid. Give them a bucket or bowl and you have a whole new game. I think we played outside for 45minutes before we headed inside for some hot chocolate. Faith likes the thought of hot chocolate but not the actual drinking of it. I think it makes her feel grownup. Faith's favorite part of snow play this time was the pink mixing bowl. She dumped the bowl full of snow on her head and made her way down the driveway to Bud who was talking with the neighbor. She then turned around and made her way back to me. She had to be cold with the snow right next to her face but I didn't say anything. Let it snow, let it snow. Maybe the next snowfall will allow us to make a snowman.

Last weekend I babysat a friend's kids. Faith loved the fact that it was also movie night. The movie choice for the night was Moondance Alexander. It was a story of a young girl who takes a Palamino horse and makes him a champion jumper. Faith loves horses and loves the fact that one time she was able to take horse back riding lessons. I know that if she were given the opportunity to ride more she would give up gymnastics for it. Friday night movie night is always so much fun in our house. The kids loved having rice crispy treats also as a special treat during the movie. Faith's friend totally loved the movie as she wanted to turn herself into a horse at the end of the movie. She could barely remain in her seat. Tonight's movie night is Stellaluna complete with popcorn. She is going to love it.

Hello deer

I couldn't figure out how the birds were eating so much birdseed. It seemed like each morning I looked out the back window the houses were empty with the exception of the wrens house. So upon careful watching one evening I uncovered the mystery. First a buck arrived and helped himself to the birdseed on the ground. Shortly after a doe arrived and helped herself to the squirrel house. Not soon after that three more came and helped themselves to the food. With over 1000 deer on the island here, the land is overrun by deer. Although I do love to see them, I am sure that once spring and summer come I will not love them as they love to eat vegetable gardens and hostas. Until then, I will continue to feed them and enjoy seeing them out the sunroom window.

All covered in white

The snow has finally made it to Michigan. We are loving it! If it is going to be cold it might as well snow. Otherwise, just bring the Spring weather already. Yesterday after schoo Faith, Champ and I all played outside in the snow. Although the snow was not wet enough to make snowballs, I managed to chase Faith around the yard with a snow shovel filled with snow. I finally caught up with her after chasing her around the garage. She was not ready for the big dump to fall on her. She was covered in white from her head to feet. Knowing that this snow was going to come, I have been a terrible mom because both of my kids have no snow pants. How can you be a true kid and make a snow angel with no snow pants. Faith found a way though. Double layers make it easy. Faith and Champ climbed aboard the sled and I tied a string to it. They held onto each other and the sled and I began to run back and forth with them stopping at the end of the driveway and spinning them around on the sled. It was so much fun to hear them squealing with delight. "Faster, faster, faster" Sorry guys, mommy doesn't run much faster than this. Today we headed out to the airport where there is a huge hill. Although the hill had a posted sign that said no snowboarders and sled at your own risk, the hill was awesome. It was by far the fastest and biggest hill I've slid down. I made it up and down the hill about 5 times before I called it quits. Faith mozzied on up the hill while Champ and I waited. After waiting 10 minutes for her to climb that hill as slow as she possibly could I decided that would be the last climb. Faith climbed into my lap and we pushed forward making it all the way to the van. Winter time is fun. Like an old friend once said, "Winter is cold. You just have to take up some winter sports to pass the time."

Reflections

Reflect upon yourself and your life. Are you where you want to be? Is this where you seen yourself 10 years ago? Are you on your way to happiness? If these questions are hard take some time to reflect upon yourself. Look in the mirror and make a change. A reflection can tell so much.

Fresh air

It sure hasn't felt like winter this year. I am not opposed to the warm conditions however I do look forward to just a hint of snow and maybe a snowman. To make the best out of the warm weather, we headed outside to a metropark this last Sunday after church. Champ skipped his nap and we spent a few hours laughing and playing. What I loved most about this afternoon was the twirly seat. Set at an angle perfect for feeling the force of gravity upon you, Bud and I took turns spinning the kids. When we went to fast, we went flying off the edge. Faith held on tight and found that laying on her belly was the best way to remain on the seat. The dogs were out walking, the squirrels were out looking for food and the winter birds looked to see what all the noise was about. I love being outside, especially with all of us together. What makes nice weather even nicer is when the color comes back from it's long winter's sleep.

Tea party for two.....or four

Faith enjoyed some much needed mommy time. While she doesn't enjoy dressing up much any more she recommended that we put on our nicest clothes and she would surprise me with an event. After changing my clothes and returning to her room, much to my surprise she had nothing planned. Instead she asked me to plan something. I had just dusted the china tea set given to her from her aunt and decided a tea party might me nice. So I grabbed the end table and spread a satin runner across it. Cut the pumpkin roll from the fridge and filled up the minature pitcher with water. Faith loved the small tea cups and filled her cup up time and time again. The cutest guest at the table besides Faith had to be the lion complete with his nosed smooshed up to the table. Barbie and giant Teddy also attended but chose not to eat their cake. After a fun time of exchanging conversation with each other I asked her if she wanted to dance. She totally took to it. I turned on some smooth jazz and we danced with each other and pretended that Barbie was prince. I miss the days of the three year old. Those days have come and gone but the memories of Faith I have in that phase of her life are just precious. I wish there would be more tea party days in the near future.

Skating....on ice

Today Faith and I sent Champ to a friend's house and took the opportunity to go ice skating together. Although the boots were hard and uncomfortable it was our first experience ice skating. I only fell once however Faith fell more times than that. She took it like a champ though getting right back up and moving forward. The skating area had these "ice walkers" made out of pvc piping that Faith could hold onto and not worry about falling. Talk about a great idea. She didn't take to that too long as she decided she was ready to let go and go on her own. She first took to the railing and then ventured off into the skating lane with the rest of us. I tried to hold her hand but most of the time she wanted nothing of the sort. Moving back to the north has be wanting to embrace the cold weather and take up winter sports. Today was a fun day and I look forward to many other days of ice skating this winter season. Just wish that we had more comfortable padded boots to wear. Maybe next year.