The Sunny Side

I was totally going to write a post about how sick I am of sickness around here (*A*'s been sick/under medical care of some form or another for the past month and our car has been in and out of the shop almost equally as long) but after a really relaxing day home (b/c we had no car to go anywhere and b/c of *A*'s cough and ear infection), I am focusing on the positive. The kids played AMAZINGLY well today. I was able to get so much done (which is good because this coming weekend is prospective student weekend at the seminary and we're hosting a dinner), and we had some long overdue quality time together.

As much as I love how much there is to do up here, it gets a little overwhelming and over-busy and it's nice to just take a day off of all responsibilities. It was about this time last year that I was having similar thoughts, and I decided to drop choir to put a little freedom back in our schedule. I'm considering doing that again actually. Must be something about February.

We're trying to make conscious choices about what we do with what little time we have here. It's great to fill our days with fun and friends but lately we've forgotten what it's like to be just a family. Monday nights are our new family night. We're going to try our best not to schedule anything on these nights because it's the only night during the week we're all home together. This weekend, we made a conscious decision not to do Little League. *A* wasn't really all that into it and we decided our schedule is pretty full already without trying to fit in a night for practice and then games every Saturday. Perhaps next year when both kids can play.

It feels good to be able to say "no". To step back and just be. I think the kids appreciate it too. Today they were kind and agreeable, friendly and silly. We only had one minor spat and it was because (H) hurt *A*'s feelings when he was frustrated and used his words too loudly.

Anyway, I'm kind of struck at how positive this post turned out after the past few weeks of yuckiness, and I am struck at how calm and peaceful I feel after a day of being home alone with the kids with very little interaction from the outside world. I know after days of this we'd not be so positive, but it's something to remember when everything is so busy and spinning out of control. I leave you with a glimpse into our play-filled day:

**As I'm loading the dishwasher and making dinner, *A* comes into the kitchen with her apron on, pad and pencil in hand.**
A: "Can I take your order please?"
Me: "Um, Yes, I'll have a grilled cheese."
A: "We don't have that."
Me: "Ok, I'll have a hot dog."
A: "We don't have that either, we only have soup. It's very good."
Me: "Ok, I'll have the soup."
A: "And what would you like to drink?"
Me: "Orange juice please."
A: "We don't have that."
Me: "Ok, what do you have?"
A: "We have Coca-cola. You like that."
Me: "Ok, that sounds good, thank you."
A: "You're welcome, your order will be right out."
I just love that she's pretending to feed me and cook for me while I'm in the process of doing the same for her. I especially love that this time of day which is normally the craziest part (kids cranky and hungry and underfoot next to a hot oven) was probably my favorite part of today because of our little conversation. Thank you sweet girl.

Finally!

We finally had a big snow here this past weekend. All the snow that hit the south last week missed us completely (because we were too far North!), but we heard more was on the way this week so we kept our fingers crossed. Sunday night while driving back from Birmingham (after *A*'s run-in with a bookshelf ending in 2 stitches), we got to the top of the mountain and were greeted with huge snowflakes falling in great numbers. Apparently it had snowed on and off all that day, but overnight Sunday was when the most fell and by Monday morning we had about 5 inches. It kept on snowing until yesterday actually, and we now have about 7-8 inches on the ground! It's so fun and so pretty! It stuck to everything and was so fluffy. We went sledding, made a mini-snowman(the snow was too fluffy to make a big one), and apparently ^J^ thought it was good bike-riding weather! Enjoy!

Love Bugs

The kids and I have taken to a big family nap in the afternoon these days. Ever since their rooms have been combined, the kids haven't napped well. Which isn't a big deal, they still have "quiet time" and give me some moments of peace (and then they're ready for bed at 7 which is *really* nice). But occasionally we NEED a nap and especially with our bout of strep, it seems we've needed more naps than usual these days, so the best way for that to happen (surprisingly enough) is for all of us to pile in my bed. After a few moments of giggling, pushing, talking, and cover-stealing, they're out.

I just had to capture these cuties in their matching red outfits all tuckered out after a big day of preschool Valentine's parties. It was so fun today when they came home and went through all their valentines. *A* wanted me to read each and every word on hers while (H) made short work of his and had devoured 4 starburst before I even realized what was happening.
Happy Valentine's weekend to you and your Love Bugs.

Afternoon Hike

A few weeks ago it was warm enough to go on a hike so we headed out to one one of our favorite trails. I love hiking, but I especially love hiking in Sewanee because there is never a dull moment. I've been on many a Georgia trail that had absolutely nothing interesting to look at except maybe an occasional creek. This is not the case in Sewanee, around every turn there's always something interesting(or a giant cliff you might fall off)! I'm pretty sure this is why the kids love it so much. For example, on a sunny 50 degree day when you thought all the snow had melted from the previous snowstorm, you might turn a corner in the trail and discover an entire world of ice:




Or some shelf fungus,

Or a cool ice formation in the muddy ground.


Needless to say we couldn't pass the giant frozen waterfall of ice and continue down our normal route, so we took a different trail we'd never been on and once again found a great place to hike in Sewanee.

Even the boy with the cape kept up. This was the first really long hike we'd done with both kids sans backpacks or having to carry someone part of the way. They did awesome! *A* even found sticks for all of us which actually really came in handy on some of the icy patches. I was so proud of our little hikers!

Three

We love you our super-sweet super hero!

Five

We love you our sweet Pixie.