Snow Days

We've been snowed (more like "iced") in for three days now!

The kids are having a blast!

The neighborhood kids have been "hanging" with us, we've been eating good food, drinking lots of hot chocolate, attempting to sled, watching movies, playing video games, having pillow fights, etc.!

(Of course, Chance would come up with some sort of "ballgame" to play.)
I now have 36 loads of laundry because the kids come in and change clothes every ten minutes when what they're wearing gets wet. It's been fun, but if the school even thinks about closing tomorrow - I'm fully prepared to get my shovel and clear a path
to the school's front steps myself! :-)

Chase Rocks the House!

We all headed to Chase's piano teacher's living room last week for her first piano "recital"!

She rocked! Chase's piano teacher, Ms. Doreen, tells me Chase has really got a gift & has just flown through the books. She really brags on her - the fact that I'm handing her a check when she does this doesn't have anything to do with it. :-)
Notice Kaden's sparkly, sequined patriotic flag purse. She is obsessed with it! I don't think there's actually a single thing inside of it, but she insists on carrying it with her everywhere because, as you can see, her ensemble is just not complete without it.

Below, are some of the other pianist's parents - far more technologically advanced than we are!
Ms. Doreen is such a sweetheart! She made the girls a cake, had a big spread of punch & treats for them, and they got a beautiful certificate commemorating the day!

Chase - "You Rock!"

Laughter to a Mom's Ear

Last night, all the kids were home. Mackenzie’s boyfriend Matthew and Chase’s friend Tybee were over, as well. After dinner, The whole gang was upstairs, just “hanging out” together.

I had just snuggled in to read one of my new mystery books, when I heard a loud burst of laughter coming from upstairs. It made me smile. A few minutes later, another burst of laughter. Another smile. This continued for a while. Jack walked in and saw me with a huge smile on my face - he was smiling, too.

He said “It makes you happy when they’re happy, doesn’t it”. “Yes….very,” I replied.

I wonder…. do they have any idea - as they hang out upstairs, laughing together – how wonderful they are? Do they know how much joy they bring me just by being.

Do they know that the sound of their laughter is my favorite sound in the whole world.

Do they know that when they’re happy – I am happy. And when they’re sad – I am sad.

Do they know how I am tempted to run upstairs and lock the door – keeping them there, together. Warm, and safe and happy. Laughing. Surrounded by love. Where nothing bad can ever touch them.

Do they know that every time I hear them laugh, I smile.

Do they know that small, simple moments like they’re living right now, are really the most precious ones in life.

I wonder -
Do they know how much I truly love them. Do they really know….