Winter Blues

Life is weird and Winter is cold.

I had an epiphany today that Winter in the city, rather than the country, might just be 100 times harder to bear. And we actually love Winter. But when life gets hard a nice, long, warm day of bursting sunshine makes it just a little easier. Now when life gets hard the grime of city streets, grumpy faces, and the bleakness of the white sky make it just a little harder.

I was pep-talking myself in the van today: "It might be easier if you'd get out there and enjoy it, you lazy hoss!" (Yeah, great pep-talk, Self. Thanks.) But then Grace reminded me that I don't live on acres of beautiful, untouched land. I live on a tenth of an acre-half of which is paved. There aren't snow covered woods surrounding our house. There are hundreds of other houses. Grace reminded me that Winter is simply long and hard and it's not my fault.*

However, it is my lot.

It is what I make it.

For the rest of my life, I will have to make it through tough seasons, both physical and spiritual.

And that is where I am right now. A tough season, both physically and spiritually. But cliche as it is, life goes on. The kids are growing in every possible way. Li'l Bit is making amazing progress in all of her lessons. She wants to read everything in sight and the more we read together the more intimate our connection becomes. Gizmo is sweeter and more sensitive everyday! B.daddy is teaching him how to be a man, and he is so proud of the little man he already is. And Ladybug gets funnier every time I look at her. Her little face, her little smile! She is forming into the little girl soon to come.

*It's not my fault unless we start to consider original sin and the depravity of man and blah, blah, blah... ;)

And, oh have I've got cute pictures of the kids! We can always count on that.

Helping me make gingerbread cookies for our loved ones far away.

Ready to be picked up Early in the morning.

Sweet moments of pretend, just between Bubba and Sissy.

Daddy's always got their back when they want to play in the snow.

Merriment for Me!

A couple of very intuitive ladies knew exactly what I'd want for my present: to go shopping in Anthropologie...and actually buy something! I often walk through the store just touching everything, but I'd never even tried anything on. And I'd never actually contemplated buying something. Who pays $98 for a tank top? Not a mother of three small kids. BUT, there is a time for everything. ;) And, it was time, my friends. It was time.

I prowled slowly, carefully, gleefully. I actually took garments off the racks! With an arm load of beauty, I entered the dressing room for the first time. Oh what a beautiful place! No, seriously, if you're ever in the mall and stressed out, just find an Anthropologie, grab a shirt, and head for the fitting room. Serenity. I tried everything on. And everything, oooh...like butta'! Like smooth, creamy butter! Good clothes--you know: really, really good clothes just feel and fit so well. It could drive a woman insane.

Naturally I wanted everything I tried on. But after a while I had to bring my head down out of the clouds and be somewhat reasonable. Only somewhat, though. So, I painfully and reluctantly ruled out this and that and decided on my favorites. I liken it to having to pick a favorite child. Who could do that? Well, despite the pain of choosing ;) I had a wonderful time shopping, and I am ecstatic about what I got!!

So, Stac, Vall: thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! And here's the loot:


I got this top in a solid, deep purple. Gorgeous! The picture doesn't do it justice; you can't see the best details, but it's wonderful. :)


I got this jersey wrap in a dark grey, and it feels sooooo good! I wish I could wear it everyday.

Also, I finally got myself a french butter dish. This baby allows you to keep your butter soft, at room temp without it getting spoiled. How cool is that?!

Falling Apart...Or Bursting At the Seams?

Not exactly sure whether I should be completely honest and say, "I'm so stinking exhausted and frustrated and angry that I just want to spit and crawl into a hole!" Or perhaps I should be a little more grateful and say, "We're just blessed with such full lives!"

Well, the first statement would suit this morning's mood much more accurately. Actually, the mood of the whole week! December is always a busy month; the mess grows and the to do list only gets longer. There are so many things I want to do so that we all enjoy this season in every possible way. And this is not me saying I know I need to cut out the unnecessary things. The kids and I got a cold this week, so it's just been a crazy week, and I'm feeling it down to the bone.

But.....We have this to look forward to:

Four days, three nights, right after Christmas!! I planned our vaca last January--after a December just like this one. December is wonderful, we love traditions and cookies and decorations and advent and presents and the whole Hoop La! But, we will welcome a break and four whole days to be alone!! I can hardly imagine what it will be like to have uninterrupted conversation with B.daddy for that long.