Snow Day

Today was our second big snow of the season. It began snowing around 10:30 this morning and has continued steadily. We have about 3 to 4 inches on the ground and expect to see another 4 after midnight. As soon as the kids came in from school(they got lucky, it was a half day!) they immediately wanted to play outside. There is something about having snow on the ground that makes the temperature outside insignificant. As fast as they could, they headed out looking like Ralphie from A Christmas Story. So layered and padded with undergarments and outerwear they could barely put their arms down. We have some common ground 2 doors down that has the perfect sledding hill. They spent a little time on the hill and decided to head to the woods behind our house. They love those woods. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, they could play, explore and pretend for hours. We finally got smart and started sending them with the walkie talkie so we could communicate and make sure all was well. Once hunger sets in, Macie and Chase head home. They come in and peel all their clothes off in the laundry room. They settle in for some hot chocolate and marshmallows. About 1/2 hour later, there is a small knock on the door. It's Owen. I swear, he is the toughest kid I know. He could(and most times does) stay out the longest. I bet he went up and down that hill 1000 times before he realized his siblings had left him. The excitement of the day has left them tired. Owen is already in bed by 7:30 and Macie and Chase are headed soon. As we are unwinding, the phone rings and it's my neighbor. She tells me that school has been cancelled. When I tell the kids, they shriek with joy and look forward bed. One step closer to another day in the snow!

Talent Show Video

Here is the dance routine that Macie and Chase did with their friends, Chandler, Madison and Shane. Also the "Fabulous" routine with Macie, her classmates and teacher!

Date Night p.s.

We had a blast!! We spent four hours eating, drinking and talking with our friends!!! Spent way too much money between drinks, dinner and a sitter but it was well worth it!!

Talent Show

Last night brought me back, way back. Back to the days at Walker School when my best friend, Tiffany and I would perform in our schools' talent show. It was something we looked forward to every year. Last night, Macie and Chase performed in "John Weldon Live." Macie did "Fabulous," from Disney's High School Musical 2, a song and dance routine with two girls from her class and her teacher. They spent their recess for the last month practicing. Macie, Chase and three of the their friends performed "Work This Out" also from HSM2. I have to say(and I'm not biased at all!!) that they were so good! I actually think their routine together stole the show! They performed second to last out of 41 acts. When Chase broke out his break dancing moves, the crowd went wild! Somehow I will find a way to post it on YouTube and include the link for you to see for yourselves. I was so proud of how hard they worked and how much fun they had!!! When we got home Macie said, "That felt so good!" and she's right, it felt good for everyone!!!

Date Night

I have to say, it has been awhile since Stew and I actually spent any time together. We are physically in each other's presence much of the time but it is time rarely about us. Late at night, after all the backs have been scratched and all the night-nights have been said we find time to talk if we are lucky enough to keep our eyes open. Even then, it's often about something going on with one of our kids, school, finances, family... It's rare that we get to focus only on each other. Tonight we are meeting 2 couples for dinner. I am so excited to actually do my hair, put on make-up and wear something that is not covered in snot from the runny nose that Avery has had for much of January. We get to talk and not worry about whose little ears are listening. I can't wait!!!

Deep Thoughts

Tonight I was reading the blog posts to Owen and I became tearful. He asked me why I was crying and I told him "b/c I'm sad you guys are growing up. I want you to stay babies forever." He very sweetly and honestly replied "but we want to drive someday mom!"
Too funny! He keeps me laughing.:)

Holding on and Letting Go

It dawned on me this morning as I was playing with Avery that parenthood is a series of holding on and letting go. She's crawling, pulling up, standing and cruising. Well on her way to taking her first major steps(literally and figuratively) towards independence. Each time I would put her down to explore, she would make sure I was near. She wanted to stand and do her thing with the safety and security of knowing I was right there. When I would try and walk away or accomplish some household task that I deemed important, she would crawl back to me and want me to hold her. She was telling me in her way to let the other things go and focus only on her. It's the curse of motherhood, finding a balance between all the things that need to be done and making the time for the truly important task of raising your children. As she approaches her first birthday, I am saddened that she is the last of our babies. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I could handle another, but knowing that these will be the last first steps, first words...I can't help but long for that tiny baby I held in my arms just one year ago. The one who I worked so hard to deliver but has given me nothing but joy since her arrival. I know you can't hold on to them forever and that most of my job is preparing them to be let go. I see Macie, Chase and Owen taking steps away from me every day and now Avery is right behind them. I hope when it's all said and done I've given them what they need to fly on their own even though all I really want to do is hold on tight.