Something's Missing

I have no idea why this picture is funky.  I promise my childrens' faces don't normally look like that.

Since yesterday afternoon my oldest has been in a mood.  One could say that it's normal 11-year-old boy mood, but this is not the case.  Problem is, child #2 left to stay at a friend's house.  The oldest didn't throw a fit like the 3-year-old who wanted to go with, he didn't sigh like the sweet girl who was on the couch, running a fever, and he didn't hide in my arms like the youngest.

Poor Aidan is lost.  What to do, what to do.  Mope, mope, mope.  Whine, whine, whine.  As annoying as it is hearing the complaints and the whine, I feel for the kid.  Both of his playmates are unavailable.  He played, "Violet, Dad, and Mim" as long as he could, but in the end he wanted Emma and Gigi to chum with like usual.  There are adventures to be had that have had to wait. 

It was endearing to hear his prayer of "not taking anyone for granted" and I couldn't help but smile to see that he knew what was missing.  One of his dearest friends.  My children don't always get along.  A few naturally connect and a couple naturally clash.  But, we've tried to instill in all of them that these people they are growing with are, and will always be their best friends. 

Epiphany Pie

Northland Winters

I've often joked about the sun heading south for the winter and not returning until about June.  When the sun comes back up (on holiday) it is often way too cold to head outside and enjoy the rays.  One thing I've learned since returning to the north after our stint in Texas is that regardless of what it looks like outside it is always beneficial to make an effort to get out and enjoy some fresh air.

A few days ago we did just that.  We found a great, underused snowmobile trail just minutes from our house, bundle the crew up, and went for a little hike. 

We had a great time, and the woods were absolutely beautiful!  Even Felicity had a blast.

I will admit that it often feels overwhelming to make the effort to get out in the winter.  The house is warm, there are 10 little hands and feet, and 5 heads that need bundling.  But, it is always, always, always worth it.  Being out in nature is something Brett and I did often when were dating and newly married.  Luckily for me, he has continued to be insistent that our children learn to enjoy the outdoors.  We're not talking about 3-week-long backpacking adventures here, just simple get-out-and-enjoy-the-beautiful-world-God-made adventures.

Yesterday after naptime I was considering asking the kids to watch the youngest one so I could jump on the treadmill and pretend to be working off some Christmas calories.  I took one look outside, saw the snow falling, checked the temperature and decided to head outside instead.

It probably took close to 15 minutes to get the littlest ones ready, but I didn't give up and outside we went.  20-30 passes down (and back up) our sledding hill, and 2 hours later I brought a tired, but content group of kids back inside.  Always worth the effort.  Always. 

Even this morning, when my 32-year-old body was screaming at me that I'm not as young as I used to be, I feel like it was worth it.  I want to enjoy my children and I want my children see that I enjoy them.  That doesn't always happen in the day-to-day tasks of running this household.  I took time to play yesterday and it was a great reminder of how important that is to do. Get outside and play!

Snow Monster

Outside

On the Second Day of Christmas

December 26, 2012

Outside my window....It is cold!  Dry and cold.  We have a blanket of snow that's been on the ground for a few weeks. 

Inside the house...Let's see.  There is currently a couple of kids playing Wii, one is sleeping, one is learning how to use her new telescope, and one is getting into everything that was left under the Christmas tree. 

In the kitchen...Leftovers.  We stayed home for Christmas (as opposed to "going home").  It was delightful.  Brett's parents are here, and it was good being with family for Christmas.  Several of us were sick so our Christmas Eve plans had to be cancelled, and not every one was well on Christmas Day, but we did our best to have a great day.  We had cranberry pork and turkey for Christmas Dinner along with salad, potatoes, and rolls.  Yummy!

I'm going...Nowhere.  We are having a great staying-out-in-the-country day.  We went in for Mass yesterday morning and today it feels great to just stay home.  We have no agenda, nothing planned, just chillin'.

Living the Liturgy....Merry Christmas!  We had a wonderful Christmas, despite being sick.  I think the hope that comes with the birth of our Savior was just what we all needed!  We woke up, passed out cough medicine, said prayers, opened presents, then headed to Mass.  Mass was beautiful, the oldest two served and our Bishop presided.  We then headed home and had Bishop over for Christmas dinner and we all enjoyed each other while the kids explored their gifts. 

Plans for the rest of the week...We are heading into town tomorrow to get some groceries and run some errands.  We'll go down to the harbor although with the recent cold snap the ships may be frozen in for the winter.  On Friday we are having a second party to celebrate Aidan's black belt in karate since we didn't have any family in town for his actual test. 

Some pictures...

Christmas Fortress

Aidan and Brett's mom made this from scratch. Aidan created a 3D model of it first, they baked gingerbread and then construction began.
Not bad for a first attempt.