We received almost 5" of snow and as usual, went out and got all in the middle of it. We have never been ones to watch it from the window and "oooh and ahhhhh" at it. No...we have snow ball fights. Build snowmen. Today even added a fort (well, sort of).
There's nothing like playing with kids to make you feel like a child yourself.
Ben headed down the stairs first and as soon as his feet hit the ground, he made a snow ball, turned and pegged his little sister right in the face. Crying commenced and I quickly told her, "Don't worry Belle...I'll get him for you" which made her smile.
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| Pick on someone your own size! |
Looking at the crisp, white scene all around us made the wheels start turning. I thought back over the past couple weeks recalling how dark they had seemed and now stood in the brightest spot. It looked so clean. So perfect. Something about fresh, fallen snow brings about the prospect of unlimited possibilities. I stood there watching my kids play and smelled the mixture of wood burning fireplaces and clean laundry wafting through the cold air. Ahhhhhhhh.
I saw glimpses of hope. Of exciting adventures just introduced to me. Of new beginnings. And I told myself, "You are so lucky. So blessed. Try like hell to not let that fact slip too far away and definitely don't let anyone else and their poor choices/words bring you down."
Fact is, these two kids are incredible. And while some people may think being a mom makes your life a little "boring" - I think those people are lost. I think they don't at all get life and what it's about. If you have ever had a chance to be a parent and you've taken it seriously, you already know. If you considered it a burden, then I feel sorry for you.
These two little people get on each others nerves like crazy sometimes. But have no doubt...they are each others best friend. Perfect example: Shelby came home from school Friday announcing her and her "ex-boyfriend" (and I use this term very loosely as she's in 2nd grade!) had gotten back together. Then the conversation went like this:
Shelby: Yeah...but I think he likes someone else.
Ben: What do you mean? You said he asked you to get back together.
Shelby: Right, but I think he also likes Susan (not her name!).
Ben: Well if he's with her too, then that's cheating! And it's wrong! And you will NOT put up with that. Tell you what...I'll take care of it on Monday.
Me: Ben...whoaa...let's think about this. While I think it's great you want to take up for your sister, remember they are 7 years old. Let's not make too much of this.
Ben: Cheating is cheating, mom. I got this...
Me: Again...I love your allegiance to her, but she can handle it. Right Shelby?
Shelby: I can. But I'd rather Ben handle it.
Ben: I will.
Me: Sweetie...I can't emphasize enough my pride that you want to take up for her, but we need to realize what this is and what it's not.
Ben: I'll go easy on him...but he's gonna hear from me.
The conversation continued and I spoke to Ben in private about relationships vs. 2nd grade relationships! But I've gotta tell you...I was one proud momma listening to his protective nature. Showing me he wants to be a man and that he respects honesty and family.
So as we ended yesterday with Slurpees; we ended today with hot chocolate. And as cold as it was outside, they made my heart warm and filled me with love and pride.
While I may be missing some other things in my life right now, I'm certainly not missing unconditional love from two incredible people.
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