A Little Bit of the Perfect Snow

It has been an incredibly mild winter in our part of the state.  A few weeks ago, we finally got maybe two inches of snow.  It was only a little bit, but it was the perfect consistency for building snowballs and snowmen.  The girls had been waiting for this day to arrive.

We got ready and headed outside.  Taylor and I got to work building our "big" snowman.  Keep in mind, it can't be that big when you're working with only two inches of snow. 

Emma, on the other hand, had a wonderful time attacking me with snowballs.  She would come at me with one in each hand.  For someone with terrible coordination, she had some pretty impressive shots.

We finished the large snow"girl".

Taylor was then motivated to build her own snowman, all by herself.  Man, my kids are getting too big.

Sharing the Love

I've thought a lot about how I want Valentine's Day to look in our house.  Will and I go out on dates regularly and although I love a nice bouquet of flowers, I love them even more when the price isn't jacked up for Valentine's Day. So....we don't celebrate the day as a big love fest for our spouse.  I did get him a card, but only because it was free.  Who can pass up free?

Its easy to become cynical, bitter, sad, etc on holidays.  Its easy to compare.  Its easy to become selfish.  I want to teach my kids to take the spotlight off themselves and look for ways to bless others.  Since Valentine's Day is a day of love, we found ways to show love to others.  I read this a few months back and couldn't wait to do it with our girls.

We started by making muffins for our mail carrier.  She came early and we missed her, so we hunted her down in the neighborhood.  We left them on her car and spotted her later down the street.  We told her they were from us so she wouldn't be afraid to eat them.

Next, we took the remaining muffins to the librarians, before checking out a pile of Fancy Nancy books.

Some local firefighters were the recipients of our box of cookies.  The firemen were so kind and we got a tour of the firestation.  I was disappointed to see no fire pole.  I didn't say that out loud, though.

Aldi was our next stop.  We filled several carts with quarters.  In case you don't know, at Aldi, you have to pay a quarter to take a shopping cart and you get it back when you're done.  I am always THRILLED when I get to keep my quarter!

The girls each picked a car to leave a flower on.  We included a valentine that explained it was just an act of kindness.  Will didn't want people to think they had a secret admirer. 

As we were leaving, one of the cars was driving away and turned around and came back.  A man got out of the car and asked if we were the ones who were doing kind things.  We told him yes.  He gave us all hugs and told the girls how special it was.  He really went on, and on about how happy it made him.  He said he was going to take it home and give it to his wife - it would make her happy, too!  Now, I wasn't looking for praise for my children, but this really worked out perfectly.  Because this happened early on, it was easy for them to imagine how others might feel when they find their surprises!

Next we hit Walmart.  They picked four more cars to place flowers on and then we headed inside.  Now, I don't know about your kids, but every time they see a gumball machine, they ask if they can have one.  First of all, I never have quarters, and second of all, I'd say no anyway.  So, we taped quarters to gumball machines at both ends of the building.  My act of kindness was actually letting each of them get a gumball, too.

We headed home and had a fancy dinner of soup and lunchables.  They got lunchables  because I actually made the soup way too spicy for them to eat.  They did drink out of fancy cups in candlelight.

I think this will be our new Valentine's Day tradition.  The kindness, not the Lunchables.

Don't Wait

A year ago, today, my grandpa passed away.  He was in a nursing home, and had been sick, but not that sick.  There was no warning.  I didn't expect it.  I would've gone to visit one more time.

I found out this morning my neighbor Brenda, passed away.  She too, had been sick, uterine cancer.  I hadn't talked to her in a month and had no idea she had taken a turn for the worse.  The thought had crossed my mind several times to visit, bake her some bread, or give her a call.  I didn't though.  I was too busy, too tired, too lazy.  Brenda was a believer and she is now pain free, celebrating with the Lord, but I'll miss her.

What hurts the most though, is that I didn't know.  It didn't have to be a surprise.  I have been planning in my mind to invite all my neighbors over for pie for three months now.  I haven't done it.  Brenda was the only original neighbor left from when we moved in almost 8 years ago.  I loved knowing her.  She loved us.  That connection with people is so important.  You just don't know how quickly things will change.

I think I'll schedule that pie party now.

Simple Machines

The last two weeks at school the girls have been learning about simple machines.  You know...levers, pulleys, etc.  They have been pointing out every machine they see.  Mrs. Worrell would be proud.  Along with their lessons, they created their own machines.  I loved this project, but once again, it was too large to keep around.  Instead, they will be forever saved in the digital world. 

The first picture is the blueprint, followed by the completed machine.

Inventor:  Taylor
Machine Name: Cookie Machine that Makes Yummy Cookies
Power / Fuel Requirement:  Batteries
Function (What does it do?):  It makes sugar cookies with pink frosting.
Patent Pending:  January 27, 2012

Inventor:  Emma
Machine Name:  Jewelry Machine
Power / Fuel Requirement:  Diamond Gas
Function (What does it do?):  Makes different kinds of jewelry like earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Patent Pending: January 27, 2012

One Year of Blogs

Yesterday marked my one year anniversary of blogging.  I tried to think of a cute term for it.

Blogiversary.  No.

Blogday.  Will asked if it meant I blogged on that day every week.

I guess that means no cute name.  Okay then, I'll write a post that will bring my readers (the four of you) to tears.  They will be weeping with joy as I celebrate the wonderful year we've had.

The words just weren't coming.  How can this be?  I always have something to write about.   Except now.  So, I'm writing about having nothing to write about.  Hmmm...interesting.

I have really enjoyed keeping the blog.  I'm going to turn each year into a book.  It will be so fun to read through them later.  It has also been a good outlet for writing.  Writing has always been one of my favorite hobbies and this gives me a way to do it.  Thanks for being interested in what I have to say.

Are the tears flowing yet?  Maybe the sappy music will help.