Tis the season, my friends! How has life been looking for you lately? Here’s my current view:
Winter break is officially upon us. We have no travel plans, nowhere to be. There are many reasons I am grateful to be a teacher. Having two weeks each year to be quiet with my family, to be a better mom, to read and rest more, is one for which I am deeply grateful.
December hasn’t gifted us any snow. Sadly, there is none predicted for as far out as we can look. If you live somewhere with snow, could you send some our way?
Meanwhile, however, December has given some stunning sunrises.
And even a surprise rainbow.
Emmett arrived, as well, and is up to his typical antics. I love having the little guy around. I love that my kids still anxiously wait for each other to wake up each morning to go elf-finding.
I don’t mind sharing my meatballs.
I definitely mind sharing my coffee, however. Particularly when it prevents me from the glory of a first morning cup. To be forgiven, Emmett, I expect to move up a few places on the good list.
Outside of the house, Harper has been busy with horseback riding. She has come to love her time at the barn and stays after her lessons to brush Remy (her favorite) and put up saddles. In just a short time, Harper has mastered post-trotting and has learned all kinds of equestrian vocabulary that she is now teaching the rest of us.
I am really happy for her, and I am so glad that what she enjoys most, I think, is connecting with the animals. Besides the horses, there are three or four dogs that lay around the stables just asking to be pet and spoiled. It is a place where time feels suspended. Even Jameson digs it. He just prefers the view from the ground, rather than on horseback.
Jameson’s been busy learning division. He was proud to be his teacher’s first-ever second grader to finish multiplication this early in the year. We have flashcards planned for his winter break. Onward, little math man!
Both kiddos did a Secret Santa exchange with their friends this year for the first time. We hosted both “events,” which were hilariously the same and different. We decided to go with a simple plan: order pizza, serve hot chocolate, put on a Christmas movie, open gifts. Friday night we hosted four fourth grade girls. Saturday night, we hosted four second grade boys. Friday night was full of organized activity that included coloring and picture-taking and soft, serene giggles. Saturday night was full of ear-piercing screams, bouncing ninja balls, and half-eaten pizza slices because no one sat long enough for a meal. In the end, fun was had by all. I feel grateful that my kiddos have sweet friends who make them smile.
Jason and I have been swamped with all kinds of adulting things. Our gifts to each other this year include a new washing machine and a new car. Yippee! Except not yippee … but, shit happens. We know these are small beans in the big scheme of a life that is quite good.
Speaking of good, Jason and I finally got out for a date.
And I had a massage which was too wonderful for words.
And yesterday, Harper, Grandma, and I resumed a Christmas tea tradition that Covid put off for a couple of years.
I hope the next few days bring opportunities for cookie making and enjoying books in cozy corners. We want to soak up the season and quiet down, in between the oodles of wrapping we still have to do.
I am also enjoying the selfies that the kids are mysteriously taking.
Yes, she is this flexible.
So there’s a little peek into life lately. I hope your days ahead are bright.
