Oh Yes

Oh yes, as Sammy says.
A spring-like day in January.  What a wonderful respite from the cold, dreary days we've had lately.  Though the grass is still brown and the trees are bare, it reminds of what's to come.  (Also reminds me why I feel a little crazy by this point in the winter.)
The kids were out for most of the afternoon.  Lucy's really getting her first taste of "playing" outside.  I think she's gonna love it!

 A picnic after church sounded like a great idea to them.

Notice Lucy's "ball-ball" as she calls it.

 Checking out Jack's camera.

This guy is passionate about shorts and short sleeves.    

Ready or Not

Ready or not, Mama, I'm growing up.

See what I can do!

No matter how many times I tell them not to, these kids grow up anyway and take a little piece of my heart with them.
This baby girl is no exception, huh?  Last night she took her first steps alone.  I almost missed them.  I turned around in time to see her smiling big.  First, one step.  Then, two, three.  Three little baby steps and the whole house went crazy.  The kids were so excited.  Lucy was so proud of herself.

I was somewhere between "Yay!" and "Oh not yet..." 

Libraries

We went to the library yesterday in preparation for this snow storm that is supposedly headed our way.  I think a lot of people had the same idea because it was busy.  Our kids are always excited to go to the library.  The ride home, and even the rest of the afternoon, is so quiet.
We stocked up.  Kayla is really enjoying reading on her own now.  She loves to get in bed with a flashlight at night and read- just like me.  Although I use a lamp, not a flashlight.  I'm starting When Crickets Cry.  So far so good.
Let me just say that I am very thankful for our libraries.  It seems that library systems are being cut left and right lately.  I  have to wonder what that says about our society when we can spend millions of dollars on sporting events and the like but have no money for (or interest in) books.   As Samuel said a few days ago, "Sounds like trouble down there, Mom."
p.s.  I know there are many issues more pressing than libraries.  I'm just sayin...

Reading Together

This dear one wanted to look at books last night.
First, she sat with her big sister next to her and turned page after page.
Then I pulled her into my lap and we read.
About babies.  Her favorite.
She took over and jabbered to me.
For quite a while.
Pointing to pictures.  Telling me her stories.
And I loved it.  There are few things I enjoy more than reading with my kids.  The stories are good.  But the quiet time together is better.  Especially in the evening after a long busy day.
One of the many perks of being mom to these young ones.

Another Quote

"The room had been quiet, with that companionable silence born of mutual ease."

     from Miss Read's Thrush Green

A lovely quote from a lovely book

Hugs

It's National Hug Day!

Brian says a person needs at least seven hugs a day.

He says kid hugs are especially good medicine.

So I ask you, have you had your hugs today?

WInter Reading

We've found some good "winter" books I thought I'd share.  I'm always up for a good book recommendation!

White Snow Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt, illustrated by Roger Duvoisin A Caldecott winner
What I love best about this book is that it's old.  Seems like the older a book is, the better it is.  Not always, but often at least.  A cozy book.  Rich language.
Sneezy the Snowman  by Maureen Wright  Not old but funny.  Sammy likes this one.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, illustrated by Susan Jeffers  Beautiful pictures.  Makes you feel like you are there.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr  Another Caldecott winner  A calming, peaceful read.

One of my new favorites is The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes.  An older chapter book.  A dear story about compassion and forgiveness.
And a new favorite picture book, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox.  It's full of sweet babies.  What else would you need?