Winter...

 

This winter is hitting our family hard with frosty temperatures and frequent, though not accumulating snowfall.  It seems we are all longing to be held up tight in our little home and rarely retreating to the outside world.  This is certainly not the norm for us, typically we are like puppies, anxious to be outside and leave our mark on the world.

Our children typically ache to be outside running, biking and playing at a local park, but lately every time they are summoned to leave the house, it is never without hesitation and a little groaning, “Ah, do we have to Mom?” 

Their sentiment is felt by all and thus, we must listen.  We must enjoy the dark cold days when the sun rarely shines and the warmth is felt inside.  It is not to say our love for the outside world has diminished, quite the contrary. The moment spring awakens, I am certain our days will be long and our little tribe will march deep into those woods again seeking, sniffing and rejoicing in every aspect of the new season.

So today, we relax inside and partake in our version of human hibernation.  We bake and enjoy the efforts of our labor; we snuggle up on the couch with a good book, or lazily watch an intriguing film.  We eat around candlelight and partake in our new ritual of reading books over a meal.  We retreat to our beds after indulging in a soft lavender bath and relish in the pillows and comforters that have been transformed into nests.   We learn to let go of the expectations that the outside world imposes on us, for we desperately need this time to relax, to recharge our batteries that have been depleted.  This is the time to slow down and reflect and these days, there is ever so much to reflect upon. 

And that is how it will continue to be until we are ready to leave.  Leave the nest, take flight as spring arrives, when we can shed some layers as the sun warms us with her delightful presence.  

All of this will be the norm until, well, until the next snow arrives and we bundle up, grab our sleds and spend countless hours seeking hills to race down and snowmen to create.   

That my friends, is the true joy of the season and we are ever so grateful to be living in a country that can witness the changing of seasons.

 Moments of creation!

 Noah our little master builder!

 Robert baking with Tessa and creating beautiful cookies!