Snowman Week

The kids played out in the backyard yesterday. It was a lot of fun to watch through the glass door. They could see me if they weren't too busy to look up, but mostly it was me watching them. They were having a blast. After awhile, Lolo fell down on the slippery swing set and decided she was too cold to tough it out. Molly still wanted to play outside, but not by herself- hmmm what to do? I know...I'll get my snow pants on and go out, just for a little bit though, I AM a cold weather wimp ya know! So I bundled up, thinking of all the "chores" I could get done while outside. I thought maybe I could clear off the deck, load up the trash, maybe clear out the shed a bit, I was motivated to get some things done. As I stepped out the door and into that white fluffy snow, I don't know what happened- I think I transformed, I wasn't myself anymore, I wasn't boring ole mom, I was a kid again! Whoo hooo!!! C'mon Molly, let's go! I'll race ya!! I was too busy pulling a sled around, throwing snowballs in our snow fight, shoveling loads of snow at each other, making snow angels, building a snow fort, and can you believe it...I tasted the snow! (of course I was dared) It was fun to be carefree, goofy and giggly. I stayed out much longer than anticipated, didn't do a single chore, had a runny nose and LOVED IT! At one point I was watching Molly build up a wall on our fort (yes OUR fort) As I am watching her, I glance up at the glass door to see my husband amused by watching us. Hmmm... so this is what it feels like to be on the other side of the glass door! I will have to remember to venture to this side more often...I LOVE IT! ****Click on the Snowman****

So today is a BIG Day!!! It is my mother-in-law's 60th Birthday!! Study the picture carefully, because it isn't everyday you get to see a Saint! (Picture from last Easter) This is a woman who entered the convent to become a NUN. After meeting the love of her life she left the convent, got married and had 7 children!!! Somehow even after raising 7 children, teaching hearing impaired children full time, volunteering for EVERYTHING at the church- she is still sane. She will bend over backwards to do ANYTHING you need, if it helps out, she's there doing it. If you mention a pumpkin pie sounds good, consider it done. She will go to the store that night and get whatever she needs to get it done, just to satisfy a craving. She is always cooking...oh and from scratch- no box dinners here. I don't know how she does it! In her honor we have planned a dinner with the whole family for tonight. It's a large family, so the majority will be there, with a few college exam kids not making it. (Sorry SS- We'll miss ya!) She has taken the day off work, so the kids and I made a construction paper invite to have a Bday lunch at our house. Lolo is excited because she asked if Nana could bring her to school today and show her the classroom. It is a small gesture, but it will be nice to have her over. (and Papa too) I know I ONLY have 4 children, but maybe a hectic lunch getting ready for school will bring back a few good memories. I know being an in- law is "supposed to be" awkward, distant, a bit foreign, or whatever, but I have always been welcomed into this family and I have the Birthday Girl to thank for that!