snow day

Wasn't it spring? It's only been a few days of 'thawing', but I guess I'd already grown accustomed to the sight of bare trees and muddy grass. And now the winter wonderland is back in all it's glory... including my February wish:

one more snow day!

Last time we got that wonderful phone call, the girls and I had a long, slow morning in our pajamas...eating our homemade apple muffins, sipping coffee (or apple juice), and staring out at the heap of snow on our deck.

The sun is streaming into the dining room...

...filling my kitchen with golden light and casting dark shadows of the table and chairs across the warm floor where the girls keep snuggling up in sleeping bags, pretending to sleep. (It's almost nap time.)
Patches of grass are finally showing. The wind in the trees is almost as mesmerizing as the sunlight. And after the long weeks, months of snow and ice...this day feels like a gift, hope that spring is coming. It's friday and I'm home with my girls. That feels like a gift every week. And tonight, we'll celebrate Ryan's birthday with my family. I'm making his favorite oreo/ice cream trifle dessert. He doesn't know it, so hopefully he doesn't check my blog.

I've been avoiding this job of posting again. I've never let my blog go so silent for so long. But with each event that I haven't recorded...each set of pictures I haven't posted, my procrastinating tendency grows. The job seems more overwhelming as it grows. This is one of my many weaknesses. I can't just start something in the middle, even if it's the right/best thing to do. I keep waiting until that elusive time comes when I'll be able to get 'caught up' first. But here I am, in spite of my crazy sickness. Maybe I'll go back and fill in the blanks of December and January and early February. Or maybe I'll just start here and try again. Either way...coming back feels good.

Here are two smiles that are even brighter than the rare winter sun...

We're happy to be home today. I love snow. Especially when it gives me an extra long weekend.

Today at breakfast...
Maya: Sheep who?
Me: What, Maya? What do you mean? Sheep?
Maya: (patiently explaining again) Momma. Knock-Knock.
Me: Oh!! Who's there?
Maya: Sheep.
Me: Sheep who?
Maya: Cow.

She learned this new concept of 'knock-knock' jokes from her friend Ryan (also known as "Ry-rhine"), but I haven't heard one in a few days so I wasn't expecting it.

Maya: Door. Knock-knock.
Me: Who's there?
Maya: No-No
Me: No-no who?
Maya: No-AH! (erupting into giggles)

Later...at lunch.

Me: Maya, you should tell Daddy one of your "Knock-knock jokes"
Maya: knock-knock
Daddy: who's there?
Maya: Ry-rhine
Daddy: Ryan who?
Maya: No-AH! (running away to hide her proud smile by burying her head in the couch cushions)