Dashing thru the snow,

or at least through the 20 degree weather! Not sure where it came from, but I wouldn't mind a little snow if it's going to get that cold!

Anyway, we went CAROLING last night and delivered zucchini bread to lots of families. It was so much fun! We had a big box full of gaily wrapped bread situated between the front seats and it reminded me of doing the same with all my cousins many years ago in my grandparent's big green van.

All the families loved it and a few had never been caroled to before! I'm very happy that a number of our friends have expressed interest in joining us in the future, so that we have more voices to, uh, BLEND with, ahem.

Oh- and whenever the boys would hand the bread over they would exclaim, "It's zucchini bread!" (one of their favorite treats ever.) The looks on a number of faces - especially those of the children- were classic. (Revolting! Vegetable bread?!?) I finally told the boys to stop telling people what it was, so that it would be a sweet surprise.

So that's that. Had to remember this. Such a great night. And Amelia was decked out in the CUTEST little Christmas outfit with boots and hat. Adorable. Brought the camera, but I guess it wanted to stay warm in the van....

Do you hear what I hear?

Jake was home sick today, and by this afternoon was just at that in-between point of starting to feel better but not wanting to move around much. He was done with sleeping and watching movies and wanted something different to do. So....

TA-DAH!!! Up steps mom with a dramatic reading of The Night Before Christmas. All three kids were squished on our big boxy chair (yes, the who-knows-how-old chair still lingers from Provo days) and had huge eyes. As I made pattering sounds and pretended to throw up the sash, they watched my every move. I almost started laughing out loud as I visibly saw Jacob (dare I say it) begin to BELIEVE again. I hope so. And Andrew and Amelia were quite taken. Especially as I stood next to our very tall fireplace and placed my finger aside my nose. Should have them for a good while yet....

Whatever happened to kids memorizing poems? Sheesh! We'd better get to it!

Schnoogie

It is 11:00 a.m. It is freezing outside. I have been sorting through a ridiculously large stack of papers on my desk while Amelia naps. Andrew has been ignored, is still in his bug pajamas, and was playing airplane on my bed for quite some time. He got quiet a bit ago. I finally finished my work and then turned to engage with him and maybe actually start something fun for the day.

Me: "Hey buddy boy! What should we do?!"

A: (pulls his thumb out of his mouth)"I'm practicing doing nothing. So....go away. I have to get back to work."

Whoa. Hate to interrupt. Can I join you?

I love...

the innocence of little boys. Jake was picked up for a playdate a few minutes ago. He was posted at the front window anxiously awaiting Jackson's arrival. As soon as their car pulled in, the door was flung open and both boys shouted in excitement and jumped up and down.

Big hugs and shouts are a common occurrence at the playground. Jake and Simon (not so much this year anymore) can be seen holding hands as one pulls the other toward their bandit hideout.

I will miss this as my little sweethearts grow into macho men. Really, though, it is difficult for me to imagine Jacob without exuberance. How it will manifest itself is something I look forward to seeing.