Snow blobs, backpacks, and girl time!

*Sigh* I've made it through two full week of Cale going to preschool and let me just tell you, I AM LOVING IT! Who knew how easy things would be with just ONE child? Going to the grocery store, the mall, INSIDE of a coffee shop rather than having to use the drive-up are just a few of the luxuries I've been able to enjoy during the two-and-a-half hours that Cale is learning away. I have soaked up every minute that I've been able to be alone with Riley, because unlike Cale, she hasn't had much one-on-one time with us. She is at such a fun age and I've been reminded lately through friends and other different circumstances that although my kids, at this age, make me want to rip my hair out at any given moment and start screaming out the windows, this time truly is precious and someday I will want these days back again. With that thinking I believe I have truly been able to enjoy my kids more while Alex is at work. I previously would stare at the clock and wait until lunchtime when he would come home for a few minutes to grab a bite to eat, and then after he left I would stare at the clock until it was time for naps, and then HALLELUJAH! Dad came home from work!!! Now, though, I have started to miss my kids while they nap and when we put them down for bed at night, I can't wait to wake up in the morning and see their precious faces. Weird, I know.

Today the kids and I spent a good twenty minutes getting ready to have our first play day in the snow! Without too much crying about why we had to wear snowsuits and gloves we finally made it into our backyard, and the white winter wonderland that was just waiting for little people to make a mess of things lay perfectly still before us. That's how I pictured it in my mind anyway. First step out the door and both Cale and Riley started to cry. "Okay, just act like a complete goofball so they know it's supposed to be fun and eventually they'll come around, right?" So I'm out there flopping around in the snow, making snowmen, throwing snowballs at them and...NOTHING. Beneath their hats I could just see two little people staring at me as if I'd lost my mind. Cale couldn't walk because his boots were a little too big and chunky and I'm pretty sure Riley thought she might step into a big crevasse if she put one inch of her foot on the snow. I managed to keep their crying at bay while I put them both in the sled and drug them around our yard for a few times. I caught Cale smiling once so I know he had a little bit of fun but Riley kept a straight face the entire time. I even think I saw her raise an eyebrow at me as if saying, "Mom's lost her mind if she thinks I am going to have any fun at all." Soooo, perhaps they just need a little more time to adjust to the fact that snow is indeed one of the best and most fun things about winter. As for me, my dream of watching my kids make snow angels and try to stick their tongue to something metal will have to wait for another day...

On a side note, today is my dad's birthday!!! If being a parent myself has made me realize anything, it's been how great of parents I had while I was growing up. I honestly could not have dreamed up a better dad. I attribute me choosing such a great husband because of how great my dad is. Seriously, I love him so much and I just wish we lived closer so we could see one another more often. If you're reading this, Dad...HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love you!

I hope everyone is getting close to completing their Christmas shopping...it's CRAZY out there!!!