Lazy Sunday Fun

  Hope with her first mini-shiner (courtesy of Henry)
 Our final night of Hannukah!

Snow turned to rain today, so we had a "pajama day."  Highlights included a few firsts...Hope's first black eye from her brother's "one little monkey jumping on the bed" routine, Momma Diana's first attempt at turkey loaf (not too bad!), Hope's first venture out in the backpack for our 20 minute stroll around the neighborhood, Henry's first viewing of Curious George and Momma Shannon's first slush shoveling of the season.  We're loving this holidays-at-home pace.

Happy Kids!

   

Hanukkah and Christmas spent at Deb's house brought many smiles to our kids' faces!  The wonder of cousins and Purple Grandma, friends, snow and presents aplenty.  Life is pretty good for all of us!

Celebration!

 
 

"...these are a few of my favorite things..."

Today's list of things I wish to share with others:

1. The free weekly podcast of "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" from NPR (has turned my day around on many occaisions!)
2. Sun Magazine - http://www.thesunmagazine.org/ -- real voices, real people
3. Emotional Intelligence -- "more important than IQ in determining success..." Would we all were focused on these native intelligences a bit more...
4. Facebook -- I know, I know...wierd for me to say...but I was converted this fall and I have had some really interesting connections with old friends rekindled...kinda neat!
5. Rouge Brutal Bitter. My accupuncturist says stay away from beer...but this one is a family favorite!
6. A clean house. May the external environment reflect the way I wish my internal landscape to be...calmer, more congruent, organized, peaceful (try that with a toddler running around!)
7. Sun in the winter air just after fresh snow. Enough said.
8. Morning cuddles in flannel sheets -- there are studies which show our hearts entrain with others when in proximity -- I feel this when our family spends the morning cuddling together.
9. Words -- I have a few friends in particular (like Cass) who use words in ways that inspire me -- curious, creative, surprising.
10. Friendship -- how it carries on through the years, transcends distances, offers new insights, provides support, encourages growth, inspires us.

Happy Holidays to all Our Friends!

Firsts

This past week marked a few new firsts...first big snow fall, first sup-zero temperatures of the season, and first real foods for Hope. She has moved quickly from rice cereal (too bland) to the joys of sweet potato and banana! Oh, the possibilities to come!

Henry was excited for snow, quickly donning his snow suit and heading out for fun. Hope took one look outside and decided that playtime in the exersaucer was much more her speed. We are looking forward to our first family snow shoe together sometime soon!