Winter, Oh Winter...

I promise, I tried to bring my camera outside with me... but it was out of batteries.  And, since this is our family journal, I just can't not post because I've been bad about picture taking.  Life moves on, with or without pictures.  But, I will get some soon.  The camera is being charged as we speak (er, as I type and you hopefully read).  I took the kids outside today to play in the snow.  Up until the last few days, Northern Ohio really has been moderately temperate, I hear it's been abnormal, but I'm chalking it up to a tender mercy of the Lord sent just for me (because really, I am the only one who enjoys lots of sunshine, right?!). 

I will do it again so I can take pictures because Mercedes looked sooo stinkin' cute in her snow gear.  I had her bundled up so much that she looked like a marshmallow goose trying to waddle around the yard.  And, when she fell, well let's just say that "I've fallen and I can't get up" really applied there.  It was so cute.  She did get frustrated with her lack of motion and she whined about not having the use of her mittened hands.  But, she was warm.  Joshua loved playing in the snow, until the coldness set in.  I didn't have him quite as bundled and he really wanted to try everything he had seen on Caillou (sledding, building a snowman, making tracks).  There was barely enough snow on the ground for any of those things, but we did build a six-inch snowman, he did "slide" (more like scoot himself) on the snow, and he made plenty of tracks.  We stayed out for about an hour... trust me, that was LONG ENOUGH! 

I don't know how I feel about winter.  It's pretty and cozy when I'm inside, but I know I'll go crazy if I don't venture out.  I hate shoveling snow, or at least I think I do (I haven't had to do it yet).  I think I'm going to hate having to let my car warm up for ten minutes before getting the kids out and loaded.  I think I'm going to hate bundling them just to unbundle and rebundle them over and over again.  I like the way they get excited about the snow, Jon Mark is no exception to that one either.  I like the change in seasons, but couldn't winter just last for one month instead of like five and couldn't Spring last forever???  Vanessa told me that you have to learn to embrace the snow, love it because you have to and be happy regardless.  That's good advice.  I think I'll stick with that.  But, I'm still allowed to complain about it every once in a while, right?!  Did I mention that the sliding doors on my van freeze shut every day.  I had to put my kids in through the back hatch, and my belly is just too big for that.

Anyway, Jon Mark had a final today.  I'm confident he did well.  I'm grateful for how productive and responsible he is.  I love how I can depend on him to do what he needs to do, and I never have to question whether or not he will carry out his responsibilities.  This is such a blessing to me. 

On a final note, we leave for AZ so soon I can hardly believe it.  I am soooo excited about this.  I miss everyone so much.  I wish Michelle, Jaron, and Sawyer were coming.  They'll be missed.  I was hoping she was tricking me when she said she wouldn't be able to come (if you're "tricking me, Michelle, now is the time to come clean--haha).  I'm nervous about splitting time.  I feel like no matter what I do someone will eventually be hurt.  I'm going to try to make it as fair as possible, but those of you who have ever had to split time know how hard it is.  Because I love both sides so much, I care so much.  Any advice? 

Well, happy winter everyone, and soon I will be wishing you a Merry Christmas!