Mardi Gras

Creativity Unleashed

 And doughnuts, of course. Lent cannot begin without doughnuts.

Snow

Today started off quiet and snug in our little mountaintop home. The party mess had been mostly tidied and our normal routine of home and school resumed.

However, by lunchtime a blustery storm rolled in, enticing everyone outside. Odd, I know, but the kids took great delight in piling on layer upon layer of hats, scarves, mittens, jackets, pants, and skirts.

The girls braved the weather the longest. Maybe this is some kind of home school extreme sporting event?

Being as I never check the weather forecast, I had no idea that we should be on the lookout for snow. Thus, it was quite a thrill when the flurries started to fly. Everyone hustled over to the window to stare in amazement at the soft white flakes of cold magic.

Living on the top of a mountain can be tough. We live 45 minutes from anything and I do mean anything. However, days like this make it all worthwhile.

We have warm beautiful Southern California weather most of the year with the wonder of snow once or twice a winter. Snow is prayer answered. Fleeting snow. I just sigh with happiness recalling the pure joy and intense happiness of this magical afternoon: paper snowflakes, hot cocoa with marshmallows, maple syrup poured over mounds of wintry perfection. Everything stops for snow.

Stephen hurried home for snow. Everyone regaled him with stories of their adventures. He caught just a moment or two of the white landscape before darkness overtook and night settled in. Tomorrow it will be gone. This time I did check the forecast- 55 degrees. No snow.

St. Valentine's Day

Here are just a few joyous moments of our day today.

This brought back so many memories of school Valentine parties.  

Just a small portion of all the children present today.

Even the big kids got a kick out exchanging Valentines.

My birthday girl smiling...

 and singing...

and shining...

and blowing. I do love nine year-old birthday girls

Nanna, Collette is looking to get her ears pierced because you know you took Olivia when she was nine and Collettie remembers!

It was a delectable day.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Birthday Collette

 My dear Collette, oh how you shine! 

Your smile is wide, your love is generous, and your helping hand is always ready. 

 You are conquering the world of books this year. It is so exciting to listen to you reading with more and more ease. The whole library is beckoning and you can't wait to be just like the big kids- always with your head in a book.

You have such a special knack with the little boys. They love you with abandon because you love them as they are.

I Love You

Happy Birthday