Where we are

We got out the Valentine's decorations this week. I know, I know. It's early. But the girls needed something to look forward to, something cheerful around a house surrounded by gray and brown. I can feel the season starting to pick up speed, almost like the earth is tilting under me, and it's a bittersweet feeling. Who doesn't get sick of winter? But I'm aware that if I wish for time to speed up, it will rush through the coming warm months as well, and then where will I be? Besides, I don't want to miss what's happening right now.

J is working at her craft table, applying pencil and stencil, stickers and feathers, to paper. She's sniffling. Here comes another cold, I guess. She isn't slowed down yet. She is softly singing a montage of Santa Claus is Coming to Town and songs from the musical, Annie. "You'd better watch out...you'd better nooootttt cryyyyyy....you know you're never fully dressssed without a smiiiilllle!"

K, who is at her mom's today, also enjoys such quiet and creative times. When she was here Wednesday evening, she quickly converted our basement play area into a restaurant, complete with hostess/cashier station, table with centerpiece, kitchen area and pantry. All manner of toys from throughout the basement were brought in. Existing vignettes, like the fully furnished dollhouse, were turned on their proverbial heads to support The Game. K barked out orders to J, who lovingly followed her every direction. She then settled down and spent an hour creating menus.

I can tell they are in need of a change, though. They have less patience towards each other. They both seem a little more forgetful, and more easily tired out by the rigors of their respective days. I wish I could come up with one 70 degree sunny day where they could play outside til dusk. But I will have to settle for some other refresher, and I have tried some ideas this week. We made smores in the family room fireplace. J and I had lunch al fresco on the strange 50 degree Friday (the deck was downright toasty if we sat pressed up against the house). I helped J make orange juice popsicles this morning (thanks, Sid the Science Kid).

Christmastime has so many easy fun activities, and its effects are still being felt. J continues to 'wrap' presents for me. I get notes in envelopes labeled, "Dear Mommy, I hope you have a merry Christmas. Love, Juliet." (Or, rather, 'DEERE MOMMY i Hop U HAbAVARGE MARECiSMUS. LOVE JULIET.') But I have also begun receiving Valentines. Hopefully I can continue to dig in and keep this winter fun. Every season should be a delightful treat for the taking...