My Neighborhood

Since this winter is dragging on and on and on and on.... 

(you get the drift),

I thought you might enjoy a few glimpses of my neighborhood. 

It really is beautiful the way that God blankets the barren trees and fields with bright white snow.

If you take a walk down my road, this is what you would see. 

I love the way the sun reflects and glistens on the snow.

It looks like trillions of pieces of glitter. 

Especially when a breeze blows a dusting of snow 

through the crisp, cold air.

It is amazing that God made a provision for beauty even during the season when every plant is hibernating.  

There really is something to love and appreciate about each season.

Even winter.

It is a picture of our life.  No matter what season we are in, God can make something beautiful out of it. 

The Long, Long, Long Winter...

Let's face it, this winter has been cold and long. 

Long and cold.

Did I say cold?

Living in the frozen north woods of Wisconsin, cold can't keep us locked up inside. If it did, we wouldn't ever get to leave our houses.

So on the not quite so cold days, we bundle up and head outside.  One of our favorite winter activities is sledding.  We are fortunate enough to have a fun sized hill in our own backyard.

I like to try and get some action shots of the boys having fun out there.   Here is my favorite sequence from the day.  I like to call it, 

A story in pictures:

Ha! Ha! The boys had a lot of fun tumbling sledding down the hill.

Winter doesn't prevent little boys from climbing trees either:

Or falling out of them:

And of course dogs still do their doggy things.  

They remain mostly unfazed by the temperature change. Although I have noticed that they come in really fast form their potty break when the temps drop below zero/

I hope that if you live where it gets cold, you are finding ways to get outside and have some fun.  It can be easy to let the cold, dreary days get the best of you.  But is is important to look for the beauty that surrounds you and find things to be thankful for.

Winter is Here

Nothing says winter like a steamy cup of hot cocoa. Especially with marshmallows on top. Mmmm, can you taste the chocolaty goodness?  As I was holding my warm cup in my hands, sitting in front of the Christmas tree that we had just put up, and gazing out at the snow covered woods, I was overtaken with nostalgic feelings from winters past. Remember when you were a little sprite, just coming in from a cold day of gliding down hills and trying to shape huge balls of snow into a snowman?

Wait a second, maybe that's what says winter a little bit better.
My 3 boys tumbling into the house with rosy-red cheeks and noses from an hour of playing out in the snow. (now why didn't I snap a picture of that? Oh well,next time.) 
But what's the first thing they ask for upon entering the toasty house?
"Mommy, can we have some hot cocoa with mini-marshmallows?"
Because they instinctively know that hot cocoa is the best possible ending to a romp out in the snow.
And they know that it tastes better with mini marshmallows.
Which, thanks to the Natural Living store in Antigo, I can grant their wish. (Is there anything more fun than being a wish granter? I'm not sure.)
Why does the health food store sell marshmallows? I don't know. But I am glad they do because it is the only place in all the land to buy them. At least that I know of. And they are adorable! Which makes them taste better, didn't you know that?
So even if your outdoors isn't covered in fluffy white snow like my yard is, heat up the tea pot and make yourself a cup. Because it's winter. Because Christmas is near.
Or, an even better idea is to come over for a visit and I'll make you a cup.
I'll even garnish it with some mini marshmallows for you!