Right outside my window today...January 27, 2015

Snow is the word of the day...schools, businesses, work--it is all closed for the day! What a treasure of family time even despite the snow removal crew.  Oh how I love these boys!

Darrell manning the snow blower.

Jason clearing the deck.

Brandon working a path.

Joe is scooping too.

Even Devon is in on the action.

Mike is clearing the sidewalks.

The two girls helped clean up breakfast, get lunch started and are now playing in the play kitchen....sweet sister time.

Joe

We celebrated Joseph's birthday with a special lunch....selected by Joe himself ...beanie weenies, veggies, chips and we added Asian salad for something on the healthy side.

It was fun to have everyone together being silly, smiling, helping...just being together--the best place to be!

The girls...posing together.

Opening his surprises ...with lots of Devon help.

Getting ready for cake and ice cream.

Jason celebrating in between painting the boys room.

Hamming it up and being silly.

Sweet family time....priceless!

Special Sweets From Switzerland

Darrell returned from a business trip late yesterday from Switzerland....we were so happy to have him home and hear of his adventures!  He brought simple treasures of pencils from England, playing cards from Oxford University, And then the favorite....Swiss chocolates and Walkers shortbread.

Yum! We are savoring each bite as we hear his story and spend sweet time together!

When I Was A Kid

Any one who went to Maurice RiverTownship Elementary School and remembers my dad as a teacher, Mr Fitzgerald, will remeber these....

My kids had some loose change and discovered these today. It's rare that I let them purchase candy but knew they would share and knew they'd be gone pretty quick.

As they were smacking their lips with the variety of fruit favors, I had a rush of memories of my dad as a teacher; the stories his students would share about my dad sneaking life savers during the school day, the funny stories of when his mouth got dry without them and the piles of life savor "books" he would get as gifts during the holidays.  

What wonderful memories brought in a little colorful package by my sweetie pie kids!

Mamma Don't Watch Me Hill❄️

We love sledding.  The kids love the excitement, love getting the energy out on cold days, and there are lots of smiles and giggles!  Living in New Hampshire leaves lots of the fluffy white stuff for some winter outside fun!  This hill is in our own back yard...the kids are always saying Mom look at me...but our hill today is fast, icy and full of obstacles---hence the name--"Mamma don't look Hill"!

Joe is giving it a go at snowboarding....something he is determined to be good at.

Jason spinning down the hill!

Devon telling me his story.

Mike preparing a new way down...my adventurer.

This one is so crazy...one of his rare moments standing up.

Kiara catching a snack....

Harmony making her way back up the hill...I stand up and then I fall down...here is the standing up part.

Some of the older kids are trying their hand at snowboarding and love the challenge.  It's all good...they love the thrill and I love the energy expended between our daily tasks.

Hoping you are finding a bit of outdoor fun these days!