In our crazy lives, it is nice when life forces us to slow down. This has happened a couple of times in the past week. First, the evening of Kaylie's Christmas dance. She has worked hard at ballet and tap since September, and the hard work paid off when her class performed their Christmas ballet and tap dance for the parents and grandparents last week. I was overwhelmed by the thought of just how far Kaylie has come in the past 18 months since she joined our family:
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas":
Ballet:
"Home" Christmas 2010:
The second came later in the weekend when we got trounced by a huge Blizzard! It has been 19 years since our area has seen a snow storm of this size! What fun we had being "snowed-in" for the weekend! We hunkered down, baked cookies, listened to Christmas Carols, and just enjoyed spending time together. The kids were so well behaved all weekend, and just a joy to be around. I wish we could have been snowed in for another couple of days!
It struck me as we were frosting our 100th cutout sugar cookie that these are the moments that really matter. My parents provided us with so many wonderful family memories growing up, but the times around the table getting ready for the Holidays are the ones that truly stick out in my mind. I was a bit overcome with emotion as I watched Kaylie participate in these activities this weekend. I thought of her friend back at her "China House" and realized what the true meaning of family is. It is more than having a mom, dad, brother or sister, it is sharing the experiences like this past weekend.
I found it so ironic that with all the experiences in our lives, both my sister Pam and I took a moment to remember a snow storm many, many years ago where we were able to jump off our second story deck into the snow below! This particular snow storm brought back that memory for both of us, at nearly the same instant, despite the 100s of experiences we have shared with one another. Funny how we both keyed in on the same memory from so long ago. I truly believe that "home is where the heart is" and the simpliest of activities within a family are the moments that you treasure forever!
Round 1 of 3 snowblowing the driveway:
The whipping wind kept our flags flying high!
Some serious icicles!!
Kaylie made it out in the yard for this picture, but I had to go rescue her for the way back!
~Ali
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