We’ve hoped for this since the first flakes fell a few weeks back, and today our wish finally came true!  What made it better was finding out last night!  This makes the third straight day that we’ve been able to relax and work around the house.  Well, maybe we’ve done more relaxing than working, but who’s counting?

I was completely elated by the snow day today because it meant that I could join my husband and baby as they trekked to Lansing for his 9-month check-up.  However, I just received word that our middle school basketball game is still going to be played!!  I’m astounded by this as in the past school cancellations result in activity cancellations for that same day.

I tried calling for an earlier appointment, but to no avail.  I’m also a bit skeptical as to what sort of turn out we will have for the game anyway – not crowd, but team-wise.  I’m trying not to be pessimistic, but this news has seriously taken my carefree family day and squashed it…

…here’s hoping for a happier post later!

It was a rare treat today, to find myself sprawled out on the floor giggling with my precious boy, husband watching, together at home and it was only 4 o’clock!  What a treat indeed!  Neither of us had practice (for once) and made it our goal to head straight home after school.

I’d thought of it earlier today, but shortly after our laugh-session on the floor, I thought back to that day in March nine months ago.  I smiled thinking about how I was convinced that I would never move normally, sit comfortably, or feel anything physically aside from pain.  And my boy….how he’s grown!  This round-faced cherub who brightens my world with his smile, melts my heart with the touch of his hand on my face, and reminds me how time passes all-too quickly, was a fraction of the size he is now.  It’s hard to imagine him as fragile as he once was now that he’s bouncing and bumping all over. 

I love the way he squints and squirms whenever he’s fed…even if it’s foods he’s eaten (and liked) before!  Sometimes he does that whole body shiver, then gets used to it and gobbles up the rest!  All except for Mac and Cheese that is…he full out resisted to eat the rest of that!! (Pics to come soon!)

And tonight, in the bath tub!  Wow, I was reminded again of how much bigger and more active he has gotten!  Between his splashing, chewing on his tub numbers, reaching for the soap, shampoo, washcloths, etc and trying to climb the walls of the shower, I managed to wash his hair and bod while playing a splashing game or two myself!  Long gone are the days of low-key bathing.  Luckily, he hasn’t started the crying when we get out…yet!

Now, as my eyes grow heavy and my basket of school work sits full on the floor by my side, I take in the soft glow of our holiday decorations and smile having accomplished a great deal in my personal universe.  Baby bathed and sleeping, laundry going, bills paid, house straightened…well, mostly, and kitchen cleaned – thanks to my darling husband who handles this so I can tackle the other areas!  I know I should work on the delinquent papers I should have already graded and returned, and guilt will set in tomorrow as I attend Day Two of the assessment conference that discusses this very thing….assessment FOR learning, which involves a much faster turn around than I can achieve.

But.

I’m tired.  I’m content, and I am confident that I will conquer these tasks before me.  While they might start in that small white basket, they certainly don’t end there.  I know that I serve a mighty God who can and will help me through!  Lately, the days I want to give up seem more frequent than days I know I can pull through.  I pray for strength to be the best wife, mother, teacher, friend and so on…. 

In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been pretty sporadic with my posting lately.  Honestly, I have a basket full of work to correct, bills to pay (actually just organize and mail), gifts to wrap, cheers to write, lessons to plan, miles to run, and the list continues.

But.

Today at the assessment conference I attended, I hit the wall and had a massive headache, which I think desperately needs some shut eye.  However, I could resist posting at least a few pictures of my amazingly fast-growing little guy.  He’s going to be 9 months on Wednesday already!  Where does the time go?!

For other pictures, don’t forget to check out my Flickr on the right.  Enjoy!

I knew I would have a hard time committing to the daily posts leading to Thanksgiving, but I really feel compelled to put it out there, for the record, that I am moved beyond words by the blessings I have in my life.  This weekend, which was relatively laid back with only 2 events planned on Saturday, church activities and grocery shopping today, has somehow passed in a flash (yet again) and I find myself in the twinkling glow of my festive living room.  It’s here, that I’m reminded that not everyone has shelter from the wind I hear screaming outside. 

Just yesterday I had the pleasure of sharing one of those special, marriage moments with my amazing husband.  It’s a story that may be shared someday, but for now I am so thankful for the mutual respect of our relationship and the vault we can use to store our most sacred secrets!

After sharing a much-needed two-hour nap with my special snuggler, we spent the evening with close friends talking, laughing and learning more about the joys and challenges of the Christian life.  I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to worship freely and humbled by the mighty God we serve.

I pray for strength for the weeks ahead and patience through this happy, yet hectic holiday holiday season as I continue to find that balance between family, work, and hobbies.