Surrender Dorothy...

After a balmy November, todays wind chill is like a literal slap in the face. I had big plans for this morning. A trip to the craft store, conquering the growing pile of recycling, and catching the Saturday morning story time at the library. Simon protested getting dressed, insisting on staying in "cozy PJ's" as he put it, and I couldn't really blame him. Greta began rehearsing a one girl dance recital that is taking place tonight (full with tickets, posters and costume changes), at approximately when-Dad-gets-home-from-work a clock (he is 1/3 of the audience mind you). The weather and the children seemed to be in synch, and once I caught up with them and surrendered my plan, the morning was succulently smooth. I hung our new bird feeder from a nearby tree branch, made pancakes, and did laundry, while Simon stood watch at the window, hoping to catch the first glimpse of hungry bird friends, all to the tune of the Nutcracker Ballet (which I'm pretty sure is the soundtrack to Greta's recital...). Lazy Saturday mornings, really nothing beats them.

Checking it twice....

There are lots of lists being listed around here lately. Lists of ways to winterize this big old drafty house, shopping lists that include fun things like molasses and nutmeg, lists of friends and family that will soon receive holiday cards, not to mention the ever changing lists scattered around the house beginning with "Dear Santa". Living amongst so much "to do" can make me feel paralyzed about where to begin. Sometimes I find it helpful to record what we have done, it isn't very productive, but it comforts the longing to be doing more by reminding me of how busy we are doing the fun things that this season brings with it.

- We went "over the river and through the woods" to celebrate Thanksgiving with family.

- We met Santa on a dreary drizzly day, and watched Simon fumble through his first candy cane.

- We went to a very sweet children's holiday event hosted by the Farnsworth Museum, where we saw a puppet show, and decorated cookies with pounds of green and red sugar.

- Attended our first nighttime parade, at which Simon got to see up close his favorite holiday character thus far, The Grinch.

- Spent the day with some girlfriends that I don't see nearly often enough (and our combined 10!! children).

- I chaperoned Greta's class trip to see The Nutcracker Ballet, while Simon had his first Mom-free play date with friends.

- We found and chopped down our Christmas tree, and then reunited with our ornaments and made a paper chain.

- We went on the Polar Express and witnessed the elves at work.

- Greta saw a production of Annie with her Nana and her Aunt Amanda.

- We made yummy gingerbread drizzled with caramel sauce, and ate the whole pan in two days.

- We taught Simon "Jingle Bells", and are working some other tunes.

We are expecting an old fashioned winter storm today. Greta's school is dismissing early. I guess the to do lists will have to wait while we spend the afternoon playing in the snow, sipping hot chocolate, and stringing popcorn for our tree.