I didn’t see the gifts hidden amidst the snow when it greeted me Thursday morning.
I had a toddler who was wide awake at 5 a.m. and a notice that his school would be closed because of the weather.
So I pouted.
We had been cooped up inside the majority of the week.
Freezing temperatures. Snow. Ice. Nasty wind chills.
I had been looking forward to Thursday.
I always look forward to Thursdays and Fridays.
Jackson has school (which he loves).
I get two days to write and be someone other than a mother.
So I pouted.
Then the sun said good morning and everything outside glistened.
I found Jackson standing on top of his table looking out the window for the best view of the snow.
It was in the single digits with a negative wind chill.
“Buddy, we can go out and play this afternoon,” I said.
I took him off the table. The last thing I needed was an ER trip in these conditions.
“Come on, let’s bring the snow inside.”
I went outside, filled a bowl with white powder, and let Jackson dig in from the warmth of our kitchen.
There were gifts to be unwrapped.
#123 Snow puddles covered the kitchen floor.
Jackson’s pajamas were wet, but he was happy.
Later that afternoon, after a long nap, we bundled up and headed outside.
More gifts awaited me.
#124 The sound of the snow beneath his toddler Nikes.
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.
#125 Small footprints in the snow.
His smile was as radiant as the sun reflecting off the white.
He could have played out there all day.
We explored.
#126 An icicle stuck to his mitten hands.
“Buddy, let’s go inside. It’s getting too cold.”
He ran through the snow in the opposite direction.
I picked him up and carried his snow covered little self inside.
We peeled off the wet clothes.
“I have one more surprise,” I said.
I got the bowl from the kitchen, stepped outside, and filled it up again.
Jackson followed me to the kitchen.
He sat in the floor ready to play some more.
I grabbed the milk, the sugar, and the vanilla.
He helped me poured the ingredients over the snow and we stirred.
Then we enjoyed another gift.
#127 Snow ice cream.
**Today I am linking up with Lisa Jo for Five Minute Friday. You can join the fun and get a dose of encouragement here.
Julie Wilson says
Beautiful writing on finding the gifts! I confess, I have been doing my fair share of pouting lately with the many snow days and snow delays we have had… but always the gifts and the beauty of the fresh white snow… and the joy of kids playing in the snow!!
Jennifer says
Julie –
The snow is getting old, but I agree it’s always so fun to wake up and discover everything is white. My son loves playing in it! It’s so fun to watch him at this age.
Melissa says
So great. I’ve had my share of the winter blues and I’m in Houston! Ha! Great reminder to find the gifts.
Jennifer says
Melissa –
I’m a Texan and you guys have definitely had a colder winter than normal. Just remember the Texas heat will soon be back
Mary Hill says
Such a rewarding time with your litle one. Thanks for sharing. I loved the pictures too, especially the one of you making something together. Was it snow slushies?
Jennifer says
Mary – it’s snow ice cream! Hadn’t had it since I was a kid. He loved it!