This winter's first snow waited to fall until December, a
small reason to celebrate in our house. As moms, we tend to find delight in
what others might consider menial. For example, I was able to avoid taking any
of our four children shopping for new snow boots. At the exact moment when they
told me all of the boots in the house were going to fit, I began to sing. Yes,
sing. I made up some silly verses about boots and growing kids and swayed
throughout our home while snow fell upon our yard. I had been dragging these
children shopping for new boots for well over a decade, and this year, for the
first time ever, I was off the hook...a small feat!
As the three younger ones piled on their snow clothes to
gleefully charge onto the pristine blanket of white, I laughed at myself for
how happy I was at this humble moment in my life. I began to think about other
times parents feel joy and success at what seems minute on the surface. I don't
always burst out in song, but I do tend to internally reflect. Sometimes, I let the kids know my heart
is being tugged, but they don't usually understand my sentimentality. Other
times, I'm quiet and hope I'll remember the fuzzy feelings.
 |
| Looking back on the days when our little guy's boots and the snow were as high as his knees. |
We have one son who is still interested in reading aloud to
us. He's growing up quickly, so his willingness will end soon, I'm sure. When
he lets us into that world, it is important. When my older ones talk to us
about music or history, I try not to act too excited to turn them off from the
conversation, but inside, I'm hugely honored to be included.
My brother and his wife have five children of their own who live two hours from us. When the cousins are able to spend time together, they never want it to end. For so many years, my sister-in-law and I were nursing, changing diapers and chasing babies. We were exhausted for what seemed like an eternity. This Thanksgiving, we realized we had finally reached a point when the kids could be out of sight and out of mind.
My brother and his wife have five children of their own who live two hours from us. When the cousins are able to spend time together, they never want it to end. For so many years, my sister-in-law and I were nursing, changing diapers and chasing babies. We were exhausted for what seemed like an eternity. This Thanksgiving, we realized we had finally reached a point when the kids could be out of sight and out of mind.
No more toddlers.
No more spills.
No more
fear of what might happen if we turned our backs.
So, she and I let them all hang
out in the basement while we cooked together and enjoyed adult conversation. The kids made memories and
we relaxed. Success!
Relishing little moments does not have to involve silly songs
or quiet reflections. One of my favorite ways to celebrate anything is with
this delectable winter champagne. Try it for your next cocktail party or
brunch. It's so simple, you'll never have another party without it.
Festive Cranberry Champagne Punch
1 or 2 bottles of champagne
1 bottle of lemon-lime pop (2 liters)
1 can of frozen cranberry juice concentrate, thawed
frozen cranberries, for garnish
1 bottle of lemon-lime pop (2 liters)
1 can of frozen cranberry juice concentrate, thawed
frozen cranberries, for garnish
Mix all of these ingredients in a punch bowl or glass beverage dispenser just before serving.
Cheers for a sweet and successful 2017!
