Quotable Quotes

(from last late summer/early fall)
We were talking about how foods grow, and we were exploring a cantaloupe.
Mama: "Feel the rough skin, kind of bumpy. Does it have a smell? Look, this is where it attaches to the stem from the vine in the ground!
Bella, pointing to the grocery produce sticker: "And this is where the TAG grows!"


When we were in KY in late January for our new Goddaughter's Baptism, Felicity Grace, Bella was really enjoying her time with the twin 3-year-old boys. There was some name confusion, however, due to the fact we were just coming out of the Christmas season.
"Mama! I'm playing with Michael and SAINT Nicholas!" (Michael and Nicholas.)


Robin (my best friend from college and Mama to those boys and baby Felicity) was stepping out of the boys' bedroom and said "Michael is having some quiet time, so it's going to be quiet in here for a little while."
Bella, in pure innocence, looks up at Miss Robin and says, "Actually, it's going to be a little noisy in here!" (the confused look on Bella's face was priceless, looking at Robin like she had no idea what life was really like. Of course, Bella was right... a house with that many kids is never really quiet!)


In the car on the 8-hour ride home we were singing lots of songs, most by Bella's specific requests. We introduced 2 new ones lately, B-I-N-G-O and Old MacDonald.
Bella: "Let's sing someone had a farm!"


During Mass at the Baptism Bella was standing right beside me watching. When I was holding the candle I looked down and saw Bella furtively blowing in the direction of the flame!

In the snow -
Bella, looking outside: "Wow, we have much snow again! There is snow everywhere!" (that might have been a little understatement...)

Snowmygoodness!

Round #2 is swarming around us, with blizzard-like conditions!!! Bella is having trouble seeing out our window with all the snow blown against it. Outside our back door "I can't see my kitchen under all that snow!"



The winds are fantastic, creating swirling clouds of snow. In between the big gusts I have been showing Bella (lifting her to see) how the breezes makes the snowflakes dance around. She showed me her own rendition of the "Snowflake Dance."



Temperatures are hovering in the low-mid 20s, but the wind and low visibility makes it unwise to venture outside. Well, except for my hard-working hubby, who has been out shoveling thrice today!

Inside is cozy and warm, thankfully, with our electricity intact. I have so many reasons to be enjoying our snow day - Patrick at home cooking dinner, homemade bread, happy playing girls, laundry loads going, and extra time for blogging and picture-taking.













Hot Chocolate and Snow Ice Cream are on the menu for later.

Best online picture of the day: "Snowmageddon From Space", a satellite image of the snowstorm of last week. (click on the link to view the image)

Praying for the safety of those who have to be outside.

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland

Now this is what I call a winter snowfall! With the second snowiest season on record for our area many people are busy complaining about all the inconveniences, but we are snuggled up with hot chocolate enjoying every minute. Our normal (read: boring) little suburb has transformed into a winter wonderland fit for a Rockwell painting, with neighbors out shoveling together and homes tucked behind beautiful drifts of snow.


Okay, it's a little deeper than that romanticized image. Just ask Bella, who came inside and stated indignantly "Daddy put me in the snow!" Luckily it was compacted enough she couldn't sink the full depth; we would have lost her!



She instead preferred to walk back and forth in the path Daddy was diligently creating, staring at the walls of snow rising up around her!


For more great photos check out the video slideshow by talented photographer and friend Stephanie. She has the gradual progress documented beautifully from our state capitol, Annapolis.

For an unusual glimpse at my political cynicism, enjoy this blog post by Virginia-located Barbara Curtis. Global warming, my foot! The irony is too much not to enjoy.

-----> This is our back deck and what's visible of their play kitchen. Bella says "my kitchen is hiding under the snow!"

On Our Bookshelf

This is a great blog carnival hosted by one of my most recent favorite blogs, This Heavenly Life. Heavenly Mama Sarah writes reviews on what books they're reading, rising my interest in great new finds for little girl minds. We have a couple of these around here, too. This is my first go at participating, so please be patient. I just HAD to finally share! Disclaimer: We have not actually been to the library in a few weeks. We're still in love with the new ones from Christmas so I'm highlighting the one I could read from memory she loves it so much!

Winter is the Warmest Season, by Lauren Stringer

The title itself grabbed my curiosity! The perspective of the illustrations are non-traditional but enchanting. Mostly, though, the language of the book draws both adult and child in to the cozy imagery of the warmth found when it's cold outside! The book must be read with a little body snuggled up on your lap, and both of you will be glad for it! Bella uses some of the phrases from the book in her everyday discussion of what will "warm the inside of me" or "my snowflake pajamas that grew big feet."



So, since this is my first try at writing a short review of a book I'll stop here. I'm not sure exactly what to write to properly entice you to check this one out! All I can say is I approached it with a raised eyebrow and have since fallen in love right along with my 2 year old. As we sit watching the beginnings of another snowstorm it seems particularly apropos, in fact!

Climb Ev'ry Mountain

It's Mama's fault, really. I'm the one who offered such wonderful climbing opportunities, after-all.


Silly me.