unexpected gifts

Every once in a while, you end up with a special gift. An unexpected pleasure that you didn't even know that you needed or wanted but that was just perfect when given to you. That was today.

Things started off rough... my lap top decided to go on the fritz for about the millionth time in the last few months. Our television's lamp decided to burn out right when we didn't have the money to replace it. PorkChop started getting junky sounding again after having been clearing up for a few days. Peanut returned to school amid protests and refusing to eat. Even SweetPea's lessons took a nose dive after having finally looking up. It was just one of those days.

But the temps were beautiful! Low 40s with some sun and, during the late morning and early afternoon, no winds. In short, the perfect kind of day to bundle everyone up to play in the snow before it melts away. And that's what we did.

the five P's and one frozen buddy

Its a rarity anymore that we can get all five kids involved in the same thing at the same time. And I mean REALLY involved. Sure, once in a great while, we can turn on a movie or a show and everyone will sit together. But its not really the same. And with PorkChop too little for board games (and hubby totally not a fan) and with Pickle and Punk feeling "too old" to "play" with everyone, family fun time is a hard thing to come by lately. But something just clicked today. Everything gelled just perfectly for all of us to come together and enjoy 45 minutes outside.

The older boys took turns first lobbing snowballs at everyone, then taking a bat and hitting said snowballs towards the trees. Peanut and SweetPea worked together to create the balls for the snowman's body. PorkChop ran between both groups, giggling, just happy to be outside and included. The two youngest took turns on the swings and the slide. The boys tried inventing new snow themed sports (snoccer anyone?). Peanut kept working on her snowman, diligently filling in the gaps made by SweetPea's over-excited fingers.

Almost an hour and I had five freezing Ps. But I also had five happy kiddos. And one pretty happy snowman (even if he didn't get the hot chocolate that SweetPea thought would make him smile). I didn't even realize how much I needed that family together time until we had it. And then? The bad from earlier in the day melted away. I didn't worry about the electronics that were giving me fits. Instead, I rejoiced in the warm embrace of our little family. Into the house for hot chocolate and chorizo chili, all of us went. Happy, pink from the cold, and more relaxed than we have been in a long time.

A very unexpected, but very much appreciated, gift.