When Rich and I got out of bed this morning at 7, four of our children were already outside playing in our NEW FALLEN SNOW, which arrived overnight as a surprise. There was enough of it this time to make snowballs, and to shovel, and sled-ride. The kids were absolutely thrilled and I laughed as I watched them through the window.
Rich and I made breakfast for them as they played. We made scrambled eggs, bacon, bagels, and homemade hot chocolate (because we had run out of mix)……after they ate Rich took them to church and I stayed home to rest. I’m awfully tired today, which is to be expected I suppose. I haven’t been sleeping well….I’m getting quite uncomfortable with this big belly.
After they left, I did take a small walk around our property, though, enjoying the coolness on my cheeks, and the smell of fresh snow.
Our house:
The cat tails are usually dark brown and firm….now they are loosening up and look so interesting with their new shaggy coats and white caps of snow. I’ve gotten out my nature journal again, and will attempt to draw this picture in it this evening, with the date and a caption.
This is my absolute favorite picture. I love everything about it this scene…the calmness of the stream, the dark woods on the edges and the lighter brighter woods in the forward distance. If only you could have stood there with me, hearing the sounds of the water and feeling the cold air.
Back inside, I went up to the freshly painted (as of yesterday) office and sat down to wrap some Christmas gifts. With Josh Groban singing Christmas carols, a yummy evergreen scented candle, and lovely falling snow…..the mood was just right for carefully wrapping gifts. I opened the window for some fresh air.
(I’ve mentioned the air one to many times…..I’m at that stage of pregnancy in which I am usually too hot, and find so much relief in opening a window or door to stick my face out for some deep inhales and exhales, I actually did that during breakfast this morning, much to my family’s amusement).
Back home from church~
After a quick lunch the children went right back out for more snow-play.
James 1:17
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
Good to be Home 
I can see why your favorite picture is your favorite. It looks like a scene straight out of Narnia. I really like the window picture too. Enjoy your snow and your family and your big belly!!
This sounds like a wonderful day. I love your pictures!
What a wonderful blessing from God, i love the look of fresh white snow, home hot cho. my mom use to make that when i was growing up, it sure was good
Great picture’s thanks for sharing
Beautiful!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
i miss summer, but i do understand what you mean about the fresh air when it has snowed outside…i opened the kitchen window this morning also just to stick my nose out and take a couple deep breaths of the fresh air, and before i had alaina…i was always opening the back door and waving it back and forth just to feel and smell the crisp cold air. right now as i look outside we have a blizzard with about 5 inches of snow! COLD!!!
I’m thankful to not be hot anymore! Now I’m cold!!! 🙂 I can’t believe how big Weston is and that he’s nearly a year old! Time is flying. Ahhh, I wish I had a sister!!!
Beautiful pictures of the snow. Ainsley was so disappointed that she didn’t really get a chance to play in it today. I’m sure there will be more…
Awesome pictures, thanks for sharing your day.
What a beautiful morning!! That sounds like a great way to spend the morning.
Lovely…glad you had a nice morning, though I missed seeing you.
First year we were married we live in the mountains of NC – we lived at the bottom of Grandfather Mountain and it snowed and snowed and snowed. I’d never lived anywhere that it snowed before and for the first few months I thought it was wonderful – being newly weds, it was wonderful to be snowed in all the time 🙂 – but then it kept snowing into what I thought should be spring and I wondered if I should survive all the indoor time ~ but looking at these pictures brings back the GOOD memories made in that year of snow for us and these pictures are beautiful. Blessings on your new week and hope you get some rest though I know it’s not comfy now getting closer to baby being here ~lys
Snow is so fun ~ when you can stay off the roads, anyway ~
I so love reading your posts. You’re beautiful house always seems so cozy! I also love all your pictures, you do such a nice job!
Lovely! We had new snow here this morning too — and wind!!!
Oh, how beautiful!
We played in the new fallen snow today as well. I LOVE your favorite picture, it is SO peaceful.
I love the pics! I think my favorite one is also the one that is your fav. : ) Enjoy the snow, I pray we get snow here soon!
Glad that you (and your kids especially) got snow! Your day sounds restful. I love your favorite picture- beautiful and peaceful!
Looks and sounds like a wonderful time of peace and refreshing. I like the picture looking back to your house with the welcoming wreath on the door. The new garage looks great, as does the sprinkling of snow…like powdered sugar all over everything. The wood and stream picture is beautiful, I agree, like Narnia or a fairytale. The wrapping,candle, and the sweet faces coming home. Isn’t it great to have a little break and breathing space, and then, so love to see those dear faces!
That third picture reminds me of: Stopping By Woods On A Snowy EveningWhose woods these are I think I know.His house is in the village though;He will not see me stopping hereTo watch his woods fill up with snow.I forget how much longer you have. Are you due in February?
dude, with Josh Groban singing Christmas songs, it would get anyone in a Christmasy mood…I listen to the Christmas album by Kenny G too….that one just make you feel all warm and fuzzy…
I wish it would snow in Southern California. You’re lucky 🙂
beautiful i wish snow can come to Singapore ='(
That picture of the stream should be framed and hung!
I see I am not the only person who opens doors and sticks her head out for fresh air!
the view is so beautiful… very very nice =D
I enjoyed your post and your photos – very nice! I haven’t been on xanga for a long time, but I’m back! Today is my 3-year blogaversary! When are you due? My oldest daughter is due with grandbaby #3 in the spring. 🙂 I totally understand having to get some cool air, but my reason is menopause/hot flashes LOL!
The picture of the forest is lovely and my favorite too… We got quite a bit of snow as well although it was only 15 degrees outside and way to cold to play in! Hoping you feel rested for the new week ahead…
What wonderful pictures to get in the mood for being cozy, burning candles, and wrapping gifts! We *may* have snow tomorrow. Oklahoma is so unpredictable! If they say the *snow* word – it does nothing. If they say chilly with a wind from the north (and mention nothing about snow), we could get 3″ of the white stuff!I’ll live vicariously through you today! Thanks!
That third shot is picture-postcard perfect! I love the light snowfall and the reflections in the stream. No wonder you find it so peaceful. And the shot of your house is lovely too, with the new garage right beside it.
Oooh, I love your favorite picture too!!! 🙂 Awesome!! Sounds like you had a beautiful day at home. 🙂
I can’t imagine you so big; still thinking of you skinny, skinny, skinny.
Hope you get some rest this week!
~whatever!
Your favorite is mine too. . .
you must have gotten the same snow we did! though you captured it better than me~ i’m such a wimp when it comes to getting in the cold. :0 i love the shot in the woods w/ the creek! and your little candle burning in the opened window. your posts are always delightful!wishing you a happy week ahead ❤ ~a.
I can’t believe your kids were OUT in the snow before 7:00 this morning!! I suppose someday my kids won’t be so dependent on me, and I will be a little sad.Your house is GORGEOUS!! It struck a little jealousy in me… I love your porch. Do you do lights for Christmas? (I would love to see it all lit up, too)!!thanks for the verse at the end. I needed the reminder!
I like the stream. What perfect senses….smells, sights, sounds. Glad your kiddos could play in the freshly fallen snow. I spoke to Mary Farley on the phone the other day and she was telling me all the women in the church who are pregnant. One who which surprised me was Kathy. You guys should take pictures together. I am praying for all you ladies esp during the slippery winter season. Be careful! Hugs
You must have shivered with delight when you snapped that photo by the stream…there are moments when I am out alone taking pictures that I know the Lord is just waiting for me to turn a corner to see what HE has prepared for me to find…I see He’s busy in your neck of the woods too
This was so lovely Shan! Love, Elisha
I’m a bit late in reading my subs, but just love that snowy woods picture. Looks like Narnia 🙂
I don’t think I could ever get Steve to wear a vest but Rich look very cool in a Ralph Lauren sort of way in a vest.
Would really enjoy standing next to looking at your stream!
Your pictures are so beautiful!!