Coats and Socks

Hi 86F Lo 69F

In my quest to be the ever-thankful, no matter the circumstance, child of God, I try really hard to see the positive side of everything. While I do struggle with this at times, I really do try hard. SO when we are the middle of one of the long seasons of the year, either summer or winter, I have days when I am wishing it was which-ever one it isn't, just for a mintue. Does that make sense? For instance today, took the kids for a walk. It was hot. Took the kids to an indoor playground, it was hot. Took the kids to the church, it was hot getting from the car into the building. Get the picture? At that moment I was thinking winter sounded pretty good.

BUT I do not want to wish away this season. SO I started listing, in my mind, what I loved about summer and the heat.

• The kids don't wear coats, meaning I am not stuffing kids who are too busy to stop to put on a coat, into a coat, then getting them into the car seat, where they are uncomfortable, THEN carting the coats around after they quickly take them off at our destination.
• No socks! If I happen to fall behind on the laundry (not that that EVER happens! I kid, I kid) the last thing that gets done is the sock matching. SO if we are in a hurry and the kids need socks, they may not end up with a matching pair. This really isn't a big deal, but considering the fact that your kid now doesn't have matching socks on, adding the reality that you stink at laundry, and if it happens to be that time of the month, you certainly have the makings of a good pity-party.
• Playing outside. This is a big one. I am pretty convinced that God gave moms spring, summer AND fall as opportunities to take the kids outside almost everyday. I am a winter wimp. (I know, hard to believe since I grew up in the tundra). I don't care to bundle up the kids very often, step outside into the snow and have to run back in to take someone potty.
• It stays light later - I feel that my energy often fades with the sun. So in winter, some call it seasonal-depression, I call it "the lights go out too early".
• Watching Logan run to the door when we say the magic words "go outside". I certainly don't say that very often in the winter. Maybe this winter will be different, I am vowing right now to play outside more!

These are just a few of the reasons that tomorrow when it is HOT and I am carrying a child, a big purse and probably some groceries, I WILL NOT wish, although just for a moment, that I could feel the cold air of winter on my face.

Stay tuned for the "why I love winter" post in December.