The Long Winter

I love snow in November and December. The Christmas lights sparkling in it just makes my heart happy. And even though it is cold, it is bearable. Once January rolls around, the cold becomes bitter. And although I can't help but find a calm snowy night beautiful anytime, there seems to be a lot more cloudy days with a lot less sun. And the toll of being stuck inside without much fresh air begins to set in. Sometime around the beginning of February my body usually has enough. I feel like I will never be warm. I ache for sunshine. And it gets harder to find my joy. 

That is when I usually realize I need a perspective shift. And that is when I pull out this book each year. I adore reading anything by Laura Ingalls Wilder. And I especially love that a lot of what happens in her books, happened near where I am right now. I remember the first time I ever read "The Long Winter" in school. I just couldn't put it down. And I have loved anything Little House On The Prairie ever since. 

I find it hard to feel so sorry for myself when I am in my warm house, not waking up to snow piled against my bed. When I know I don't have to wonder if we have enough food to make it through a hard winter. And I love the many reminders of how a simpler life just brings you so much more joy. So if you need a break from the cold and from all the tasks of your day to day life. Or if you just want to find joy in the simple things, take some time to read about the Ingalls family and their long winter. I hope it fills you with all the warmth and joy you need to get through your own long winter. 

Baseball

We LOVE baseball! And our local team, the Sioux Falls Canaries came to visit our library this summer. Liam was so excited to meet the players and was so excited when he got to see Nico at the next game and tell his new buddy hi. It was also Jeremiah's first game. There is nothing like a night of watching ball. Liam even went out on the field to do the YMCA with a bunch of other kids. It was such a fun night! 

More sweet summer days

Summer time was full of countless hours spent outside. I love fresh air, seeing all the beautiful colors of God's creation, pool parties and frog catching with cousins, and time spent in the yard, and visits from dear friends. I am so anxious for spring to bring back all the beautiful colors of nature. 

July Camping

The Masters family loves to camp. We love being outside, eating smores, and swimming. I know the boys will all treasure these memories as they grow older. 

4th of July

The 4th of July is one of my very favorite times of the year. We usually spend it in Chamberlain on the river. They have an amazing fireworks display each year, that we can see from my parents front yard. This year Jeremiah learned that he really loved corn on the cob over the 4th.