Making a Mess on a Blustery Day

Blizzard conditions have hit Illinois and so we are home today, sans preschool. The kiddos have felt a bit restless lately, alternating between fierce adoration and deep dislike – without a moment’s notice. They work best when neither touches the other. To try and fend off the fighting, we’ve made pancakes, played together, watched a show, listened to music, and pulled out the finger paints. And it’s not even 11 am yet.

I decided it was a day to pull out the big guns and let them get messy and happy. I’m also appreciating being busy because I find myself prone to unexpected tears when left to my own thoughts. My dear sister and her four children lost their husband and father in a motorcycle accident this past week. Whenever I think of them, my heart aches for their loss. I was the same age as my niece when my own father died and my heart breaks for her and all that she’s experiencing. I feel so helpless and wish I could carry some of their burden. My heart is filled with gratitude for all of the amazing people who have reached out to them and provided comfort, sustenance, and care.

So, today we all needed a pick me up and I decided the best way might be to busy ourselves, dip our fingers in some gooey paint, slather it colorfully all over some paper, and listen to a little tale of Winnie the Pooh. Ezra tried out paint on himself and Ella loved mixing herself some colors.

We’ve also been cheering ourselves listening to the A Cappella Group Inside Out – especially Give Said the Little Stream and Once there were some Snowmen. I wish I had full audio links to their amazing songs, but you can catch the second version of their snowman song on YouTube. So clever and guaranteed to make you smile.