Winter Activities

I always think that January is the longest month, until I get to February and March and they both seem long, too. Winter just isn't my favorite time of year, especially since having kids. We get so tired of being at home all the time and when we do go somewhere it can be really frustrating when the kids act out. But here is what we've done to break up the monotony of being cooped up at home.

We've played in big boxes! Nolan sat for hours in this box just drawing picture after picture. His favorite thing to draw is the shark with spinning teeth from James and the Giant Peach. He also draws hotels and cities with lots of windows.

During one especially long day, I decided to get the kids out of the house even if it took 30 minutes to get ready. For some reason, getting snow clothes on takes us forever and by the time the kids are ready I'm nearly too pooped to go outside. It seems like every time I look down to grab a hat or glove, I look back up and the kiddo I'm trying to dress is halfway across the room already. They never stay where I put them. But we made it to a nearby park for some spur-of-the-moment sledding. It was worth it when I heard Ezra giggle as he would slide down each time. If only his shoes had stayed on! As I watched Nolan go down, I looked back and Ezra was running down the road, already 50 yards away. Once again, they never stay put!

Nolan is going through some changes lately that I'm hoping are normal. He is much more sensitive about what is in movies and on TV. We tried to watch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Turns out he was really disturbed that Wonka put some coats in a big vat of liquid for making candy. I think there are stranger parts in that movie, but he did not want the coat in there. Also, he tries to hide behind me when he has done something naughty in front of others. He embarrasses much more easily. And when we are having a discussion about something he's done wrong, he says, "I just don't want to talk about this right now." He never used to care about being scolded so we're all trying to adjust. He is still very particular and when something isn't right he'll launch into a tantrum. I get so angry when I try everything I can to make sense of what he is asking for and if I don't guess right, look out!!! Big blow up. I'm hoping he won't be so volatile in the coming years. But I'm afraid he gets it from me so maybe he won't grow out of it at all.

At last week's Primary activity, he decided that he didn't want to stay. I told him there would be treats and games and friends, but he said, "I just don't want to do this right now. I don't need those treats." So we went home. At least he's polite about it. Now he says that about preschool sometimes but I practically shove him out of the van anyway. Luckily he comes home happy. I just love this little guy and hope that he will mellow out a little so that I can, too.