A proper midwestern winter's worth of snow is rapidly melting outside my door.
January and February's weeks below zero were put in their place yesterday by 40 F and sunshine, followed today by wind, ice, and rain.
Just to keep us on our toes.
I'd love to say something about how I'll take a real Wisconsin winter like this year any day - but why bother?
That I've loved every moment of deep snow and cold and would rather not have rain - but why get stuck?
"The only thing constant is change," as my mama always told me.
So today we tried to embrace what is.
We hunkered down in the house, playing and crafting, and watched as the snow retreated a little further with every hour.
When we ventured out in the rain we laughed as we slid on the ice to the barn.
Yes, it was cold, wet, and messy. But it's what we've got. So we embraced it.
Sage doesn't want to see the snow go. He'd keep it winter forever if he could.
So he draws the curtains shut and tries to think about something else.
Me, I'm thinking about the garden.
Ordering seeds; growing starts; tapping maples; planting berries.
Because spring - of course - will come again.
It always does.
Sometimes early, sometimes late, but it comes.
Everything in order.
Everything in time.
There's comfort in the certainty of it all.
Because ready or not, the snow will melt, the sap will rise, and the pastures will grow green once more.
And so we surrender.
We embrace what is.
In seasons and in parenting and in life.
Everything is in order.
Everything in time.
Ready or not.
So I'll be here now - wherever we are.
In this seasons on Earth, with my kids, and in my skin.
I'll embrace the smallness that still surrounds me, while I celebrate every step towards bigness that comes with growing up.
And I'm honored to witness their journey all while I experience my own.
Because my season as well is shifting.
This week I noticed. Grey hair. Age. Growing older.
But not with judgement. Just with observation.
With kindness. Acceptance. And wonder.
Everything in order.
Everything in time.
Ready or not.
When the snow falls we'll put on our skis and explore the sparkling world beyond our fence line.
When the rain pours down we'll grab umbrellas and laugh as the wind turns them inside out.
And when the sun shines we will plant our seeds and tend our garden and bring home the harvest once again.
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P.S. Thank you to whomever nominated Clean for the Favorite Family and Kid's blog at Apartment Therapy.
Would the rest of you be so sweet as to share a vote with me as well? You all can still cast a vote my way through Friday. I'd be honored.
Just go here, log in (Facebook or Twitter are both quick) and then click "Clean".
Voting has ended. Thanks for sharing the love, ya'll.
Thank you!
Love,
Rachel
