Warms my heart

First of all, did anyone notice my little pumpkin has been replaced by a snowflake? Kyle said it wasn't worth the work it took to change it (and the $5), but I like switching up that little frame on my header. And I'm going to try to get a picture where I don't look 16. But I'm so darn unphotogenic, it seems, or not aging well, or something.

Today was a chilly Sunday here in Oregon. I feel so wimpy that the 30 degree temperatures make me pile on the layers and crank up the heat. I went running when it was about 26 degrees yesterday morning and was cold for a good two miles. You Michiganders and New Englanders are probably snickering at my thin skin. What has happened to me? I used to run in 8 degree weather (and snow!), and the thought of a 30 degree day was sometimes blissful. December temps here normally run in the mid-40s, and sometimes even that feels cold. There is a chance of snow predicted for later this week and I'm a bit apprehensive at the possibility. How quickly I've acclimated to a more temperate place.

Fortunately for me, we had some fabulous credit and haven't had to pay the gas bill for a few months. I also have this handy dandy switch that turns on a glorious gas fireplace right in my living room. With our tall tree and new stockings (quilted and embroidered from Pottery Barn Kids), I might curl up on the couch with a good book for the rest of the month.

To further my good spirits, Kyle declared that he wants to cook once a week. Yippee! He made a very tasty shepherd's pie (with turkey instead of beef) and some cranberry orange muffins. I played games with the kids while he cooked. I also had a delightful tea party with Hayden and Kara. Hayden served up a most interesting concoction of hot chocolate and Sprite. Mmm?? Then I did the dishes while Kyle and Jillian played together. Oddly enough, they were throwing a football around, then using it to practice volleyball serves.

Earlier in the day, I also took a long winter's nap. Those two hours of reading and dozing were just what I needed. It has been a very busy week (I say that every week) and I like to take that whole "day of rest" thing seriously. The downside was when Bean and Pea attacked me with lightsabers to get me out of bed and one ended up in my eye.

To round out the day we had a giggle fest and some weight training (huh?) while watching the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional this evening. Hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing a selection from The Messiah was awesome. I had some good thoughts and feelings about being a Christian and becoming a better person because of the example of the Savior. I'm also going to take all their advice to heart and slow down and enjoy the season. That means you may not be getting a Christmas card from our house. How about a New Year's card?

Stay warm out there this week, if it's cold where you live. We're going to be back up to 46 degrees by Thursday, so I'm sure I'll survive. And I have a garage now, so the frost scraping days are over. See, so much to be thankful for.