Our Snow Day.

Our snow day was much different than this one.

Or this one.

Or this one.

Our snow day wasn't picture perfect, it wasn't what I had dreamed it would be.

Honestly it was closer to a nightmare.

You see, when you have a child like my oldest, things don't always run so smoothly.

She thrives on routine...

School was canceled.

She has very little patience...

It took us an hour and a half to get ready to go outside.

She demands a lot of attention...

She had to share me all day, with her younger brother and sister.

Ours was a day filled with much screaming, fighting, crying, raging, time-outs, and for me, headaches.

But there was one bright moment, a moment that I will remember, and cling to. Because that's what I do, I cling to these moments to help me through the darker days.

Ellie wanted to build a snowman. I told her I would help, but it would be a few minutes. Unfortunatly as the oldest, she often has to wait for my attention, while I help her younger brother and sister. It had already been a difficult and long day at noon, and honestly, all I felt was relief when she didn't scream at me to come and help her. I assumed she found something else to do while she waited for my help. Then I went to check on her, and I was amazed.

She built her own snowman, from the ground up, all by herself. It was awesome and I was so proud. It stood as tall as she, and her face was beaming as she posed for a picture.

I have wanted to write this post for 2 days now, but my mind was blocked. Then I read this, and my mind opened. As I commented on Rich's post, I realized that I had many of the same thoughts.

When did that happen? Her ability to competely errect a snowman on her own.

When did that happen? Her ability to try something Big without myself, without knowing FOR SURE that she could do it.

I struggle with this child, she is so strong. But it's these moments that I cling to, these moments, when I see what she is becoming. These moments, when I see that she really is growing up. Most of the time these moments are bittersweet, the growing out of babyhood. They are bittersweet with my two younger children. With Ellie they are just sweet. As she grows, she is happier, and I am happier.

Our second snow day was much better. It was what I had hoped for. Daddy was able to stay with us for a few hours, and play with his girls in the snow. It was beautiful and wonderful.

Annie went to Nana's for the afternoon, giving Ellie some much needed space. Ellie relaxed into her day off, and truly was a pleasant child. And my headache left, as I let myself just relax with her, and enjoy a quiter house.

One day at a time, sweet Jesus...