Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

LIKE MANY OF YOU, WE WERE HIT WITH OUR FIRST BIG SNOW OF THE SEASON. WE WATCHED IN AWE AS IT FELL LAST EVENING FILLING THE FIELD AND FALLING PERFECTLY UPON EACH BARE BRANCH. I LOVE THE FIRST BIG SNOW. GAZING OUT ONTO THE UNTOUCHED FIELD LAST NIGHT WHILE GENTLE FLAKES FELL FROM THE BLACK SKY, I FOUND MYSELF CATCHING MY BREATH WHILE TAKING IN ITS BEAUTY.

THIS MORNING, JEFF WAS EAGER TO TAKE CHARLOTTE OUTSIDE TO LET HER EXPERIENCE HER FIRST ROMP IN THE SNOW. THE TEMPERATURE WAS LESS THAN IDEAL, BUT SHE WAS UP FOR AN ADVENTURE WITH DADDY. SO, I PULLED OUT HER SNOW PANTS AND BOOTS (GENTLE HAND-ME-DOWNS FROM OUR DEAR FRIEND, ANNALISE), EXCITED TO SEE THE LITTLE LADY IN THEM FOR THE FIRST TIME. SHE WAS DELIGHTED TO BE OUTFITTED IN SUCH WARM WINTER GEAR. AND, WHILE HER TIME IN THE SNOW WAS LESS THAN TEN MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO CAPTURE A FEW SWEET PICTURES.

POSING SWEETLY IN HER GEAR.

ALL READY FOR A SNOWY ADVENTURE.

"WHY DON'T YOU JUST PICK ME UP, DADDY?"


SAFE IN DADDY'S ARMS; READY TO EXPLORE.


"WHICH WAY SHOULD WE GO?"

"HELLO MAMA!"

AND ALONG WITH HER FIRST FEW MINUTES IN THE SNOW, SHE WAS ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE WARMING FACTOR OF HOT COCOA!

"THAT'S PRETTY TASTY."

"Mmmmmm."

Did you know?
"It is very unlikely for two snowflakes to be exactly alike due to the water molecules which make up a snowflake. These molecules grow at different rates and in different patterns depending on the changing temperature and humidity within the atmosphere that the snowflake falls through on its way to the ground." (Adapted from Wikipedia)

Like the snowflake, we too, are unique. Our uniqueness is by design, orchestrated perfectly by our Creator. It is a simple comparison until you stand on your porch watching the first snow fall of the year. As thousands of tiny flakes catch a branch, or find their way to the ground it is profound to realize that no two are the same. Likewise, it is astounding (at least to me, a mother of two, who spends her days observing actions, comparing features, noting differences, finding similarities) to recognize that there is no one else on this earth just like me, my husband, our Charlotte, or sweet Joe. And tonight, I am struck by the creativity and thoughtfulness of our God. I admire his handiwork - the beauty I find in our children, the traits they share and those that differ.

I pray that in the midst of a busy season, you are able to find a moment to notice His blessings, appreciate your uniqueness, and marvel at His creation. His creation that includes YOU!

YOU ARE UNIQUELY YOU

by Jackie Alvarez

"Consider this. And really take the time to think about it. You are unique. There will never be anyone else who can fit into your mold.

And that was on purpose.

Reflect on the detail put into creating your physical body. Think about the one-of-a-kind way you taste food, make and grow babies and see color and all the complex processes you body carries out every day.

Examine the way your mind works. Ponder the individual way you experience emotions, think complex ideas, enjoy others and love deeply.

Contemplate what makes you - you. The combination of your genetics, life experiences and choices are exclusive only to you.

And consider that it was all on purpose. You are uniquely you! And you are loved for exactly who you are."