Speaking of snow...

Even though it's cold tonight, it's so beautiful outside. It's so cold that each snowflake still holds its magical crystal shape, and the snow-covered world sparkles in the light of the streetlight near my parents' house. (I'd take pictures, but they wouldn't look like these snowflakes really look... and it's way too cold to go back outside. Sorry...)
                                             
I have wonderful memories of sledding and playing in the snow as a kid.

I remember cold winter nights when my siblings and friends and I would bundle up and go slide down the middle of the street until we saw car lights approaching, and then we'd hide behind a snowy bush or tree so those in the car wouldn't see us, and then, once they passed, we'd hurry back out to the street to 'skate' some more. Then, when we got too cold, we'd go inside for hot chocolate. Good memories. I wish every kid could have happy winter memories like ours. I'm glad our kids and grandkids do!

(This, by the way, is one of my favorite pictures...)

(So is this...)

(and this...)

COLD night!

It's so cold tonight and I'm so grateful to have shelter and blankets and flannel pajamas to keep me warm! And I am so grateful to know that every one of my loved ones is also able to stay warm tonight...

We are so lucky. So many people in the world go without the comforts we take for granted... like a heated house, clean blankets, and flannel pjs. Since I used to work with homeless veterans who I grew to respect and understand, I think about folks who don't have a place to go on a bitterly cold night like tonight. I shudder to think of anyone outside in this subzero weather! 

Jessie

I haven't looked at blogs for such a long time, and tonight I caught up with Jessie's January blog entries, and I am crying.
Crying because I am grateful that God blessed me with such an incredible daughter.
Crying because of the events in the Edwards family over the past months.
Crying over Norman Edwards' great life and the touching tributes to him that have been made, not only by Jess, but by many others who have loved that great man.
Crying because Jessie's words have been a wonderful reminder to me that this life isn't just about this life.
Crying because I am blessed to have such a daughter. (and such a son. and such a husband. and such kids-in-law. and such grandchildren. and such parents, siblings, in-law siblings, in-law parents, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear, dear friends!)