Snow, Sweat & Cocoa

Today, I’m thinking of my mom.

Flurries fell all through the night and we woke up in a snowglobe. When I think back on my childhood, a few core memories emerge and many of them consist of snow days.

Mom would lay five sets of clothes out for each of us. All the layers - pants, shirts, snow bibs, coats, gloves, hats, scarves, boots. She’s slather our faces with moisturizer, to protect them from the cold, dry air and wind. She’d bundle me up first- the oldest. I’d sit on the porch, waiting to receive each one of my younger siblings, one-by-one. My squishy-marshmallow-baby-best-friends. She’d send us out with a water bottle and watch us from the window. We had wonderful neighbors we could visit. The acreage around our house allowed us to explore endlessly for hours. Building igloos and snowmen, having snowball fights, making snow angels and chewing on icicles. Inevitably someone’s boot or glove would pop off. The freezing wetness would overtake us and we’d trudge back to the house, more than one of us in tears, usually. Rosy, stiff, and clumped with snow in all our nooks and crannies. Mom would receive us at the door, towels all over the kitchen floor, waiting for us to strip down on. She’d work on getting each of us warm and dry before serving hot cocoa and a snack. Usually, all by herself since my dad would be out plowing.

It wasn’t until I had my own kids that I started to see just how much work was involved behind the scenes to create a magical childhood snow day. I see now that my mom must have sweat her butt off, wrangling each of us into snow gear. The mental fortitude required to patiently prepare five little kids for the elements without loosing her everloving mind….astonishing.

She probably remembers being short with us. Feeling exhausted trying to make it fun for us. Thinking other moms could do it better, or smoother than her. Wondering if all the unseen, thankless work was worth it.

I just remember how efficiently she did it all.

I just remember how much fun I had with my siblings.

I just remember how delicious the cocoa was.

Today, I’m thinking of my mom. And texting her to thank her for everything she did for us. Raising babies amidst all her own struggles and experiences. I’m in awe of her. Not for her perfection but for her effort, and her love.

Today, I’m collapsing after a morning of preparing, bundling, playing, receiving, cleaning up, cocoa making, all the while trying to remain patient, calm, and fun. And focusing on gratitude since my husband gets to be home with us, helping and enjoying it all too. We are blessed. I am thankful.

Hang in there, mamas!

God has entrusted these babies to you, and loves you! All the effort is worth it and doesn’t go unseen by Him!

Look for the Joy, amidst the struggle.

It is there.

He is there!