Snow Bunnies

    There is snow on the ground and a chill in the air.  Who are we kidding, that chill isn't just in the air.. it's everywhere!  The chill is on your feet, your hands, everything you touch is like ice.  You simply aren't thrilled about putting your bare feet on that excruciatingly cold floor first thing in the morning.     Get up. Fix that little bunny jumping all over your bed some breakfast.  She needs it after burning all that energy so early in the morning!  All right, you have both finished your breakfast.  You look out the window.  Oh yes, gotta love winter.  You can't sleep in, but the sun can!
    Does this sound familiar?  If not, I need your trick.  Who doesn't struggle to get energy on a cold dark morning?  I know I do. But, sleeping in hasn't been an option since I was in high school (too many years ago to admit to the world).  Even if it were an option, I wouldn't want to miss out on the precious times with   my baby bunnies.  We had one of these cold days last week.  After looking at the window, we headed back to bed!  The covers were calling my name.  No matter how white the grass is or how grey the sky is, little ones still need to be cared for, learn, and be busy.  So, while laying in bed I took a few minutes to think things over.  HA!  I wish I had a few minutes to think things over.  If you have little ones running around, you know how it is.  I had literally seconds to make a plan.
    One of the things the kids and I always enjoyed doing was what my family calls flying angels.  It is when you put the kid on your feet or knees and fly them from the floor up over your head.  It was so wonderful to see their eyes light up as they looked at me from up above.  With my son, I would even lower him for a big old kiss on the forehead.  It is one of my most treasured memories.  I miss those days, when I would gently toss them up in the air to hear them giggle.  As the princess got older and heavier, I stopped flying angels and stopped tossing her in the air.  But, on this day, I didn't let the extra length she grew or pounds she gained stop me from having a little extra bonding and fun.  I can also never pass up an opportunity to throw in a bit of school!
    We started a little game.  The princess laid across my knees, just like she did when she was little and I was about to fly her like an angel.  Then, I chose a letter and asked her what sound it made.  When she answered it, I picked up my knees. And in the excitement of her getting the question right, I tossed her slightly in the air.  She giggled just like she did when she was a quarter the size she is now.  We both had a blast.  She wanted to continue it much longer than I had expected.  In fact, I was the one that asked to do something else.  My arms were worn out!  My body was warmed up and ready to start the day.                  
     Sometimes, it's just not a paper and pencil day.  I think that's okay.  Take a few extra minutes this morning.  Cuddle up in bed and talk.  Giggle a little.  How many people actually get this opportunity?   Winter may not be the best time to go to the park, but it is a perfect time for a little mommy and me time - and learning too of course!