The average temperature this winter has been three degrees.

I totally just made that up, but it feels true.

We have had our fill of beautiful snow. The winter has been spent, for the most part, cuddled up and warm inside. We have fallen into an excellent school schedule groove, finishing our work with extra time left over for additional art or other fun projects.

The season spent indoors has allowed the time and space for settling.  This weekend we finished painting Jacob’s new bedroom and we will tackle Emma’s room this week. We are beginning to feel deeply connected to this home and it is slowly becoming a reflection of our family.

I have felt more comfortable driving, to a small degree, and have had no complications thus far.  The kids are also becoming a bit more confident and trusting as far as winter travel is concerned.  Even so, I am ever thankful for the flexibility that homeschooling allows for in being able to reschedule anything and everything. We have a lot of making up to do (appointments, play dates, being active members of society in general) when spring rolls around.

I feel certain that we have a few weeks, at least, of deep winter remaining.  And that’s ok.  I  have a new sewing machine to become familiar with and plenty of writing that I would like to spend time on.  Each child is involved in a project of their own that is keeping their cabin-feverish mind busy.  Besides, we still have a few tasks to accomplish before winter leaves us: We have not yet built a snowman, the kids want to go skating at one of the outside rinks, and we have NOT spotted a snowy owl yet, although a few friends and relatives have.

So, here’s to keeping strong through this last, dark stretch.  Take heart that the mornings are getting brighter and the days longer.  One of these sunups  I am certain, we will wake to the dripping of the icicles and will give audience to the singing birds.  Oh, what a happy day that will be!