snow

Six little faces pressed against the window.
"SNOW!"
Twelve little eyes peer out at the fresh blanket of white covering the barrenness of winter.
"Mommy can we go outside?!"
Mom smiles. She secretly looks forward to a little peace and quiet.
The search for hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, boots, coats and long underwear begins.
Layers and layers of clothing...let's see 3 layers for each one = 18 layers!
After all the chaos and confusion of finding enough for everyone, the six little ones
excitedly run out into the winter play land.

Building of snowmen, forts, making snow angels and discovering 'huge' drifts of snow to tunnel into.
The children are in another world oblivious to the cold slowing making it's way through the now damp layers of protection.
Finally it hits their little feet, fingers and face.
"I'm cold."
"Me too!"

The door flies wide open and a rush of cold air comes with it. Mom's time of peace and quiet has ended with the sound of the chattering voices of her children.
One by one they stomp through the door into the warmth of a home heated by wood.
Wet boots tracking in snow. The layers and layers are pulled off.
Damp clothes are scattered all over the room.

With some coaxing from Mom, the children take care of their things. All of the clothing is hung over wooden racks to be dried by warm heat rising from the registers.
...
A few hours later...

"Mommy!
Can we go back outside?!"

She sighs and looks into the compelling little faces...

Someday this will all be just a faint memory.