"Look, snow!" and feeling the warmth

"This is the moment I've been waiting for!"

"Look, snow... lots snow. I like snow! Where my boots? I want wear boots... play Gor Gor!"

"SNOWBALL FIGHT!!!"

These were the children's enthusiastic responses --

to the first flurries (Ben),

then the first accumulation (Kait) almost a week after that,

and what else was on all their minds, besides the "20 minute fort" (Jon) they put together that same day after school.

Getting the snowball rolling...

Keep going...

One more...

Ta-da!!!

The snowfort the kids worked on together!

Of course it's not always quite so snow-perfect. And I'm not talking about how more carefully we have to drive on more snow than this -- after another heavier snowfall, as it is navigating through the sea of slush when the snow melts -- that's not a pretty sight either.

But let me try and keep the peace here, hehe, and bask in such a precious moment of the children playing quite nicely together! ;p

***

Fastforward to after more snow has accumulated since the first snowfall...

The snow plow finally made it to our street! It did such a good job compacting the snow and throwing the chunky blocks to the sides, it took us a lot more effort to clear the driveway -- so as not to be snowed in! What an irony!

Now here's what I love about my husband, and I am writing it down, so blessed to be married to the kind man that he is:

After we were done and I'd come back inside with the younger two children, Vern and our eldest Jon went and helped shovel a neighbour's driveway without being asked. Then, with that neighbour who had been helped, they all went on to help another two more neighbours that way -- and it's true more hands helped make that laborious work lighter. After that, there was still another neighbour who came out after everyone had gone back in. We were actually already in our car by that time, about to drive off. Still, good Vern asked me if we could wait for him and Jon his good helper to pick up their shovels again to go lend a hand once more. Of course -- go, guys, go!

We missed church that Thanksgiving weekend, but that was a wonderful "love your neighbour" opportunity there. Among more ways you and I can be there for a neighbour, friend, and also the less fortunate. It is always more blessed to give than to receive.

And feeling the warmth...

We've also been wonderfully blessed to be on the receiving end, often when we least expect it.

My loving friend from Singapore who seizes opportunity after opportunity to bless us, picked out a scarf for me -- to help me stay warm this winter. The way a newer friend this time last year, who lives in the state next-door and a caring `neighbour' she is though we've not met, had gone to all the effort to knit me a scarf also. Over thanksgiving was when another thoughtful old buddy went the extra mile to get us our Christmas gifts already.

I'm touched by these lengths they go to, they don't need to. And you know that a warm hello in the email or on this blog always warms my heart just as much :). Other ways and times our friends have blessed us, we're thankful for. Including those precious, precious moments when we were able to catch up with old pals during our July visit, and it was also my honor to meet a few newer friends for the first time then.

Thank you, I am grateful for your precious gift of friendship! The world is a warmer place because someone like you makes time for friends!

"Good friends are like snowflakes

each is unique,

heaven sent,

and makes the world a beautiful place."

(unknown)