Gray winter

As is customary, I am starting to feel the cold ache of winter. Not that it is really cold around here. But it is gray and rainy. And Christmas is over, as well as our much anticipated trip. I am beginning to feel the sting. These winter blues come like a thief in the night, and I truly believe each year that I have seasonal depression. Isn't that strange?

This year it is really such a help to know that it will certainly not last forever. My life is good and God has ordained my steps. And if I can just focus on this very moment, as well as have a few things planned for future weeks (for those really hard days), I will be just fine. Every summer I make a bucket list for the kids and I. I really THRIVE from June to December! And the bucket list sets us off into fun oblivion, which rolls into an exciting school year, the beautiful fall season, holidays celebrations during Thanksgiving and Christmas...and then January. Blah. I am SO encouraged by those who love January. It gives me hope that one day, or year, I won't dread it so much!

This year I have a plan. I am going to sit here until I have 20 items on my WINTER BUCKET LIST. Here goes...

1. Bonfires, s'mores, and guitar playing. Often.
2. Be Josh's biggest fan at his basketball games this season. Make posters!
3. Hot chocolate and good read-alouds with the kids on cold nights.
4. Make paper snowflakes and hang them from the ceilings!
5. Watch the entire Harry Potter dvd set with Jack and Andy(Jack got it for Christmas!).
6. Continue Wednesday date lunches with Lydie while the boys are in classes. So special!
7. Visit the nursing home with the kids often.

8. Plan our personal garden and order seeds.
9. Teach Toby (our dog) a new trick. Take him on a walk around the farm several times a week.

10. Go on two field trips each month. (Winter months are a perfect time to splurge and take a couple of extra fun days!)
11. Drill our neighbor friend's high school exit exam booklet until he feels confident he can pass. One more chance in March!

12. Go on a date with Andy each month. (This may mean candlelight and wine at home when the kids are asleep).

13. Host friends from Atlanta or new friends at our farm frequently. (Already have two visitors coming in January, and one in February!) Attention Laura Beth: This means YOU and your family!! :)

14. Plan the kids' Valentine party at their hybrid school.

15. Do a fun, winter art project every week with the kids.

16. Take one road trip this winter. Chattanooga, maybe?

17. Visit an art museum, maybe.

18. Have a sewing day all day long one Saturday.

19. Try to go to Women's Bible study with friends every week!

20. Read the Bible and other books every day, even if it means just keeping a book open in the kitchen when I am cooking! Here's what I hope to read this winter in the Bible: Psalms, Proverbs, Acts, Romans, and Galatians. I am also reading The Story, a condensed version of the Bible with the Bible study ladies. (I have been hanging out in the Old Testament too long!) For other reading: Family-Driven Faith, Boyhood and Beyond, Cold Sassy Tree, The Glass Lake, and The Shell Seekers. This list is a good combination of non-fiction, parenting, mystery, and fiction. Should be an interesting challenge to get through the entire list by the time the sunflowers are planted!

I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE SUNFLOWERS! But until then, winter is looking up! It might seem depressing, but at least this list proves to me that it is NOT boring!! :) I really do have so much for which to be thankful, and so much to look forward to!!