Hello Snow.

Simonsnow


6am and the school district website says “no school.”


“Hey Simon, guess what?”


“What?” he asked in that sleepy morning voice while still snuggled under the covers.


“You don’t have school today.”


“Isn’t it Monday? No school on Monday?” he sat up quickly, super interested at this new development.


“Go look outside.”


He scampered over to the window and peeked through the blinds. He sees it. Just about 4 inches of it. There is one of those great squeals of delight that come only from the realization that it is indeed a snow day.


And oh how I know those feelings. I remember them all too well. I also woke up about three times last night to check and see if it was really sticking and then had a hard time going back to sleep because I was getting way too excited. Snow is infrequent around here so when it comes it is cause for a big celebration if you are a kid or one of those grown-up kids who loves snow.


Simon spent the first bit of the morning watching cartoons before finally pulling out the snow gear – including snow pants that are just a touch too tight but definitely wearable. Long underwear, socks, turtleneck, snow pants, fleece, snow coat, snow mittens, snow boots and a good hat. An amazing amount of excitement was found in the simple actions of getting dressed.


I did a lot of watching Simon play with the neighbor kids in the snow today. He is finally to the point where he can be outside on his own without one of us outside as well. I still sit in the window and watch while reading or working on my laptop.


He is growing more and more independent all the time.


Many times in the past he has done lots of running back and forth while playing outside to tell me many little important things – updates on what the kids are doing, who said what, etc. Today he stayed longer and played more; coming back only to show me an icicle or when I called out to him to come home for a snack.


It’s in those quiet moments sitting at the window watching when I can really see how much he has grown. It is so cool to see him interested in the other kids, wanting to play with them and be part of the larger neighborhood experience. I love that.


Dottedline_2


December Daily post coming later today.

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67 thoughts

  1. Katie says…
    12/16/2008

    I grew up in Oregon, so as I've heard of the snow there, I've been excited all over again for the kids who are getting snow days. I've even been checking to see which schools are closed. Now that I'm in Utah, nothing shuts down when it snows unfortunately. I would love to have a snow day for my kids to enjoy!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Katie says…
    12/16/2008

    My kids are loving this weather front.
    Isn't the sunshine today amazing?!?

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Deb Jones says…
    12/16/2008

    It's so great to read about Simon's progress. I know you must be so proud and thrilled to see this. Our former pastor's daughter just got married in October. She has Asperger's Syndrome. To see the progress she has made and to see the love and understanding her husband has for her is wonderful.
    We just moved to Arizona to get out of the snow. I will miss it on Christmas but other than that must say it's no longer the fun it used to be. Grin.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Monika Twal says…
    12/16/2008

    Such a beautiful shot of Simon trekking through the snow!! Thank you for sharing with us Ali.
    Ali, I know you have mentioned this before but what paper trimmer are you currently using? My son took mine to school and he thought he brought it home on Friday but we can't seem to find it & I can't work on my December daily. I liked the one I had and I still have blades for it - any recommendations?
    Thanks for your help.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Monica from Carlsbad,CA says…
    12/16/2008

    Ali, As the Mom of a daughter recently diagnosed with Aspergers, I know exactly how you feel about watching Simon playing with friends. Such a simple pleasure, but one that should definitely be celebrated.
    Happy SNOW Day Simon! and Mom!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Ali says…
    12/16/2008

    Monika - I love the Fiskars trimmers that I use here at home. Here's a link: http://store.scrapbook.com/f-9902.html

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  7. Puanani says…
    12/16/2008

    Yea for snow days! We lived in Eugene when my children were Simon's age. Your photos brought back sweet memories of walking along the Williamette River after a rare and welcome snow storm. I hope it stays around for a few days. Enjoy.

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  8. Becca says…
    12/16/2008

    I loved this post! I live outside Salem and was waking up through the night on the look out for snow... we didn't get enough to build a snowman or go outside and play like Simon did. Thank you for sharing this sweet story of how Simon is growing up and how you are enjoying watching him.

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  9. catherine feegel-erhardt says…
    12/16/2008

    That is so beautiful...
    NOT just because I have NEVER seen snow like that before (lots of beach though) but love the image of you watching from your perch in the window... know that 100%.. but that white stuff... ????? NO CLUE ! Do snowmen REALLY exist? ... snowball????

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Tina Schadone says…
    12/16/2008

    very awesome!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Amy L says…
    12/17/2008

    Your pensive thinking is so touching. Bless your heart!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. jamie says…
    12/17/2008

    love this journal entry. great capture on life.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Corinna Lyons-Revello says…
    12/19/2008

    Ali, since you don't get much snow I didn't know if you knew about these cute little snowman building kits that you can buy. They come in a box with all the things you need to make a snowman, the eyes, nose, pipe, scarf, etc. Here are a few links for you just in case. I live in Illinois, so I know ALL ABOUT the snowman stuff! LOL
    http://www.domestications.com/Products/Holiday+Decor/Unknown+Product/4002/17718A01/code=macs/D8GOPS&cm_ven=GooglePS&cm_cat=Holiday_Decor&cm_pla=Snowman_Kit&cm_ite=17718A01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=17718A01
    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=snowman+kit
    http://www.mileskimball.com/MilesKimball/Shopping/ProductDetail.aspx?CID=Kids+Gifts+and+Stocking+Stuffers&SCID=Children&ProductID=BC00317931&SiteNum=0
    And of course that would make for plenty of photo opportunities for the scrapbooks! LOL
    Corinna
    www.myscrapbooklife.com

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  14. Paola Norman says…
    12/19/2008

    We think is quite funny how when there is a bit of snow in the States a snow day is called. We can have snow up to our knees and everything goes on as usual.
    For a kid like Simon that must be on of the best things. He looks so cute playing in the snow. Enjoy Simon!
    Paola
    BC Canada

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  15. Natasha says…
    12/19/2008

    Oh how I miss those precious snowdays. Here snow is quite common (usually 4 or 5 months a year there's some on the ground), so there had to be a significant amount of snow before a true Snow Day was called. I only ever had 2 throughout my entire school experience, but they were fabulous.
    Thanks for sharing your stories!

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  16. Japanese words says…
    03/29/2009

    I used to love to hear that news. I thought snow days were the best thing, until I realized we already had extra days added on to compensate.

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