Our recent abundance of frigid weather, rain, and wind finally gave way overnight and we woke this morning to a world dressed in white. It’s not enough to shovel; just enough of a sprinkling to cover the lawn and garden. Just enough to transform fall’s tired looking landscape into a bit of a winter wonderland.

I kept the snow a secret from the kids, knowing that when we opened the door to go to school this morning, I’d get to hear their squeals of surprise and delight. They didn’t let me down, and I realized that part of me still hasn’t grown up. I still delight in the gift of a midnight snowfall and the anticipation of these precious weeks before Christmas. I still believe in the magic of the season, knowing that we create our own magic by making memories, even out of the smallest moments, for ourselves and our families that last a lifetime. The memory of my daughters’ surprised laughter this morning will stay with me forever.

I’ll try to remember that when I’m shoveling snow later this season