All are safely gathered in...

 If I were a Christmas card writing gal, I would have used this picture on my card. I love how everyone is in their colorful pjs and how the snow is still falling. I love how Beau's coat is covering his mouth, but you know he is smiling because his eyes are crinkled up and happy. I love that Marianne's hat covers one eye. I love that Bekah is wearing the hat she made two years ago, and still wears so proudly because she loves telling people that she made it herself. The big black mitten on her hand is mine, and she's wearing to protect her bright green cast - souvenier from a fall off the couch. Marianne's mittens are mismatched because I couldn't find two the same. It's such a happy picture.
I think if I were to make a sign to hang in my home that described the circumstances of my most peaceful times, it would say, "All are safely gathered in." I LOVE having all my children all around me. Maybe not when I am making dinner or using the bathroom or typing on the computer...but in general, I feel most content when they are all nearby, safely esconced in their rooms playing, or sitting on the couch reading or even running down the hall yelling at each other. I know that all too soon our simple lives will get so much busier and I won't be able to keep them nearby all the time anymore.
Now don't read in to this too much. I'm not a saint. I did a little dance when my kids went back to school today after the winter break. I love bed time because I have a little space and time to do what I want to do. I hate it when they fight and bicker and tease and are selfish and mean. I have been known to kick them off my lap because I feel like I can't breathe.
But.
The mother hen in me loves having all my chicks safely in one nest. Peace, contentment, joy - I feel all of these things when I know they are in arm's reach.
I so love my children.
Here is Bekah in a rare moment after she let me blowdry her hair. I had to record it for posterity.

 Jacob, so handsome in the snow.