Wow, it's early.  (blink, blink)  Erik and I both hopped out of bed the moment the alarm began to sound at 5am.  I was somewhat surprised, not just at my enthusiasm but his as well.

Last night I pulled out my Pilates tapes and popped the 20 minute workout into the VCR.  I just felt like I needed a good stretch.  A while back I had a habit of doing Pilates before bed and found that it was rather relaxing.  Last night proved to have the same effect.  I started the tape while the kids were doing their “homework” with Erik and soon L(7) & K(6) joined me on the floor (A(3) & J(20mo.) were in bed).  The scene became rather comical in a hurry.

Today is Wednesday, typically one of the week's busiest days for us.  The kids and I need to go shopping for our annual Operation Christmas Child project.  Each year we help our kids pack shoe boxes for a child their age.  We even pack one in memory of Bryan for a child the age he would be.  In the past, L(7) has included a letter to the boy who receives his and one to the boy receiving Bryan's.  This year K(6) may want to do the same but it's completely up to them.  They really love preparing the boxes and we talk about giving to others.  Another way we give to other kids is by having our kids go through their things several times a year and pick toys to donate.  We'll never forget L going with Erik to drop off his bicycle at the mission “for another little boy to enjoy”.

It's 34 out with a wind chill of 28.  I'm telling you, the weather here is bizarro.  It can change over night and often does without warning.  So, we dig for the winterish clothing today, our drawers stuffed with both shorts and sweaters at the moment.  We can never completely pack up the shorts but the break in the heat is rather nice.