By Elaine Stone

I love snow! Perhaps it was my early northeast upbringings. Maybe my winter arrival. Or my intolerance of high humidities/temperatures. My soul yearns for white. Perchance, it is the mother's heart, at my core, that sees its poetic simile and relevance.

A gift from the heavens...

"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD," the Bible speaks, in Psalm 127:3. Even if you believe differently, you have to admit, children are given. All are wired with capabilities, but that is no guarantee. Multitudes try, with little success. Like snow in winter, children are gifted into our world.

When the waiting has ended...

Preparations made; planning, waiting, wondering, pondering. Cherubs arrive in a blaze of glory. From first look, you are never the same. First cry, you report for duty. First touch, your heart is given over. First swaddle, overwhelming love. A glittering unknown world turned upside down, a living snow globe; a glorious happening.

It changes everything...

Perspectives change. Children with unique giftings leave marks. They touch lives, who touch lives, and on and on. Each matters and plays a part no other can replicate. Snowflakes remind me: though similar, there are no two alike.

It is a birth of types...

Nothing is sweeter than the freshness of a newborn. Silky soft skin, warm kissy necks, innocence. Life becomes firsts, milestones and our universe expands. We become new people called by new titles. Snow replenishes and nourishes. The white of winter assures a green spring: the birthplace of beginnings.

I am not in charge...

If we could, we would shelter, protect, and wage war to ensure safety and well-being. Yet, much is beyond our control. I've learned, if I were in charge, I would cosmically mess it up. The world covered in white reminds me: it is fine that I do not know everything. Beautiful pristine landscapes appear without even a nod of my consent; perfection.

Awesome splendor...

Every child has awesome strokes of brilliance. It may be a simple action or astounding presentation, a sensitive heart or a genius perception. In those moments, I stand raptured by each offering. Magnificent world adorned in white, awakens me: tantalizing senses, displaying the extraordinary.

If peace could be sketched...

Nothing is as serene as a sleeping child: still, silent. Peace is not an image to be captured, but an inner calm to be experienced. Yet, if it could be sketched, it would be perfectly depicted by the world wrapped in hues of white; tranquil and undisturbed.

Let it snow.

Elaine Stone, mother of three, lives in Spotsylvania. Write: [email protected]

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Snowy Day Enjoyment

Inside:

1. Make a home movie, sell tickets! Remember, the popcorn and PJ's.

2. Play restaurant. Get everyone involve: chef, waitress, table decor, etc. (this could make a fun movie)

3. Build a fort/tent. Use it for a picnic or nap time.

4. Make Snow Ice Cream

• 1/2 cups half & half or whole milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 4 cups of clean snow or shaved ice

Blend the milk, sugar and vanilla together until the sugar dissolves. Mix 4 cups of snow & stir until you get the same consistency of ice cream. Add toppings or chocolate syrup to make a Snowy Sundae!

5. Fashion/Costume Shoot. Hang up some sheets and/or beads, add tulle or anything fun, then have kids dress up in their favorite costumes or Mom/Dad's clothes and have a photo shoot!

Outside:

1. Snow Painting. Grab spray bottles and mix water with food coloring and color on the largest canvas your kids have ever had.

2. Photo Shoot. Use kids as models, but give them a hand behind the camera as well! Take a snow walk and everyone search for a new angle or sight.

3. Build an igloo/fort. Serve some Hit Chocolate Inside.

4. Build a snowman/people village.

5. Don't forget snow angels, sledding, and snow treasure hunt.