Snow. Let me begin by saying we are not accustomed to snow. We come from a life in Atlanta where one inch of snow was a big deal. Schools shut down, kids used swim tubes as sleds, and there was excitement felt by everyone. Three inches of snow would literally shut the city down for a couple of days.
We are only a few months into life in snow country, but we are loving it. I must sound like a broken record because I repeat continually how beautiful it is. All three of my kids love to play in it, so that helps too. When it snows, we are out in it. Trumping around, chasing puppies, building Frankenstein snow men, and using snow shovels as if they were sand tools.
I’m learning to drive and not be afraid because the van is bound to slip ‘n slide just a little. Maybe bumper cars is a little more normal here, but I am rolling with it…literally. When you homeschool and are in your house constantly, there is a need to get out. To get outside, to get to other environments. We can’t let the snow stop us. So we are adjusting to figuring out a new norm and are loving it.
One thing that I am learning is to have a snack ready to go after every outing out to play. Walking in snow is exercise! More than I realized. When we come in, we are wet, cold, tired, and coats, mittens, snow suits go flying. I quickly start scurrying to assist to take off the layers and pull my daughter out of that A Christmas Story moment where she feels like she can’t move.
Having a snack ready to go helps. We can sit, laugh about the moments we just created, and warm up.
When I was offered the chance to try Honey Maid Go Bites, I was excited. A snack that provides kids with about 15% of both the recommended daily value of whole grains (48g) and protein (34g)!? While also being baked with whole grains and containing no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors or colors!? Amazing. Now that we have tried them, I can also say they are awesome. Think of a crispy graham cracker with either vanilla or chocolate filling.
When 13 inches of snow fell in less than 24 hours this week, we of course got out in it and I had the perfect snack to lay out for us to enjoy when we came back in.
For the little boy energy and natural loving spirits I have in my kids, staying inside and hibernating all winter isn’t an option. We have to get out. What I am learning though is how to set it up to be the best experience for everyone. Hanging hooks by the door and extra old towels on the ground right inside the door helps. That way everyone can get in quick and start shedding the wet layers. Having a snack ready to go helps too. We don’t want those tired, cold tears, to overshadow happy memories, right!?
We play hard in the snow. On this particular day too, we came in and I had the snack ready (so there was no arguing what to have). The kids ate laughing, having fun discovering which Honey Maid Go Snack they were eating (because I just poured both onto a plate), and they even said it was the best day ever. No joke. My momma heart was ready to burst. It doesn’t take a lot to please a kid. Being proactive and showing a little thought in planning helps create a moment where they feel valued, loved, thought of, and cared for.
I now have a box ready to take with us next time we leave the house. Sometimes one errand turns into five and having a snack to recharge and refuel those little bellies in the car before stops can make all the difference.
So, to all you mommas out there, try a little snack with a kick of protein for your kiddos. They will thank you. Mine did! And for goodness sake, get out and enjoy this creation! It’s beautiful out there-even if it is cold!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Leave a Reply