Winter Crack-Ups

Winter Crack-Ups

We need the moisture. At least we're not having as tough a winter as the people on the east coast. At least it's not as windy today. At least the sun is shining. Yes, I've shared all of these Pollyanna remarks about winter over the last couple of weeks, but allow me a moment of weakness. Winter is starting to drive me a little crazy. Mainly, I think it's because the more moody winter makes me, the louder and crazier my kids seem to act.

On the loudness scale, my three boys, ranging in age from 9 to 14, remind me a lot of the old Daffy Duck cartoons--the ones where Daffy Duck jumps around saying "Woo hoo! Woo hoo! Woo hoo!" And then I start to sound like the Grinch. "Boys, do we have to have so much noise, noise, NOISE?"

And since it's winter, I can't banish them to make their noise outside for any extended periods of time. They are only out there long enough to sled and track in a bunch of snow on their boots and jeans, which will mean more laundry to do and floors to mop.

There was one rare quiet moment during the Winter Olympics. Too quiet. Actually quiet enough for me to read a book. It was then followed by a noise from the basement that sounded like a train. I rushed downstairs and found that they had fastened a sled on top of a skateboard, and were taking turns laying on their stomachs, driving head-first-skeleton-style into a barricade of couch cushions. They assured me it was perfectly safe, but I made them wear a go-kart helmet and then made sure I had the hospital phone number on speed dial.

I think it's safe to say I've hit my winter breaking point, like in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08Ua8a01P5g

But I'm trying my best to make peace with winter, so here goes. Winter--it's not your fault. I live in a state with four seasons, and it's my human nature to get bored with each one that wears out its welcome. When temperatures soar above 100 during the summer, I'll be dreaming of Christmas in July. When track season starts this spring, you can bet that every track meet will either be too hot, too cold, or too windy, as was the case with the cross country meets last fall. Go ahead and do your thing, winter. After all, we need the moisture.