This month I have started asking my kids what they are thankful for every morning before going to school. The teenager rolls his eyes every time, but reluctantly comes up with an answer. I honestly don’t care if they put a lot of thought into their answer as long as they are thinking about things they are thankful for.

It’s what my youngest said that made me stop and really analyze what she was saying to me. When asked what she was thankful for, she answered with, ” I am thankful to be a kid, because I don’t ever want to be an adult.” I honestly was shocked at her response because since three years old she has displayed intense independence.

She continued to go on and say, ” If I stop eating then I will stop growing, and I don’t have to worry about getting bigger.” I had to reply with, unfortunately you will die without eating.

At five years old she has discovered that there is a sense of wonder with childhood. And she wants to hold onto that wonder. And so much of that childhood wonder is discovered in Winter.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life during the holidays. Sitting at the table next to the wood stove sipping hot cocoa while doing a puzzle or playing games is what kids will make memories with and the wonder involved to create them. Not the presents they received.

Hiking the frigid mountains for that perfect Christmas tree while wrapped in your snowsuit, fuzzy stocking cap, warm gloves, and hand knitted scarf. Those are the memories kids will make and the wonder involved to create them.

Going sledding at Grandma’s and getting so cold you literally feel like the blood flow has stopped within your body, because stopping is utterly unheard of. Then going inside and feeling that blood flow regain as you sip hot cocoa and munch on Grandma’s fabulous sugar cookies. Those are the memories kids make and the wonder involved to create them.

Having to face the elements to ensure livestock are fed and water is thawed, can be brutal at times, but necessary. Shoveling trails for chickens to navigate. Moving snow with the tractor for cows and horses to get to feeders. Rescuing a calf born into a snowbank. Those are intense memories kids will never forget and the wonder involved to create them.

Winter may not be everyone’s favorite, but so much childhood wonder is discovered in Winter.

Realizing my kids are learning to live in the moment is what I am most grateful for. It’s a struggle for me to watch my kids grow up so fast. Accepting it will happen, no matter what, and enjoying the moments to my fullest ability is coming easier. It’s all in the wonder of receiving that gratitude with grace.