I did not grow up with pets, but now my life is filled with animals: a dog, a cat, chickens, bees. Our home hums with life. They remind me to stop, slow down, notice the small things, like the way the morning sun warms the blanket on my bed making it the perfect spot to curl into a nap.

Our lives are made larger by the moments we show up for others, helping loved ones make small steps down long and difficult corridors. These moments do not call for us to have perfect words but to offer comfort in the warmth of silence and hands held.

Apparently, Thursdays are the new snow days! Second Thursday in a row that we are out of school for weather conditions.

First snow day of the school year! I'm not sure who is more excited - the teachers or the students!