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MELTON SNOW A HAPPY HEART CHRISTMAS
CHAPTER 1
The third floor windows of Chamberlain Manor displayed a view of the gardens, lawn and the pasture lands beyond. It shared borders with the quaint little town of Stow on the Wold. Lady Eliza Montgomerys small hand rested on her young daughters shoulder in an attempt to settle the child. The snowman that Abbie and her brother Selbeigh had worked so
hard on just yesterday was being dismantled by flakes and by chunks as the fierce wind tore at it layer by layer, bit by bit.
He was a special snowman, Mummy. Selby said so, Abigail whimpered.
In a few days when it is warmer, you can build another snowman. Maybe you should
build it in the courtyard next time where the high walls will protect it from the wind, advised
her mother, gently.
We will, Mummy. It makes me sad to see our snowman blowing away, Abbie said,
shaking her head unhappily.
Alright then, Lady Abigail, its time to dress for dinner, she instructed, stroking her
daughters flaxen hair. She was a tall child for only six, fair-complected with blue eyes so large and bright they mirrored onlookers. They stood a minute longer looking across the snow drifted fields and hedgerows to the bell tower of St. Edwards church on the high distant hill. The Cotswolds had been home to generations of Montgomerys, still they never tired of this stirring view of their estate.
Run along to your chambers now so you wont be tardy, smiled Lady Montgomery,
her gaze returning to the snowy wonderland.
* * *
On the other side of the world, Mrs. Snow smiled contentedly, Look outside, Ava.
Seven year old Ava sat on the floor surrounded by beads of every color, shape and size making bracelets for each of her friends. Ava was small for her age with long, straight brown hair, rounded cheeks, a turned up nose and almond shaped brown eyes. Those eyes had to come from Grandma. Her eyes also had an oriental shape yet she had no known Asian blood.
That look was a mystery yet a fun curiosity as no one else in the family looked quite the same as the two of them. Ava bounced up, landing on the sofa that sat beneath the wide living room window. Wow, look how big the flakes are, she exclaimed.
Her older sister, Glory, glanced out the window and smiled at the beautiful sight as the large flakes fell quickly to the ground. She was snuggled into the oversized winged back chair, opposite the picture window, her favorite place to sit. Glory was almost twelve with softly curled strawberry blond hair that surrounded a slender face, deep blue eyes, and a pretty nose dappled with a few freckles. Glory was the pensive one of the family. She usually had her nose in a book or was journaling something that had happened, drawing a picture or composing a rhyme. She picked up her journal to make a note.
Can we go outside, Mom, Ava quizzed with excitement. Go find your brothers, they will want to go, too, was her answer. Ava chased off to search for Aaron and Elijah. She found them in the garage with Dad. Elijah, tall for twelve and three quarters, as he liked to say, was holding a piece of wood while his dad sawed it. Anytime there was work to be done
in the garage, Elijah was there to help. He was a quick learner, having a fascination with anything mechanical or any construction project. He was lean, but strong with dark brown, wavy hair and dark eyes like his father. Their noses looked like they were cut from the same
mold, pronounced but pleasing.
Aaron, Avas twin, was a half head taller than her. He had the same brown hair as Ava, but rather than being straight was an unruly shock of curls and waves. Everyone always said they got mixed up in the womb, the boy having the curly hair and the girl, straight. Aaron was always ready for a new adventure so he liked to hang out with his dad and brother. Not that he had the same interest as Elijah but always wanted to be in the middle of whatever was happening.
Hey, guys. Did you know it was snowing, Ava announced proudly, knowing her
brothers had not yet seen out the high garage windows. Dad wandered over to the window and looked out to the driveway. This wasnt supposed to be here yet, he contemplated aloud. He knew it was forecast but not until later in the day. He thought about what the weatherman had said last night. There is a huge storm
blowing in, the weather man reported. A Polar Maritime Airstream hit Great Britain a few days ago, he said pointing to the map, and the entire European continent experienced record breaking winds and snow accumulation. Now its our turn. Get out the snow shovels,guys. And hey, you kids will have a good time with this one.
Elijah followed his dad and stepped up on a small box that elevated him enough to look out but with distracted interest.
I want to see, fussed Aaron, as he looked over his fathers shoulder at the gray sky.
Come on, Mom says we can go out, Ava prodded. Unable to see, Aaron headed for the kitchen door but Elijah went back to the workbench. Ill be in pretty soon, stated Elijah, I want to help Dad finish this first.
Well be there in just a few minutes, Dad assured the twins.
Soon they were all gathered in the living room. It was the first storm of winter. The snow was falling so fast the front yard had turned white in only minutes. They were amazed by the beauty and wonder of it, the swift movement of the flakes holding their attention for several seconds. Then Elijahs voice broke the silence.
Lets go, Elijah commanded as he led the younger troop into the hallway.
Dont forget your boots, theyre in the garage, Mom called behind them.
Im going out, too, said Dad, Id better start the shoveling now. They say this is going
to be a big one.
Looks like well have a white Christmas, he smiled, slipping on his coat.
Thats the way we like it, Mom agreed, following him into the hallway. I hope it
snows a foot.
I hope it snows snow, Elijah chided his mother.
A foot of snow, smarty-pants, corrected his mother as she flipped her hand in the air
brushing off his joke. She thought about digging out her winter boots and going out, too. She was a playful mom, small with petite features, an abundance of freckles scattered across her pixie nose, her light ginger hair cut short, adding to her diminutive appearance. Always joking with her family, she was responsible for their quick humor. She decided against going out, seizing the opportunity to do her Saturday speed cleaning while everyone was out of the way.
CHAPTER 2
The next Saturday morning, Glory leaned over the back of the sofa and asked, What are you making, Mom,
Its a surprise for our Christmas tree, she said, Youll see when Im through.
All that the kids could see was white fluffy fabric and that wasnt very exciting. The boys were disinterested and started practicing karate kicks in the air causing the girls to squeal and get out of their way. Their mother smiled to herself, knowing they would be pleased with her little craft project when it was hanging on the tree.
How would you kids like to put the tree up today? asked Mom.
Sure. Glory said.
Sure. Sure the twins echoed, enthusiastically.
Elijah, will you go up to the attic and bring down the Christmas decorations? The others will help you.
Elijah threw one more kick toward his younger brother and said, Okay, Mom, but when are we getting the tree?
As soon as Dad gets home. Hell be here later and well go to the tree farm, thats why I want to get everything ready, she explained.
Great! Lets get started, shouted Aaron, running toward the stairs.
I still want to know what Moms making, Glory said, as they reached the top.
Well know soon enough, Elijah answered. Help me pull the door down. The pull down attic door was in the ceiling of the upper hallway. Elijah moved a wooden chair to the center of the hall, climbed up and grabbed for the short rope, pulling it down far enough for Glory to reach. Elijah moved the chair out of the way and grabbed the ladder, unfolding it as he walked backwards. The twins watched with anticipation. Going into the attic was a special treat. It was off-limits without their parents permission, which made it all the more interesting. One by one they climbed the steps and scouted for the boxes marked Christmas.
Hey, somebody is going to have to go back down so I can hand them the boxes, said Elijah.
Ill go, volunteered Glory, the twins are too little to handle these big boxes.
What do you mean, too little? Just look at these muscles, said Aaron, pulling his shirt sleeve up and flexing his want- to-be Herculean arm.
Maybe next year, little brother, laughed Elijah as Aaron tried again and again to flex his muscle but could see no visible change in his bicep. Giving up, Aaron helped Ava push the boxes to the opening in the floor. Elijah handed each box down to Glory and she stacked them at the top of the stairway.
Wow, weve got a lot of decorations, Aaron puffed as he pushed another box towards Elijah.
Enough for a bee.u...tiful tree, Ava said, with her big toothless smile. Both of her front teeth were still missing, and it didnt look like she was going to have them anytime soon. Aaron had already lost his front baby teeth and the new ones were almost in place.
Hey, Ava, whats that song? Aaron teased his sister. All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.
Aaron started singing the tune and Elijah and Glory picked up on it. All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my two front teeth, my two front teeth. Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth then I could wish you "Merry Christmas."
Aaron lisped when he sang Christmas, trying to aggravate his twin. I would like my two front teeth for Christmas, Ava defended, but thats sure not all I want.
How about, We wish you a Merry Christmas, suggested Elijah, as he climbed down the ladder, picked up a large box and headed down the stairs. The others followed single file, singing and carrying the boxes. Up and down the stairs they went, Elijah acting as the Pied Piper as they carried the boxes, large and small, singing and laughing until everything was in the living room where they always put the tree. We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas.
All this singing is really getting me in the Christmas spirit, said Mom, as she broke the thread from the fabric, and tucked her little handmade ornament in her pocket. Girls, Id like for you to do something for me while we are waiting on Dad. You should have plenty of time, said Mom.
What do you want us to do, asked Glory hesitantly, hoping it wasnt putting laundry away or running the vacuum which she didnt want to do when they were having such a good time doing Christmas stuff.
I want you to go to McLellans and buy Grandmothers Christmas gift from you kids, said Mom.
Really? We get to go Christmas shopping by ourselves? squealed Ava.
Yes, and you can choose whatever you like, answered Mom.
Thatll be easy, smiled Glory, Grandmother is fun to buy for because she likes pretty things.
Youre right about that, Glory. Thats why I am sending you girls to McLellans; they have plenty to choose from. Have fun and pick something nice, she said, handing money to Glory.
Glory stuffed the money in her jeans pocket and headed for the hall closet, grinning, Come on, Ava, get your coat, what are you waiting for?
Hats and gloves and boots, reminded Mom, theres a lot of snow out there.
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As Ava passed the snowman, she said, Hi, Melton, how you doing today? Were going to buy Grandmother a Christmas present, talking to him as if he could hear and understand her. She looked up in the sky. The sun was shining brightly and was beginning to melt some of the snow where the sidewalk had been shoveled. She turned around laughing and said, Now Melton, dont let that old sun get you. She turned to catch up with her sister.
Youre talking to that snowman like hes really real, Glory said.
Why not, Ava answered, playfully, hes going to play with us all year, remember.
Well, if he melts, we can always build another one, reasoned Glory, knowing that snowmen dont last forever.
I dont want to build another one, persisted Ava, stubbornly. I like Melton just like he is, she pouted.
The girls cut across the yard and headed for the town square. It was only a few blocks from their house. They liked living in a small town because they could walk or ride their bikes almost anywhere they wanted to go. Their grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins lived there too. It was a pretty town with tall old trees shading many of the houses and some of the streets, like theirs, were made of brick instead of concrete. Their bikes would bump, bump along from brick to brick making them laugh.
They walked up Washington and then crossed over to Benton Avenue. Glory liked to go that way because there were so many pretty old houses on the street, including Grandmothers. They walked past the Carnegie Library and the King Theatre where a new Christmas movie was showing. Lets ask Mom if we can go to the movies while were on vacation, Glory suggested.
Thatd be great. A movie and Sugar Babies, she grinned. When they reached the square, they waited for the light to change, crossed the street and cut through the courthouse lawn, over to McLellans on Clinton Street. As they entered, they saw Tillie. She leaned down to give them both a hug. What are the two of you up to today? she questioned. Tillie worked at their grandfathers shoe store and lived just down the street from the children. She was very tall, and wore her hair in an old-fashioned way but always had a big smile and was fun to talk to even if she was a grown-up.
Christmas shopping for Grandmother, Ava said excitedly.
What fun it is to Christmas shop. Thats what Ive been doing too, smiled Tillie as she affectionately patted Avas head.
Tillie, the next time you go past our house, look at the great snowman we built, Ava exclaimed.
Okay, I will, she laughed, as she pulled open the door, juggling an arm load of packages.
____________________
The girls looked at fancy handkerchiefs, brightly colored padded dress hangers, soft slippers, pretty scarves and sweet smelling powders.
These are the kinds of things Grandmother likes, Glory told Ava sounding very wise to her seven year old sister. They looked at everything as they strolled up and down the long wide aisles. Ava got tired of looking and asked if she could look at the toys instead while Glory shopped for Grandmother.
I guess so, Glory replied, as she picked up a green scarf with a palm tree on it, then a pink one with kittens. Neither of those suited Grandmother she thought, as she spotted a solid colored one that was a magnificent shade of blue. Maybe a soft yellow, or blue and green plaid; theres too many choices to know what to buy she thought confused. Ill just pick my favorites and then let Ava make the final choice decided Glory. She rummaged through the display of scarves, and then wandered around the store looking at pictures, journals, aprons, perfumes and bath salts, fancy pillows for the sofa and candy.
Come on, Ava, said Glory, as she stood at the end of the toy aisle after finally ending her search.
Do you think we have enough money to buy her, asked Ava, holding up a large doll.
No, were just shopping for Grandmother, remember, she said, shaking her head at her little sister.
Okay, she responded regretfully as she returned the doll to the shelf, but I hope I get her for Christmas.
Which one Glory asked, holding up the scarves, the blue one or the rainbow colored one? And we can get this box of lilac powder for her, too, and chocolates. We have enough money for all three.
That one, Ava answered, pointing toward the rainbow colored one.
Okay, theyre both pretty, Glory said, still a little uncertain as she examined the gifts in their pretty silver boxes.
All we need now are nice bows and Mom already has some. Blue ones will be just right, reflected Glory.
CHAPTER 3
They took the shortcut home, wanting to hurry now in case Dad was back. Picking out the Christmas tree and taking it home to decorate was always great fun and Glory couldnt wait to get started. Their tree was always quite special with the twinkling lights and cherished ornaments collected from earlier Christmases. She remembered some of them, baby Jesus in the manger, the fancy jeweled ones of the three kings of the Orient, the star for the top of the tree, and the puppy one that looked just like their dog, Hope.
Were back, Ava announced as she marched across the front yard, again passing Melton. I see youre still here, she grinned, poking Glorys arm.
Glory laughed at Ava saying, Yep, hes a nice snowman, isnt he.
Im going to play with him. said Ava, as she ran her mittened-hand over Meltons arm and tried to straighten his scarf which had blown over his shoulder. Glory laughed to herself as she could hear Ava talking a mile a minute to the snowman as she walked up the porch steps and went inside.
____________________
The girls are back. Is everyone ready? called Dad. Lets go while the car is still warm.
Glory laid the bag of gifts on the hall table but didnt bother to take her coat off as the boys were putting theirs on. Just then Mom came into the hallway dressed in white slacks and a fuzzy green sweater, looking just like Christmas.
Looks like we are, Mom said. Wheres Ava? she asked Glory with a look of concern.
Shes outside playing with Melton, Glory responded jokingly. Her mother just laughed, shaking her head.
Okay, lets go then, entreated Dad as he was still trying to corral everyone out the door.
Come on, Ava, he said, get in the car.
Bye, Melton, she said, waving her hand and running toward the driveway.
____________________
They drove a short distance out of town to the Twinkle Tree Farm. There was a line of cars parked off the side of the road and people were huddled together around a small bonfire, their hands cupped around warm drinks. A sign on a tall stake stuck in the ground read FREE APPLE CIDER. The spirit of Christmas was definitely in the air and the winter chill was pressing in as the sun was sinking towards the horizon.
Okay, the search is on, Dad said, opening the car door. There were rows and rows of trees, some tall, some too small. The children ran up and down the rows seeking the one they liked best.
Not too tall now, cautioned Dad, they look smaller out here then they really are.
This one, called out Aaron and Ava standing by a squat tree that looked tall to them.
Too short, Mom answered.
This one? asked Glory.
Too fat, Mom answered, itll take up too much space.
How about this one? suggested Elijah, feeling a little uncertain.
Too tall, Mom laughed.
You sound a whole lot like Goldilocks, Dad teased, like you are trying to find just the right one.
I am, she retorted, as they all laughed.
They would think they had found the right tree but then would notice a big hole where the branches were too sparse, or that the trunk was crooked and wouldnt stand straight in the tree stand.
Finally, they agreed on the perfect tree. Dad went to the little hut that served as an office to pay and to tell the man which tree to cut for them. They visited with friends who were getting their Christmas trees too; giving advice on how to choose just the right one, and sharing pleasant reminiscences of Christmases past.
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Okay, the tree is tied to the top of the car, lets head home, Dad directed as he opened the drivers door and slid in.
Its a good thing we didnt take any longer to pick out the tree, Mom said, getting in the passenger side, its almost dark.
The kids were all talking at once about this tree and that tree; what was right about it and what was wrong with it.
It takes a long time to find just the right one, Goldilocks, Dad teased.
Well, Im glad we took our time. We got the best tree there, Elijah said with confidence, as he was the one who had found the tree they finally settled on.
Its a fine tree, Dad agreed, as he pulled up to the stop light on the square. Look, kids theyve turned the courthouse Christmas lights on.
Isnt it beautiful, said Glory, there must be a thousand lights.
More, Aaron was sure, as his finger moved up a string of lights as he attempted to count them.
The brown stone courthouse was always decorated with lights from the peak of the four-faced clock tower streaming down to the ground below in teepee fashion. It was the centerpiece of the festivities as the view was the same from all four sides of the square, a source of pleasure and joy for the Christmas shoppers and a sparkling view through passing frosted car windows.
The children stared at the lights as though it were the first time theyd seen them; they twisted in their seat to watch out the rear window as their car turned down Washington Avenue towards home. Even though it was always the same, the sight held the same fascination from young to old, year after year.
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The rest of the night was filled with the work of stringing the lights on the tree, and the joy of bringing out the familiar, fragile ornaments and hanging them in just the right spot. Everyone helped as Christmas music played softly in the background creating the perfect atmosphere for this fun family time with little sandwiches, popcorn and hot apple cider serving as their evening meal.
Well, thats the last ornament, Dad said, standing back to admire the towering green monument.
Not quite, Mom said. We have one more to hang on the tree, as she went to the china hutch, opened the drawer and pulled out her surprise ornament hidden from curious eyes.
She held a small white snowman before her. It hung from a silver string attached to the top of the snowmans black hat.
Its a snowman! Ava cried out, clapping her hands together.
He kind of looks like our snowman, said Aaron except ours has a red hat.
Well, you kids arent the only ones who like snowmen and this one is very special.
Whats so special about it? asked Elijah, thinking he was too big for this kids stuff.
Dont you see whats special about him, she asked.
He has a heart, Glory noticed, a little confused.
Why? asked Ava.
This little snowman has a very special purpose. He shows us that we can give our heart to Jesus. You all know Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Hanging a snowman with a heart on our tree is a good reminder when we get so busy buying presents and baking cookies and all the things we do together, that we dont forget the most important part and that is...
Jesus, Ava laughed, jumping up from her resting spot on the floor.
Thats right, honey, Mom said. It was fun to make and I like knowing when we look at him, well think about the birth of Jesus and the reason God sent his son to us and that is why we are celebrating. They all agreed the snowman was a great addition to their tree.
Its fun that he looks just like our snowman with a red and white scarf and yellow gloves, said Aaron. That was your Dads idea but I had already bought the black hat.
Hes a great surprise, said Elijah, knowing that Christmas wasnt just about candy and presents.
Well, weve had a big day. Off to bed everyone, church tomorrow, Mom said as she hung her snowman front and center on the tree where it could be plainly seen by everyone.
CHAPTER 1 CONTINUED
* * *
Daddy, please dont shovel the driveway until I make my foot prints in the snow, said Ava. Shaking his head, Aaron said, You can do that, Ava. I just want to build a snowman.
Glory zipped her blue jacket and pulled on matching gloves. Ava struggled to make last years multi-colored striped stocking cap stretch over her ears. Glory pulled the cap off her little sisters head in another attempt to make it fit and jumped as the static electricity popped off the end of her fingers and Avas fly-away hair.
Whoa, squealed Ava, do that again, Glory?
I dont think I want to, laughed Glory, pulling the cap down tight over Avas ears and checking to see that it was going to stay in place.
Aaron balancing on one foot slid the other into his second boot and ran out the garage door. Elijah was already outside talking with his dad about getting the sleds out of the garden shed. Ill help you, Eli, said Dad, itll take both of us to get them down from the rafters.
Glory stepped outdoors and quietly lifted her arms towards the heavens. Tilting her head back she let the wet snowflakes hit her face. The snow felt oh, so cold and even though the flakes fell softly on her face, they were so large she could feel each one. She stuck her tongue out catching the flakes, letting them slowly melt in her mouth. Winter is my favorite time of year, Glory said to herself.
Im so glad its snowing, she shouted to the others.
Me, too, answered Elijah, as he attempted to measure the depth of the snow by sticking his hand into a small drift.
Ava weaved a curvy pattern back and forth across the driveway. She stepped carefully leaving the snowflake pattern of the bottom of her boots imprinted in the fresh snow. Her father watched patiently from the open garage door, sipping a second cup of coffee while enjoying the peaceful scene.
Aaron picked up a hand full of snow and shaped it into a ball. The snow was perfect. It was just wet enough to stick together. Great for snowballs and snowmen, thought Aaron.
This snows gonna make a great snowman, Aaron called out. He put his snowball on the ground and started rolling it around. As he rolled it over and over it grew so large he had trouble handling it.
Hey, Eli, come help me. This snowballs getting too heavy for me to push, shouted Aaron. The boys rolled the snowball around until it had picked up so much snow they couldnt push it any further.
This is a good place for him, said Elijah as he stood back to study the bottom ball of the snowman. The ball was quite large. This is going to be a really tall snowman, he thought to himself.
I want to help, offered Glory, interrupting Elijahs thoughts.
Sure, he agreed, nodding his head.
Aaron had already started rolling the second ball. This one will be his tummy, announced Aaron. Im going to need your help again, Elijah.
Ill make his head, Glory called to her brothers. She formed a small snowball in her hands and then rolled it around on the ground until she had a perfect snowman head. Stacking the second ball on the first, the boys stood back and admired their handiwork.
Elijah, help me put the head on our snowman, Glory requested. Elijah lifted the snowmans head and stretched to set it in the center of the second large ball.
There he is, said Elijah, hes even taller than me.
Hes great, shouted Ava.
Are you through playing on the driveway? asked Dad as she wandered off.
Yep. Thanks Daddy, it was fun.
Ava scurried across the yard to the snowman. This is going to be the best snowman ever, she said. I hope he never melts she giggled, jumping up and down.
But he needs clothes, she yelled back, running into the garage to the kitchen door, Mom, Mom, we need a hat, and, and gloves, and what else, a carrot for his nose and what else let me think.
Avas mom laughed, Slow down, honey. Well get everything you need except I dont have a carrot. They opened the closet door and pulled out a red stocking cap, a red and white striped scarf, and a pair of large yellow gloves. Ava ran outside with her arms full of clothes for the snowman, and a handful of candy canes to share.
Here, announced Ava, passing out the candy canes to her sister and brothers. She dropped the snowmans clothes on the ground and peeled the cellophane wrapper off her candy.
Glory picked up the hat, filled it with snow to give it a nice shape and stretched tall to set it on top of the snowmans head. I cant reach Eli. Can you please help? she asked. Elijah could barely reach high enough himself to set the hat on the snowmans head. Aaron stood on tip toes to put the striped scarf around the snowmans neck but he couldnt reach and so, handed it off to Glory.
What about the mittens? asked Ava, sucking on her candy cane.
Hmm...Lets do something different this year, Glory mused.
She crossed the yard to the driveway where Dad was shoveling big scoops of snow and asked, Can you help us make arms for our snowman. I dont want to use sticks this time.
Dad thought for a minute, and then said, Yeah, I think I have an idea that might work. He laid down the shovel and they headed towards the snowman.
Hey, Dad, are you going to help us? asked Elijah, hopefully.
Yeah, for a minute, Dad replied, Glory wants help with his arms and I think we can just carve them out of the middle snowball.
The children watched as their dad scooped away snow, making creases, and rounding the remaining snow to form the arms. To their delight, he skillfully carved the ends of the arms into fists which stood free from the snowmans body. They all stood back and admired their snowman.
Wow, said Aaron, Can you make legs for him the same way? Easily the legs were shaped from the bottom snowball, giving the appearance of a snow sculpture rather than just a kids snowman.
It makes me think of the ice sculptures we saw last year. Thanks, Daddy, grinned Glory.
Can you put the mittens on his hands, Daddy? asked Ava, again jumping around.
Carefully the mittens were put over the fists of the snowman, glowing bright yellow against the white snow.
Id better get back to shoveling now, Dad said as he backed away studying his work, You kids have fun.
What are we gonna to use for eyes? Elijah asked the others.
The children looked around the yard but they couldnt find anything to use. I know, said Aaron, lets ask Daddy what to use. The children ran to the end of the driveway again all asking the same question at once.
One at a time, Dad laughed. I cant understand what youre saying.
What can we use for eyes for our snowman? Elijah queried.
Well, when I was a kid, we always used little chunks of coal, but we dont have any around here so I guess youll need to think of something else, he said as he continued shoveling.
The children walked away wondering what to do. Lets all think really hard. If our snowman was real, what would his eyes be made from? Elijah asked.
All I can think of, said Glory, is that they would be snow, too.
Thats it, said Elijah, well make little snowballs and put them in place for his eyes.
That will look funny, Aaron said.
I like it, said Ava, hell have sparkly eyes!
The children made the snowball eyes, put them in place, then again stood back to look.
Aarons right, said Glory, he looks like he doesnt even have any eyes!
Well, itll have to be good enough for now, said Elijah, its almost dark and Im cold.
Wait, Aaron spoke up. He doesnt have a nose or mouth. The children looked around, each sucking on their candy canes, wondering what to use.
Elijah pulled his candy cane out of his mouth and pondered what he could find in the house to use for the snowmans mouth and nose. Suddenly, he had an idea. I know, said Elijah. Stepping forward, he broke the curl off of his candy cane and pushed it into the snow giving the snowman a red and white striped nose. Now, two of you break the curls off your candy canes and well make his mouth the same way.
Quickly, Glory broke the curled end off and reached her hand towards the twins for a second one. Aaron had already eaten most of his candy but Ava was sucking on the straight end of hers. You can have mine, Glory, Ava offered, biting her candy to break off the curl. Glory pushed the candy curls into the snowmans face, placing them opposite each other forming a smile.
They all laughed at the funny face they had given their snowman. Okay, now, he has everything he needs, stated Elijah, turning toward the house.
Theres just one more thing, said Glory.
What now? asked Elijah, ready to think of something besides the snowman.
He needs a name, Glory said. Hmmm, what would be a good name for him?
They all thought about different names. They thought about the people they knew. Elijah said, How about Claude, after Granddaddy. Elijah loved to go to his grandfathers store, Ewers Shoe Store and watch him stretch the leather shoes to just the right fit and to hear the customers say, Thanks, Claude, theyre just right!
I know we can call him Red, like the man at Hy-Vee, since hes wearing a red hat, said Glory. They thought about Bud, the jeweler, and Uncle Ralph, Claudes brother, who also had a shoe and clothing store on the other side of the square.
How about one of the teachers at Lincoln school asked Ava?
No, we only have lady teachers. Our snowman is a man! said Aaron, very emphatically.
I know, said Ava, lets name him after our mailman. Lets call him Melton. Well pretend he is the snowman that wont melt.
Thats a great idea, Ava, said Elijah.
Melton it is, agreed Glory.
Now, Im going in, said Elijah with a big shiver, which looked more like a wet dog shaking off water than a cold boy, causing the others to laugh.
The children scrambled through the back door into the kitchen. Hey, Mom, youve got to see our snowman. Hes really cool, heralded Aaron.
Ill take a look but first, how about some hot cocoa to warm up? asked Mom.
Yummy, exclaimed Ava and Aaron at the same time, as twins often do.
As they sat at the table drinking their cocoa, they told their mother about the snowman they had built with Dads help, they added.
Ava said, He looks really good in his red hat and red and white scarf.
But he looks funny with snowball eyes, said Aaron.
He sounds like a fine snowman to me, Mom said.
I hope he never melts, said Ava again.
Mom agreed, Yes, if he could last, he could be your playmate all winter long. Now wouldnt that be fun!
Like the cartoon we watched on TV, Aaron said, remembering one of his favorites.
We named him Melton, explained Glory, as she was reminded by her little sisters insistence that he would never melt.
Mom laughed with them and talked about what it would be like to have a snowman to play with all year around as they drank their sweet, hot cocoa.
Its going to be cold all week, so you will at least have him that long, Mom smiled assurance as she stroked Avas silky hair, knowing her younger daughter loved all things imaginary.
Green Present 
