Why Am I Doing This???

The temperature is well below the freezing point this morning. In fact, my computer says it's two degrees. But I am choosing to not believe its accuracy.
I'm thinking back to yesterday when it was about the same - and how cold I was between 8:15 and 8:35. I'm remembering the cold legs, the frozen cheeks, and the frost on my eyelashes. I am looking at the clock which tells me it's time to start again, and I'm wondering, Why am I doing this?
I could just grab my keys and get in the van and drive the boys to school. Then we wouldn't need to leave until about 8:23. And if I went out and started the van early, we could even have a warm ride.
Yeah. I could do that.

So, why am I doing this?

Why do I walk my boys to school every morning and go back every afternoon to pick them up - in this freezing cold weather? Am I out of my mind?
Don't answer that! *grin*

I'll tell you why.
*Because Matthew always holds my hand when we walk to and from school. Always.
*Because I get to observe my sons talking to each other about teachers and activities and interests. For ten minutes (most mornings and afternoons) they aren't fighting with each other, and I cherish those moments.
*Because I get to participate in the conversation, too.
*Because every morning when we get to the play ground by the school both of my boys give me hugs and tell me they love me.
*Because the other day after school I got to listen to Joshua tell me that he sits behind a girl who is friends with a girl that Joshua's friend "like-likes." And Joshua told this girl that his friend like-likes her friend. And now that girl is going to tell her friend about Joshua's friend.
And I laughed inside because I remember being a fifth-grader, too.
*Because none of these things happen when we're in the van for two minutes - me in front, and the boys in back.
*And because I am following the stories of a couple boys on Caring Bridge who are sick with cancer. I know their parents would give anything to have their sons healthy and able to walk to school - even when it's really cold outside.

So we're all bundling up - I've got my long underwear on today! - and we're heading out the door for a ten minute walk to school.
I'll hold Matthew's hand.
When the wind blows hard in my face I'll probably get a little teary and then the frost will form on my eyelashes.
The boys will complain about their art teacher taking too much time "reviewing" and not giving them enough time to work on their project.
We'll run down the hill to enjoy the effects of gravity.
And by the time we make it to school, we'll probably be talking about watching the guys on Myth Busters blowing things up.
Joshua will hug me and we'll say our I love yous. Matthew will probably linger for a longer hug, and for a moment I'll forget about how cold I am.
Then I'll walk back home with a smile *frozen* on my face, as I think about what a blessed mom I am. And I'll thank God for my warm house as soon as I open the door!

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Last November or December I did tell the boys I would be willing to drive them to school when the weather got really cold, if they wanted me to. But both of them insisted they would rather walk. I love that they enjoy our walks to school, and I pray they will remember these times fondly in the years to come.
Do you have a special thing you do (or did) with your children that other people may think is crazy? I'd love to hear about it!