When I woke up this morning, I looked outside and saw big, white piles of snow all over the trees. Everything was so still, the world looked like a winter wonderland. I felt the excitement bubbling inside me as I ran to the window.

"Mommy, can I play outside today?" I asked. The snow looked so soft, like it was just waiting for me to play in it.

Mommy looked at me with a soft but firm expression. "James," she said, "it’s too cold to play outside today."

I frowned, feeling disappointed. I had imagined running around in the snow, throwing my ball high into the air and watching it fall softly into the snow.

"But Mommy, I really want to go play with my ball outside," I said, trying to make my case.

Mommy shook her head gently. 

"You may not play outside because it is far too cold."

"James, please brush your teeth and make your bed. Then come have breakfast," Mommy said, her voice gentle but firm.

I groaned a little, but I knew she was right. 

"What are we having, Mommy?" I asked, my voice full of hope, especially as I imagined the warm, fluffy pancakes I loved so much.

Mommy smiled, and I could see a little twinkle in her eye. "You'll just have to wait and see," she said, turning to get the plates ready.

YAY!!!

After I finished breakfast, I cleaned up my plate and put it in the sink.

"Good job cleaning up," Mommy said, giving me a big smile. Then Mommy looked at me with a serious expression. 

"I'm going to work today, James, and you will have a babysitter." 

"Rebecca will babysit you until I'm done with work at 5:00 PM," Mommy explained. I nodded. Rebecca was nice and always had fun ideas for us to do together.

Mommy continued, "While Rebecca is babysitting, you may NOT..."

I sat up straighter, wondering what the "NOT" would be.

"You may NOT play with your ball, outside or inside the house," Mommy said, her tone serious.

I felt a little disappointed, but I nodded. "Do you understand, James?" Mommy asked, looking me in the eyes.

"Yes, Mommy," I said.

Mommy sighed and gave me a final reminder. "If Rebecca tells me you played with your ball today or went outside, you will be in trouble." I gulped. I didn’t want to be in trouble!

Mommy gave me a quick hug. "I know you can follow the rules. I’ll see you tonight, okay?"

"Okay, Mommy," I said, my mind already starting to think of other things to do.

After Mommy left for work, Rebecca started making ham sandwiches for lunch in the kitchen.

I watched her for a moment, then decided to sneak off to the den. 

The ball was just sitting there, so tempting, and I really wanted to play.