S(no)w More!!!!

The snow started yesterday afternoon. Bob Ryan, our trusty News 4 weather guy called the upcoming storm a Meteorological Bomb. Words I have never heard spoken. People went nuts at the grocery store, gas station, etc., in preparation. John made a late night dash last night to get some propane (so we could use the grill in case we lost power) at Sears and found a long line of people waiting for the delivery truck of snow blowers that people had ordered online and were picking up at the store. Every where you went on Friday, the frenzy was on. Schools were closed in anticipation of the storm...the fifth snow day of this school year. That means two days to make up so far. By the time we went to bed last night, 7 inches of snow was on the ground. The storm picked up over night and we got up to 2 inches an hour, hence (that's for you, Suzette) we had about 18 inches when I got up in a freezing cold house. We had lost power over night, about 2 or 3 am, and the house was already 58 degrees. The trees and bushes are screaming in pain from the weight of the snow that has made them bend in every which way. We have a pine tree that has completely fallen on our pool deck. We're hoping it doesn't do any damage. John made a fire and we used wrought iron pans on the fire to make some interesting looking scrambled eggs, and some burnt, buttered shredded wheat. I even got some boiling water so that I could make some coffee in my French Press. I felt so colonial....or something. When I went out to attempt to clear the driveway. It was hard to know where to start. The snow was/is ridiculously deep. I got help eventually and John and I cleared most of it. The snow was still coming down and it felt like a lost cause. Looking out the window became a favorite time waster. I will post a picture of the Cooper's Hawk hanging out on this tree that we watched for quite awhile. The power came on for about an hour, if that. Jen and Ry got a Wii game or two in, John took a shower (lucky!) and I almost got my wet snow clothes in the dryer. Then it went out again. For three hours, we prayed for the power to return. I fixed PB and J sandwiches, and John and I had a beer. Divine vittels. The power returned at 3:30 and now we are in this "hurry up and fix hot food, and watch t.v. and use electricity as fast as we can mode." The homemade pizza is almost ready, and I can't wait to eat it. It looks like a good 24 inches out there, now that the snow has finally let up. Heaven knows how much longer the power will stay on, or when school will be back in session. For now I just want pizza and a G & T.

My little friends were back

We are not lacking in snow this year. We got another 4 inches last night. The snow was wetter and really piled up on all the branches of the trees and everything else. It was beautiful to look at. This

tree is the one I took a photo of a few days ago with cardinals on it, but it looked so much prettier today.

The schools were closed, and we were forced to entertain ourselves once again with more Wii, more valentine making, card games, and a much needed trip out of the house to the library. A bigger storm is said to be on it's way. I had better get creative, we may be hunkered down for awhile!

Day 4 of a LONG weekend

Both kids were off for the past four days, Friday-Monday, for the traditional January Teacher Workdays. When the FCPS (Fairfax County Public Schools) are out, the preschool follows suit. These days it is always a challenge keeping two children entertained and out of each other's hair. They are at a stage, or age, or both, where referreeing is my #1 job of the day. So...this is what we did:

• Finally visited the Fractured Prune Donut Shop (nothing like homemade donuts to order like O.C Sand, Pebble Beach, and Carnival--to get your sugar high rollin')
• Went to Eggspectation for breakfast
• Went bowling
• Played some board games
• Hibernated from the cold, then played in the snow
• Practiced multiplication times tables
• Made homemade valentines.....yes, we are getting started already because it takes awhile with two kids
• Had a playdate with a longtime friend and fellow soccer player of Jensyn's
• Went to lunch at Red Robin......Ry seems to really like that place---don't know which is more appealing, the balloons or the milkshakes
• Bought and played more Wii games
• Played cards---it's becoming more fun now that Ry can play and participate with understanding

I am now enjoying some down time and making a To Do List for the week. We've got two more storms and possible snow accumulation again so I had better plan ahead!

Sunday Snow

These smiles are priceless!

Having a great time on a new sled type thing. It's more like a sheet of flat, slippery plastic. It moved very quickly on the powdery snow.






Tasting the snowflakes over and over again!

The sunshine made a big difference. Despite the sub-freezing temperatures, it felt warm and bright. The kids enjoyed themselves sledding and digging tunnels in the mound of snow left by the street plows. It was just enough snow to beautify the landscape and to provide some fun for the weekend.

A Virginia Postcard

We got hit again with snow...four inches this time. The temperature was in the teens today so going out to play in the snow seemed like a slightly miserable experience. It would take longer to put on all the snow gear, than the time we would be spending outside. I'm not at the comfort level yet where I can bundle up my kids and send them out the door to go sledding for the afternoon. I need to be out with them to make sure they are safe and sound. The thought of shoveling the driveway was not appealing either and that's the only thing that keeps the blood flowing in us grown-ups. My snowy view looking out included these lovely cardinals, the Virginia state bird, as they congregated on a tree near the bird feeder. I counted 16 at one time. It was quite a showing.....a peep show. Ha ha. Look how puffed up their feathers are. I think they are cold too.
Besides some boring household chores, Jen and Ry watched Underdog, the movie. We had some hot chocolate, baked chocolate chip cookies played the Wii and played Princess Monopoly. Tomorrow I will brave the elements and venture outside for some winter fun. It will be spring soon enough.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Happy Birthday to my Dad! He's 69 today and really doesn't seem any older than when I was a kid. He is finally retired from a very successful career in the Navy and beyond. He spends much of his time boating on the Chesapeake Bay with my mom, and is involved in the Baltimore Yacht Club where he and my mom have been members for many years. I have the privilege of still living close to my parents so that I see them as often as possible. I've enjoyed spending time with them over the years as I have started my own family.
I appreciate you, Dad, for all that you have done for us over the years. Although you were away a lot when I was young, there was nothing prouder for me than the days you and your squadron would fly over the military base as you came home from a long deployment. I thought you were important, and cool and well respected. You have continued to give me what I need through the years and be there when I needed you. You have taught me to be independent, and given me the tools to be a responsible adult. Thanks for being available in heart and home when times have been tough. Thanks for everything from letting me move back in to your house to get a fresh start in life and in my career, for lending support in buying yet another car, and for the little things like babysitting my kids or attending dance recitals and soccer games.
I'm thankful for you, and this birthday. I love you!

Resolutions and Round Tuits

Since I've heard countless times that something like 80-90% of resolutions are not kept, I'm not making any. However, I do want to set some goals for the year. If nothing else, by writing them down, won't I feel more accountable?? I'm starting small. Very, very small, so that I can actually feel like I've accomplished something, when I do meet these goals. They are:
-Make a digital scrapbook (being traditional is just not cutting it with my way of life these days, digital seems more do-able.)
-Go to the gym twice a week (twice a week seems lame, but if I actually get there two days a week, I'll be golden)
-Use my new Wii Fit twice a week. I'm very curious to see how it helps my balance, among other things.
I'm going to stop there. Again, if I meet these goals, I'll move on.
Other things I want/need to do: take a class for my teacher recertification, work a paying job to help contribute to some sort of household funds, clean and organize (don't know where to start!!).
Get back on the "Fly Lady" wagon.

In other news,
I was glad school started again. Or, so I thought. The first two days were tears, "I hate school, I hate homework, school is stupid," kind of comments. My daughter is way too young to be giving the drama about such things. However, she's acted this way since she was about 3. Can't wait for the teen years. NOT!!