What do you do when...?

What do you do when your DH is gone on a business trip and you have a major winter storm?

Now, mind you, this storm could have been much worse.  They were predicting much worse, and just south of us they received 19 inches of heavy wet snow.  I'd guess we got 6 - 8 inches of heavy wet snow, with lots of east wind.

It seems crazy since we've had such a nasty winter, but TODAY was our first snow day!  So many of our storms this year have landed on weekends.  I was happy to have my kids home today.  Nice.

So, what would you do?

• First, you would enjoy the morning in the house in ignorance.  Then, after you were nourished from lunch and a quick nap, you would go out to assess the situation.

• And, right away, you would thank your husband in your heart because before he left on his trip the other day, he took two extra hours out of his work day to run for parts and repair the broken down snowblower...

• Next, you would decide the snowblower is your friend.  I've used it before and never really embraced it.  But, this time it was my friend.  We were a team as we blew out a 2 foot deep, 20 foot long drift.  It was plugging our driveway, and there's no way we could have gotten out (I guess with the snowmobile, maybe!)  So, here is a picture of my friend! 

• As you were running the snowblower, you would be thankful for your blog, because it gave you something to think about....  How would you share this?  What pictures would you take?

• Then you would gratefully hand your friend over to my very capable son while you took a quick break.  Boys love this kind of stuff.  He did a great job!

• Next, you would take a moment to snap a picture of your crazy dog, because she can make anything seem like a barrel of fun!

• Then you would ponder over your fortune of having a four-wheel drive vehicle in your garage to help in situations like this.  After 12 years in the country, it's about time we did this!  Sure, gas is expensive, but there are times when it's worth it.

• And then you stop to take a picture of the kids enjoying their snow day.  The sun is shining and the snow is perfect for packing!  (And you include the funny new hair-do on the house in your picture of the kids.)

• Then you do a little more snowblowing and a little more shoveling, and you make the decision that "That's enough."  (And you decide to take 2 advil with supper tonight.)  Even though the work's not all done, it's enough for now.

• So then you go in for a little snack and come back outside to sit in a camp chair and soak up some of that good March sunshine while you watch Evan build sandcastles... Oops.  I mean, a snow fort.  But, you can dream they are sandcastles if you want!



• And you'd give thanks that you can breath the pure fresh air.  That the earth is solid under your feet and that there are no earthquakes or tsunamis here today.  And you'd look forward to your DH coming home to join you.  And you'd be thankful, SO thankful!  that it's March.  The sun is shining brightly, and there is hope for better weather coming....

That's what you'd do if you were me today.  Happy Spring!

Matching Dresses

We finished Lana's dress in February, and while we wanted to share a post of her among a spring garden of posies, this will have to do for now!  We had lots of fun sewing this dress.  I think I mentioned in another post that I haven't sewn for Lana before, so this was a first for me.  I loved it, and she loved it!  We'll do this again!

Twirling...

So...  now we just need some spring weather so she can wear it!

Grandpa Time

We loved having Dad here for a few days last week!  The kids didn't have school that Friday, so they got to spend an extra day with him.  As always happens when Grandpa comes, the time went by way too fast!

I guess tree houses work in the winter time too!

Memory Lane Monday... Then and Now, Our Son

Evan was a TINY baby!  He was born 7 1/2 weeks early and had a few complications.  Those first few months weren't easy.  Then at about 4 months old, he turned into the world's best baby and we started to enjoy parenthood!

This picture is almost crazy,  he was SO TINY! 

So, that was then.  This is NOW!

 We're the same size! 

And here's a picture down to our socks to prove it!

We're so thankful for a big healthy boy! 

We love you, Evan.

The Eyes

I've been doing the Joy of Love photography workshop through email (very casually...) and one of the assignments was to take a picture of your loved one's eyes.  Here are some of the results.  I have the best light for photography when I'm home alone during the day, so my pets are the object of many of my photos!  Evan and Lana are usually home in a few hours of light, but I don't have many pictures of Rob in natural light, which is what this class recommends. 

Miss Lana

Miss Mattie

Miss Ritzie

And then there's this one... It wasn't really meant to be a picture of his eyes, but Evan was being goofy, and I thought you'd enjoy it!  :)

Mr. Blue Fun Dip :)

Sweet Bundle of Purity

This little one is our new niece.  I must brag just a little... She's named after her Mama and Daddy's sisters (her Aunties) - Melinda and Aleta.  Isn't that the most clever thing ever!?  The THRILL when Randy told me her name...!  And her middle name is special too - after my dad.  I can't wait to meet this little one. 

We heard on Sunday about babies being born pure.  I love this thought.  

Valentine Memories

I was inspired by Jeannie's and Joellyn's posts today....  Here are a few of our Valentine Memories!

My first Valentine from my husband...  delivered to the high school office :) way back in 1993.

These pictures are from 2002 when Grandma Jean was here for Valentine's Day!  Sweet...

Sending Love to each of our friends and family today!