On the Outside. . .

a blizzard was raging!  Even weather.com used the word "blizzard" underneath the picture of snowflakes.  I didn't really get what it meant this morning.  I went out to help Alex shovel and it was rather pleasant.  Adeline stayed in while the other two girls came out to play and make snowmen.  Savannah and Lila enjoyed being covered by the snow we were scooping off the driveway.  I ended up burrying them from the chest down which they thought was really funny.  After a solid hour of shoveling, we were ready to go in but not before Lila got her bike out to ride.  Only my Miss Grace wouldn't be stopped by the snow.

Soon after we came in, the white-out conditions rolled in.   The snow fell heavy and the winds were whipping which pulled Alex outside once again to shovel an additional six inches off the drive again.  By the end of the evening, all of our windows look like this - even without screens in.  I guess that is how one tells they are in a true blizzard.  Wish us luck on the digging out in the morning!!

On the Inside. . .

we were well fed and warm today.  The girls found many activities to engage in while I sat and refereed.  I was surprised at how content they were to hang at home.  I even let them skip their naps because they were playing so nicely, using their manners, and giving me space at times.


Here are some pictures of some rare "doll time" in our house.  The girls love their Bunnies (the name of their dolls) but do not play baby dolls.  I was surprised to see them get everything out and go to town.  While going through the doll clothes, we found a couple of preemie outfits.  Most noteworthy, is the onesie Lila is holding.  Adeline wore it until she SIX months old.  Hard to believe.

Since it was our first blizzard, I felt the need to make our food somewhat special.  For lunch, we had snowflake sandwiches, snowman juice (milk), snowman skewers, and snowman rice cakes.  The girls ate more PB and J than ever before.  I guess the snowflake shape made all the difference.  They were thrilled to decorate their snowmen rice cakes and stuffed themselves until they couldn't take one more bite.

Good Bye My Little Binki Girl

As much as Alex and I have ignored Lila's decision to not use a binki, I think it is our new reality. At first, we doubted her decision and now we are plain surprised by it. I haven't said anything to Lila because I don't want to draw attention to something she is deciding to do very quietly. It has been well over 48 hours since she has not mentioned or used her Binki which makes me think I may never see my sweet girl's face with a binki again. I am thrilled but at the same time sad. Her binki was such a part of her. Lila was always so stubborn about her binkis too. She would only take an ORANGE binki for most of the past year. We had to look high and low to replace them when she would tell us, "It's not working." I guess they all aren't working for her anymore. She is growing up and I celebrate and mourn it at the same time.

The last picture I have of my Lila Grace with her Binki.

For the Record

When asking Miss Grace what Binki she wanted to sleep with tonight, Daddy heard the words, "No binki!"  Yes, we know she is far too old to sleep with a binki but we are slow to gear up for the fight that will most likely accompany its removal.  For now, we just celebrate the fact that she decided to give it up and fall asleep without it for one night.  I have little expectations that it will be repeated tomorrow but it is a step in the right direction.

Why I Love Snow Days

While the blizzard raged outside, we found plenty of activities to keep us busy.  How nice it was to watch my entire family take part in melting crayons into valentines.  I didn't do much of anything besides provide guidance.  There is just something about all five of us partaking in an activity.  Not only is it hard to find the time, it is hard to find an activity that meets all of my children's skill sets.  Daddy cut the wrappers, the twins pulled the wrappers, and Savannah broke the crayons and placed them in the molds.

With the exception of today where crankiness and feeling not so good was abundant, I love snow days. They force you to stop, alter plans, and spend time together as a family. It seems that the world stops which allows me to put my "to do list" on hold. We don't comb our hair, eat real meals, or watch the clock and are typically happier for it. With two and a half feet of snow on the ground, more expected on Wednesday, and temps below freezing for many days ahead, we will look forward to more days like this.

Snow Fun

I ventured out with Lila and Savannah this afternoon.  The winds were gone and the sun setting.  It was rather pleasant.  I couldn't believe how much snow there was.  Almost every neighborhood kid had dug out some sort of snow cave that the girls enjoyed.which was a nice treat for the girls.

Miss Grace couldn't bare parting with the snow so I let her bring some inside. I don't know how she can continue to shovel it into her mouth with out her lips freezing off. She doesn't seem to mind it one bit.

In Case You Were Wondering. . .

Yes, Alex is kicking himself for not asking for a snow blower this Christmas.


(shoveling in our blizzard conditions - with Miss Grace by his side)

No, Lila does not get cold, never wants to come in, and, oddly enough, found a way to "swim" in our deep snow because walking was too hard.


Savannah tried it for awhile and got cold.

Adeline and I looked on from the driveway for two minutes max.

(They enjoyed a snuggly read in the chair while Lila and Daddy dealt with elements)

Yes, I got my wish my wish and then some.  We got dumped on and I love it!!! I hear more is coming on Wednesday too!!