Book Fan

Ryan's sitting on the couch reading the 4th Harry Potter book. He's really into it. He looks up at me and asks, "Mom, who was the guy that invented books. . .because I like him." Then he goes back to reading his book.

I would have to agree. I like him too.

Our Snow Day

I looked out the window today and was surprised to find that it had actually snowed. This was a pretty decent snowfall unlike others we've had. It snows about once year here and even then it's nothing to brag about. But today there was enough snow that I wished that my kids had snow gear. I have a few items I've saved from when we lived in Alaska and I still have my ski pants from oh, 18 years ago. . .while we weren't the most fashionable on the sledding hill we made do and had a really fun day. This hill is in our friend's backyard. Though it doesn't look it, it's a pretty steep hill.Here's Jenna in Kelsey's old coat, hat and gloves. Poor girl had to wear sz. 12 boots when she only wears a 6.Kelsey making snow angels with her friend McKenna.Ryan trudging up the hill.Jenna with her best friends Mason and Taylor.Kate spent most of her time exploring the woods.Eric didn't come outside with us when we were sledding. He was supposed to be taking a nap but didn't. I didn't bring his snow gear with us so he missed his chance flying down the mountain with his momma! He did play outside this morning once I finished shoveling the driveway. You caught that I said shovel and not snow blow right? You don't realize how long your driveway is until you have to shovel it.

That takes me back. Do you remember Traci?

Now that it's snowed I realize how much I miss it. I miss how it brightens up the night. I love getting all decked out and playing in it-sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Someday.

Wishes

Just found out we have another snow day tomorrow. That makes 4. Every night just before bed Ryan reminds me that he doesn't want to go to school. Well, someone seems to be listening to him because I can't remember the last time my kids went a full week. I sure wish I could figure out who's granting his wishes because I have a few of mine own that I'd like to have carried out.

One wish granted

Kate, Ryan and Jenna all went to a friends house today and since Eric was napping Kelsey and I snagged a few minutes of peace. This never happens. Just the two of us in a quiet house not having to meet any one's needs besides our own. So what did we do? I got out the hot chocolate, some conversation heart candy and the backgammon board. We talked, we played and I lost. (just like old times, right Sheila?) But I gained what I've been missing out on and that is time with my daughter. She's growing up so quickly and once she turns 14 in April I'm afraid the time will go even quicker. I don't know what I'd do without her. All my friends when they see her say, "I wish I had a Kelsey!" I'm so lucky I do!
I love you Kelsey! Thank you! Can't wait to do it again!

Thanks Obama!

With President Elect Obama's inauguration just around the corner, air traffic is being minimized into Washington D.C. which means. . . Jason's flight was rerouted and he got to spend the day with us yesterday. YAY!

Jason called late Thursday night asking if I could keep a secret. I thought maybe he knew what our next assignment was. Instead he tells me he's getting ready to board the plane and he's coming home and wants to surprise the kids. He waited until the last minute to tell me because if you know the Air Force, and we do, that means anything can change even at the last minute. Usually he flies into Andrews Air Force base, spends the night, pick up patients and then head back to California. I kind of like this route better.

The next morning was fun. Kelsey walks into my room and Jason yells out, "Kelsey! Don't forget to give me a kiss before you go." from the bed. Kate was up getting ready in her room when Jason walks by. Jason wakes Ryan up from his slumber with, "Ryan, it's time to get up." All their looks were priceless. They were stunned. It was fun watching them try to figure out in their tired minds what was going on. Especially Jenna. But she quickly warmed up to the idea that her daddy was home!

So what do you do when you just have one day together. The kids still went to school because it was a 1/2 day and Jason was tired from flying all night. When the kids got home we played Setters, wrestled, Jason gave the boys haircuts and changed a couple light bulbs, went to Y Night at the YMCA and right before bed watched an episode of Psyche (their new favorite show on DVD). The day went by way too quickly but we we'll take a day to be together any day.

Poison Control # 1-800-222-1222

Why the sad face?

It could have been worse.

Jenna got into the locked cleaning supply cabinet which happened to be unlocked at the moment. She decided she wanted to be a mommy and clean the wood floor grabbing the first cleaner she sees. As she's cleaning she sees a ladybug on Eric's cheek (this is her confession I hear later as I'm driving to the doctor) and decides to help him out by spraying the darn bug. She must have gotten it because I didn't see any bug in sight. It probably disinigrated with the chemicals she used. I didn't know the poison control number but there is a medical emergency number on the back of the cleaner, probably because of it's harsh chemicals. Eric's rubbing his eye and I spend the next 15 or so minutes traumatizing him by pouring water all over his face. End up going to the doctor for a follow-up and Eric has a chemical burn. Nothing they can do for him and hes fine now. Just fortunate it didn't get into his eyes! But he has a nice rosy cheek.
Reminder-lock up your cleaning cabinet. And if it's locked make sure it's really locked.

School's On

It's cold out today. They're predicting -15° with windchill and even colder tonight. My kids spent all their time this morning (instead of getting ready for school) refreshing the news page which lists the school closing for the day hoping school would be cancelled. To their dismay their school's name wasn't on it. They ended up HAVING to go to school. I tell you it was a sad morning listening to their complaints. "Mom, why do we have to go to school? Don't they know it's COLD outside?" These same kids have kind neighbors who DRIVE them to school so the only time their bodies will face the cold is the 30 (probably more like 15 ) second run from the car to the gym door. I must say I AM surprised that school isn't cancelled. This district seems to find many reasons to keep the kids at home.

As they were waiting for their ride I almost gave them the "When I was a kid talk." I grew up in Alaska so I know what cold is. I didn't. BUT if they complain again I'll tell them to bundle up and then I'll remind them of their Oma (my mom). She's a school teacher in Alaska and despite -20° temps these past couple of weeks they still had school and they even went out to recess!!!

I guess the Alaska blood I gave them is running thin.