Snowed In?

It was no surprise to see all the new snow on Wednesday. After all, we do live in Michigan. It's hard to surprise us with any change in the weather. Tomorrow could be balmy. Who knows? So, yesterday was dicey, but it wasn't all the weather's fault. Steve left the house at 5am on his way to MBS. He was headed on a 3 day tour (think Gilligan), starting in Philly. I was a nervous wreck about him leaving. Maybe it's because I don't like him leaving so close to Christmas. Maybe it's because I knew the storm was coming. Whatever the reason, I didn't want him to go this time. I called his cell to make sure he made it safely to the airport, and he was just waiting to board. I couldn't get back to sleep, so I got up and headed out to shovel the driveway. We do have a mammoth snow blower, which I've never learned to use. Besides, the snow was wet and heavy, and it's hard to blow that kind of snow. I had a headache and wasn't feeling great, school had been canceled, so the burden of having to get the girls around was lifted, but oh, shoveling that snow was going to be a bear! It was about 7am when the girls pajamed into the kitchen. I guess their alarms went off. OOPSY. Thought I shut them off. Must have turned them on. :)

Serena was so excited about the snow that she was pulling on her outdoor wear, already planning her snowman. I smiled at her and said, "hey, sweetie, it's pitch black out there. why don't you wait a bit?" She followed me out to the driveway, where we took turns moving that heavy snow out of the way. I was expecting a UPS delivery too, so I had to do the front walk. With my headache and a night of bad sleep, I was feeling pretty rough, but having Serena's cheerful company made my temperament improve. Serena couldn't resist throwing herself down backwards into the snow several times between her turn to shovel. I was surprised she could move any snow at all. It was so wet and heavy. The Christmas lights looked gorgeous and it was absolutely quiet out here in the woods. Two slow cars went by and I said a prayer for both. In the midst of the storm, it was peaceful.

We came back in for hot drinks, and the phone rang. The plane was going to be delayed by several hours. The Philly airport was having some ice issues too. I breathed a sigh of relief and kept praying for the whole trip to cancel. I got my prayer answered about an hour later, when they decided to postpone the whole trip. So, after I could finally relax, I made a big pot of chili and put some finishing touches on my decorating. Natalie couldn't wait to get out and build a special snowman on the deck for me to see from the kitchen. Isn't she clever??

This is Nat's way of saying, "hey, mom, could you bake us some cookies??"
Sunglasses, tanning lotion and a lei make this snowman feel warm all over. We're not sure why they're faceless. Must be a new snowman trend the girls are setting!

Just one of the many white pines that line our driveway. It was a gorgeous walk to the mailbox! I took my camera with me and snapped a bunch. I had to dodge the snow sliding off the heavy branches. As it slid off and plopped all around me, I thought what a great sense of humor God really has. I did get tunked a few times!

Not only was I worried about Steve traveling, but I knew if the snow plow went by too many times, my driveway entrance would be blocked, and my snow plow guy had left. I knew the power could go out, and even with a trusty generator, that puts me over the edge! It all worked out and my worries were for nothing. Steve got home, plowed the driveway, ate the chili and tucked the girls into bed. I have a new appreciation for single moms, widows, and families with dad in the services. I am so blessed to have my hubby!

Thank God for answered prayers!!