Snow, Snow and MORE Snow!

This has been a CRAZY winter. We have been 65 degrees one day and three days later we are at -2 degrees. We have had rain and then the next day snow. This week was no exception. Last week on Monday and Tuesday it was in the 40's. On Thursday we got 8 inches of snow. The weekend was fine, but come Tuesday night into Wednesday we got 14 inches! This was not a light fluffy snow.....it was the heavy wet stuff. The snow was coming so fast that my office actually closed at 12:30. That might not sound like a big deal to some of our family and friends down south, but around here nothing closes because of the snow. The kids get out of school on occassion, but not that often. The snow piles are crazy high! But...lest you think I am complaining....I LOVE THE SNOW!! It has been so incredibly beautiful! I cannot even begin to find words to express how beautiful the trees have been. The heavy, wet snow has clung to every single branch and twig of every tree. The bushes look like fluffy white poms. Even the kids have commented on God's amazing creation. I love the verse of scripture that talks about how creation itself declares the reality of God. He is truly AMAZING!

Kermit has been busy with the snow. He has been busy with our yard and with my grandmother's yard. He's such a good guy (but don't tell him I said so!). He really doesn't mind because he gets to play with his toy...the snow thrower. 5.5 horsepower of snow throwin' fun. He even let Jake use it the other day. I could almost hear them grunting Tim Allen style as they cleared the drive with their power toy. It's amazing how fathers and sons can bond over power tools.

Jake has been working hard to get all his work in at school. He is trying not to have any missing work this semester. He is also gearing up to start on his Cycling Merit Badge. This is a biggie that ends with a 50 mile ride in May. We'll keep you updated.

Hannah has been preparing for her first solo & ensemble competition this weekend. I'm sure she will do great. She made honor roll again this semester and is shooting for high honor roll next time. She has been adjusting to her braces and recently got her ears pierced for her birthday.

Lily has been Lily. I took her to the dentist last week. The dentist called me back and started by telling my that Lily was quite a little adult. I asked her what she meant and she explained that while she was checking Lily's mouth that Lily was so good that they told her 'Lily, you are being so good' and Lily responded 'Yes, and I'm smart too!'. Yep...that's Lily! She has started reading a bit lately and tries to sound out every word she sees. She is definitely keeping us on our toes.

Kermit and I just started a new Bible Study with a small group from church. It looks to be pretty challenging, but also rewarding, I'm sure.

I went to my sister's house in North Carolina a few weeks ago. It was her baby shower so me, my mom and my grandmother flew out to surprise her. She was definitely surprised. It was great to see her and I can't wait for her to deliver her newest little one. When the baby arrives, she will have an 18 year old, a 7 year old and a newborn. YIKES!

Oh...we also joined the YMCA so that we could have more activities to do as a family. The kids have enjoyed going to the pool and Jake and Kermit are enjoying the weight room. It has been a lot of fun.

Closing for now...I'll try not to wait another month to post!