Snow? or Snow!

I've been thinking about snow lately. I guess that is what happens when it keeps falling and you keep shoveling. Winter was once my very favorite time of the year. But, as I have gotten older I've come to recognize the pitfalls of snow. Shoveling everyday is not fun. However, shoveling that first snow of the year, when you only need a coat and a light mittens, and the smell of the neighbors wood burning stove is lingering in the air, can be priceless. Even in January, when there's been snow on the ground for two months, i can enjoy shoveling if the snow is big and fluffy. Shoveling when it is 5 below zero is not fun!

Our dog loves snow. He's so big and furry that the snow clings to him and probably cools him down to just the right temperature, the only time all year. My kids love to play outside with him. I love to watch them from the window. But, the snow balls and ice that come inside with them is a big pain as it melts.

Christmas without snow doesn't seem right. All the best Christmas cards show snow. So how do you have Christmas without it? But, I can't get my shopping done because the snow just keeps falling. How do you have Christmas without a little shopping?

Snow. Should I take it or leave it?

They Just Keep Growing!

Despite my efforts to keep my children small, they just keep growing. I really don't feel like I should have children this old. In fact, my current age, as calculated on one of those "what is your real age" websites, is really only 14. So, how could I have a child older than me?
I have begun to feel old lately - at least mentally. My students at school are now calling me "Grandma," by mistake I'm sure. I remember doing that to my teachers but they were old. I remember one teacher that was at least 90 when I had her. I saw her about two months ago, in the store - not the obituaries, and she is still driving on her own. How can that be?
Our son, Collin, just recently got his drivers license. If I didn't feel old before, I do now. And not only do I feel it, I look it. Do you know how many gray hairs you get when your son takes the car to early morning jazz band practice when there is snow on the road? I probably should start coloring. That's why my students are calling me old.
Our daughter, McKenna, just attended her first "fancy" dress dance. She's in 7th grade. We had to buy the dress and everything. She even took her hair out of the ever present ponytail for the occasion. That's another reason I feel older - dress shopping with a girl who only likes basketball shorts and skate shoes. Bring on another bottle of color. I need it!

My Handsome Men

I couldn't pass up posting the pic of my two guys. They looked so darn nice, I wanted to make sure it was etched in my memory and somewhere else so I can remember it when my mind begins to go. I sure do enjoy them both. I also wanted to remember that on Nov. 16 we still didn't have snow! Hip Hip Hooray!!

A Historic Week

I was grateful this week to be able, once again, to freely cast my vote in a political election. In our little town there wasn't much to vote for - just one contested race - sheriff. What was amazing about this race is that in our area there were many people who let their voice be heard by filling in the dot or by writing in their candidate's name. The write in candidate took 2nd place of the three running. We thought that was pretty cool.

I was also honored to be able to watch the results of the presidential race come in. When it became clear that John McCain had lost, I cringed at the thought of the suits that could be filed, the recounts that may have to be done, and the process of more political drama. But, when he came out and gave his concession speech, I realized this wouldn't be anything like the dirt slinging disasters of past recent elections. He was gracious, respectable, and full of class.

The acceptance speech of Barack Obama was much the same. It was wonderful to be part of history as the first black president for the United States accepted the the win. I admit I became a bit emotional. He was also gracious, respectable, and full of class. I imagine I was feeling the way many people felt when they watched man land on the moon.

What hasn't been so classy are the responses of people in our community who have said things like, "I'd like to assassinate Obama." "Obama and his terrorists are destroying the world." Or "Whoever voted for Obama should be lynched." I don't believe it matters who you voted for. Once the election is over, we should put aside our differences and come together to help better the great country that we have been given.

Anyway, it was a historic week and I was just glad to be there for the ride.

Halloween

Halloween is the strangest holiday on record. I went to school today where the students were able to dress up in costume. If Halloween alone isn't chaotic enough, you should let 420 students dress up and then try to teach them. I knew I'd be throwing the plans out the window when a four-foot tall chicken walked in and tried to fit into his small chair. Everytime I looked at him I burst into a grin and had to giggle right out loud. Several teachers, staff, tutors, and parents had to pop in just to see what the chicken looked like. I must admit I was kind of grateful when the whirring of the fan, which kept the suit inflated, began to die.

Now, I sit by the front door waiting for children in crazy costumes to come by and beg for candy of which they already have had plenty. My daughters counted their wares out (that's their math assignment). They have enough to last through Valentine's when they will receive just enough to last to Easter.

Weird.

Getting Younger Every Minute

So, my friend invited me to join Facebook a few weeks back. I really didn't know much about it but have learned a little since then. What I have discovered is that it is mostly a place for people who are young and have a life - not a nearly middle aged, soccer-mom with too many jobs. Most of the applications on there I don't know how to run nor would I understand. I did chat with a "friend" once and was feeling younger with every keystroke until I realized I actually didn't know how to end the conversation. I would still be typing away if it wasn't for my "friend" keying in "TTFN" which meant "tah, tah for now." I knew that was then end of our conversation because I have watched Winnie the Pooh many times.

I've always wanted to learn a second language and have heard that can make you feel younger. Lucky for me my dear children are helping. I don't know what you actually call this language but it is new and foreign. I've learned that when I ask, "Who left the empty Twinkie box in the pantry?" a response of "IDK" means "we're not listening and wouldn't tell you anyway" or "I don't know." A question of "With whom are you going to the game?" will always get a response of, "MBFF" which translated means "anyone but my weird and embarassing parents." I'm feeling younger every time I converse with my children.

Anytime I am successful in learning something on the computer I feel younger and less like I am being left behind in this world of technology. I changed the background on my blog. I think I could even do it again. I'm not going to push it however, because right now I'm feeling like a kid in a candy store.

The Grass is Always Greener

I love where I live - until I visit someplace that seems, for the moment, to be better. The girls and I spent a couple days in Utah visiting Grandma and Grandpa. We had a blast but I noticed some unfair things. They still have green grass - and it is still growing. They have flowers that are still blooming and look nice. Their leaves are on the trees - not in the neighbor's yard. Utah has four seasons. It just didn't seem right.

Then I think about the things I don't like about Utah. Utahns have to deal with "Utah drivers". They have bad air during the winter. The wind blows constantly here so there is no chance of smog to build up. Utah drivers. They have commuting problems. I know our local radio station tried for awhile to make the commute an issue. After about of 6 months of not having any traffic congestion problems, they grounded the helicopter and haven't brought it up again. Have I mentioned Utah drivers? Oh yeah, one more very important thing. We have potato harvest vacation.

It doesn't take too long to remind myself why I love being here.