5 Days is 3 Days too Long

Blue Ribbon!

Let me explain.  There hasn't been school in almost a week.  Last day we had school was last Wednesday.  It's Monday.  No one is in school.  Last Thursday we awoke to a 5:30 AM phone call explaining that unexpected snow overnight had canceled school (we got a total of about 3" of white powdery fluff).  Yay,   we all needed a break and the kids got a day of playing in the "snow".

Bed Head for B Box Workshop

Friday morning, another 6:00 AM phone call -- no school.  There was a chance of more snow Friday right during dismissal time.  It's likely we would have had to have a delay at the start because of the remaining flakes from Thursday.  Another freebee.  Kids still played outside for several hours although we barely got a dusting of snow in the afternoon.

Over the weekend we crammed all the canceled events from Thurs and Friday and also the regularly scheduled activities.  Therefore on Saturday we had 1 basketball game, 1 very quick trip to the gym, several hours at the 4H talent show judging -- all while T was teaching a homebrewing class so I was flying solo.  Sunday we had a children's led church service, 4H talent show family performance, 2 Black Box rehearsals and homework to review since it had been 4 days since anyone had been to school.  (Erin did win a blue ribbon for her song at the talent show though!)

After spending what felt like hours reviewing spelling words and Jamestown SOL facts, homework was finished.  Showers were taken (notice the Bed Heads as part of the workshop Sunday night, Erin had almost a 1/2 can of hairspray in there).  Everyone was tucked in and asleep by 9:30 -- a minor miracle.

Bed Head Girl

Then Monday AM -- 5:50  phone rings again.  2 hour delay because of predicted ice.  Let the kids chill, but don't turn off alarms, let's give them an extra 2 hours to get ready.  Of course, once they realize it's a 2 hour delay they're up and at it, getting dressed faster than ever.  Just as I was getting ready to get the "finish getting ready for school" heat on, the 2nd call came.  NO SCHOOL.  Even Erin was disappointed, and asked if we could have homeschool today.

Painting His Tile

I explained that yes, we could, but we were starting at the gym with PE.  I'll admit it was a little icy on the drive to the gym, so my fury on the school cancelling dimmed with the realization that I wouldn't want kids on the roads in buses in the ice.  Once at the gym, I got a call from a friend and we got together to visit a pottery painting place (Art - check).  

It is now sunny blue skies, and it's supposed to be 60 tomorrow.  Erin is practicing piano (hey we got music in today) and Jeff is messing with the computer (look Computers!).  Methinks we might have school tomorrow.  They'd better not give me any lip about it.

Snow Day

Cute Little Guy In The Snow

Zip Up Your Coat Child!

Last week central VA was predicted to get 6-10" of snow.  We got nary a flake.  Last night I went to bed around 11 and peeked out the window.  The mention of flurries had been in the forecast but nothing major.  Then the phone rang at 5:30 this morning announcing no school.  There was 3" of fresh white powder across the land.  It was quite beautiful.  Of course after being awakened at 5:30 it's hard to fall back asleep, but I'll leave that to my Facebook ranting.



The kids loved their snow day.  It was a super light and airy snow.  Certainly not good for snowballs, but great for sledding.  Both Erin and Jeff spent about 2 hours playing outside in the sub-20 degree weather today.  I bundled them up as best I could, but we still lost at least one hat.  They slid down the hill into the prickers and over the garden.  They explored the stream.  They played in their fort in the woods.

Zooming Head First

Not Quite Sure Yet

Away She Goes

And now at 8:00 PM --- they are exhausted.  YES!!!


Even mom took a few rides down the hill.  Man, I've never noticed how bumpy our ground is.

Basketball Time

Erin has a long list of activities (clearly much too long, but we're having a hard time deciding what to cut for her).  Jeff has been looking for something else for him.  This summer he wanted to play basketball so he signed up for a short Parks and Rec. basketball camp.  He had fun and coach told him he should come back and play this winter.  So here we are with a long list of 9:00 AM Saturday games.  The last 2 weeks were all practice and drills.  Today, Jeff had his first game.

Let's get down to it.  Basketball might not be his game.  His catching skills are definitely iffy, and his shooting is off.  But this kid is having a blast.  He's got 2 good friends from soccer on his team also.  AND, this is his first season so he should really be just learning.

He has really enjoyed the practices.  One of the funniest things last week was watching coach lead all the kids through calisthenics -- a group of 7 year olds doing sit-ups and planks is downright hilarious.  They've worked on all the passes and shooting.  Jeff has a good sense of defense as well as where to be on the court and who's open.  I think this comes from his soccer experience.

Last night he opened up about being nervous about today's game.  It was to be expected, he's never been in a game setting before.  But once he got the jitters out, he played well.  I think through the season he'll only get better and have more and more fun.  Good for him.

One little problem.  Apparently Jeff has volunteered me to organize snacks for the rest of the season.  That boy, what more could he want?

   

2012 in Photos - Pt. 1

Last year I posted a top 10 photos from 2011.  I still like to go back to that post for reminders of our special moments.  This year, I figured I would do it slightly differently.  Each month will be represented by a photo.  Sort of like a picture montage of 2012.  So let's start off.

January

What to do when it's cold outside?  Turn daddy's box into a boat.  

February

We don't get much snow here in the 'ville.  So when we do it's important to take advantage of it ASAP.  We got 1 good morning of sledding in last year.

March

One of the biggest parts of growing up is taking off those training wheels.  Here he is, first day no trainers!

 

April

Talk about growing up.  Who is that beautiful young lady smiling at me with those gorgeous brown eyes?   

May

Still playing on stage together.  Sound of Music was so much fun, and a great way to celebrate birthdays! 

June

It's still important to get out into nature.  We LOVE  being so close to the mountains and some amazing hikes.  This is one that was spur of the moment, but brought us to a gorgeous waterfall on a sunny Sunday morning.