Progression of a Snow Day

So yes, we are having another snow day today. And by now I am ok with it. This week I've gone from hating my kids (not really, but kind of) to tolerating them, to having fun with them, to today, when I've been ignoring them. We've had the most 'weather' today. The school district finally gave in and called a full snow day; also the university closed, which sources tell me has only happened 2 other times in the last 30 years. Once for a flood and once when Mt. St Helen's erupted. Not that Rob is home with us. Classes may be canceled but the work of a grad student stops for no man!
Anyway, here are some pictures of our deck, showing the accumulation we've had today alone. The first is how our deck looked yesterday, the rest are from this morning.




The snow has stopped now and as it is above freezing the great melt has already started.

This day has not all been about the snow, however. I've been obsessing about getting a treadmill for months and this morning I finally bit the bullet and bought one! I think I got a pretty good deal, but as I essentially know nothing about treadmills I can't be sure. I called my friend Collette before I took the plunge to get some advise as she is more experience then I in such matters in as much as she already owns a treadmill. It was encouraging to talk to someone who was encouraging to me about my fitness goals. Thanks Collette! Anyway, it cost a bit more then I would have liked (though cheap for a treadmill; who knew they were so much!) especially considering we would like to be the proud owners of a minivan (Toyota Sienna to be exact) within the next 4-5 months or so. I justify my big spending by counting on the Federal Economic Stimulus Package  which may be coming our way in May or June and would put $1600 into our pockets.  Now I should admit here that I don't really think this stimulus plan is all that good of an idea. Borrowing money from China and giving it to people who most likely will, lets be honest, spend it on goods imported from China and whose economy are we trying to stimulate again? However, I wont be turning my check away if it does come. And anyway, I have it on good authority that the Sienna is actually made in America, or at least North America (since Rob's half Canadian we feel loyal to them as well) so I at least will be able to sleep at night. Or something like that. 

I knew it!

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern. A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock. A unique soul like you needs a city that offers everything. No wonder you and London will get along so well.

What City Do You Belong In?

ANOTHER ONE

oh when will it ever end?!

So we're having a snow day. ANOTHER snow day. As in, we had a snow day yesterday and we're having ANOTHER today. Because Sam only goes in the morning, whenever the school district starts late because of snow he just doesn't have school. That's what happened yesterday. Today, the bus drivers didn't get the chains on the tires and so couldn't maneuver through the snow. So school was open, but nobody could get to it. At least no one without 4 wheel drive and chains. As we fall into this category, we had a snow day. ANOTHER snow day.
However, we are endeavoring to make the best of things. I got out the crayons and stickers, plus some school workbooks for Sam, and we had a nice hour (translate QUIET hour) being creative. Here are some pictures of what we did. The Pooh is mine. I had forgotten how soothing it is to just sit and color with crayons. So we had a nice time. But if there is ANOTHER snow day tomorrow...

Beloved Prophet

In this day of instant news, we heard of President Hinckley's scarcely an hour after it happened. I doubt anyone can claim to be shocked...after all, how many people make it to 97, especially with his level of energy! But a gentle sadness has been with me since I heard. He has been the Prophet of my adult life...really ever since I truly knew what it meant to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is his voice I hear when I think of the words of the prophets. It is difficult to conceive of the church without him. Difficult, but not impossible. 

I've been reading online many of the thousands of statements of love and appreciation people from all around the world have posted. The tears are flowing freely, though I'm trying to hide them because the kids get really nervous when they see me cry. My first reaction when I heard he passed away was to think how happy he must be to be with his dear Marjorie again. Its astonishing to read how many other people feel the same way. Almost everything I read mentioned it. I will always love and honor this great man. Though I never met him in person, I know that if I had I would have felt his love and acceptance of me. I will miss his voice and personality, his ready wit and gentle guidance. 

However, the sorrow is mixed with a firm belief that President Monson will take up the reigns and lead the church as ably as President Hinckley did. This church is true, lead by Christ Himself and will continue no matter who is its leader here on earth. 

return and report

I feel I should follow up on my last blog and let you know that Monday was NOT a depressing day by any means. We spent the morning at Costco; also spent too much money at Costo, as usual. We then swung by the mall looking for a bathrobe for me. Old Navy was having their winter closeout sale and we made some screamin deals on shirts for the kids and found a very snuggly pink robe for me. All in all, a most satisfactory day. Hope yours was as well. (Happy late Russell!)

A slump

I just read an article on CNN.com about a researcher at Cardiff University who has theorized that January 21st will be the most depressing day of the year. He sites many factors such as post-holiday consumer debt, weather, and broken New Year's resolutions and has come up with a formula that calculates that tomorrow will be 'Blue's Monday'. There's something to look forward to. Not that I really believe this guy, but if tomorrow does turn out to be my most depressing of 2008, at least it'll be over and I'll have the rest of the year enjoy. However, we're going to Costco tomorrow, which is always a fun outing, so chances of melancholy are slim.

What would you do for $200?

So I was listening to NPR yesterday while I was making my bed; specifically I was listening to the program Talk of the Nation in which they were discussing how economic incentives can help people in fulfilling a goal such as stopping smoking or weight loss. Suddenly I realized that this was the answer for me. I've always weighed more then I should and although I have lost around 30 pounds since Grace was born for the last year I've stayed at pretty much the same weight. Until, of course, this past holiday season when I put on 5 pounds. Anyway, I decided that Rob and I would have a little contest. Nothing like competition to spice things up. So here's our deal. The first person to lose 15 pounds gets $200 to spend on whatever they like. Originally I was thinking in the realm of $4-500 because I thought if I could entice Rob with an iphone he'd be much more likely to agree. However, prudent man that he is, (funny, its usually me being prudent) Rob suggested that we pick a more reasonable amount. As in one we could actually afford. Also, Rob requested that we have no 'loser' but rather a 2nd place finisher. We haven't decided what the 2nd place prize will be yet. Rob's suggestion which is under consideration is that the non-winner divide 200 by the number of pounds left to the goal and have that be their prize. Anyway, there's my project for the next few months. We picked 15 pounds because that's how much Rob wants to lose. My ultimate goal will be about double that. I'll have to think up something really lovely for myself to get the last 15 off. But for the time being, I'm excited to beat the pants off Rob. Wish me luck!

Memories

I made the mistake of pulling out some old boxes and going through them to see what was there. They were full of old memorabilia from my high school and college days and just now, hours later, have I repacked and put them away. I did find some useful things to keep out that I had forgotten I had. Of course, chances are they will be put away again next time I'm in the cleaning up and clearing away mood. Anyway, here are some pictures of the things I found. I can't remember the significance of some of the things (like the pot of fake sunflowers) and why I felt like I needed to keep them. However, they are all small and easy to pack up so I'm sure they'll be around a fews years from now when I feel the urge to look back and remember those good ol' times. 

These first two pictures will have things in them that some of you might recognize. At least those of you who have ever lived with me.

Colette, you might remember that little fox that Brandon gave to me how many years ago now? Hopefully by now you've forgiven me for going on a date with the boy you liked! 

My family and cousins might recognize this little plate. When Rob and I were married we had no furniture so my parents kindly gave us some chairs to sit on. One of the chairs was actually a chair from Grandma Vy's house that she had given to my mom. Anyway, one day I was cleaning out under the cushions and found this little plate. If I remember, there was a whole tea set that we used to play with all the time at Grandma's house. 

Sam, Upon Waking from his Nap

"Mom, I'm really hungry."

Me: (reading my book) Hmm?...oh, just a minute.

Sam: (sigh) ok

few minutes later

Sam: Mom, I'm really hungry. Can you get me a snack?

Me: (still reading) later sweetie

few minutes later

Sam: (wailingly and loud) Mom, I don't want to STARVE!

Famous...Again!

The male half of the Packer family is certainly getting their faces out into the community. People living in Pullman will be enticed to sign their children up for swimming lessons with this picture in the Parks and Recreation catalogue (scroll down to page 29)

Any Year that Starts with a Day at the Beach has Gotta be a Good One!