damage

It feels like we're still finding new damage by the day. One day it was our front door--warped on the top so that it doesn't smoothly open anymore.

Then it was some water stains on a ceiling. And some damaged plants.

Today it was our driveway. We have what looks like some kind of sinkhole or something--a definite depression where it used to be solid. When you walk on it, it feels spongy. Now I'm no expert on asphalt, but this can't be good.

Our Allstate agent comes on March 2nd. What more will we find before then?

end

Well, the end is in sight. School will reopen (I love the way they're phrasing this) tomorrow and Friday with 2-hour delays. The roads are still pretty icy. They're passable though.

Now that I can see this coming to an end, I'm a little sad. It has been really fun to have the extra family time. We've enjoyed many days of movies and treats and sleeping in. Not exactly what we had planned for the month, but enjoyable nonetheless.

routine

I'm going to pull a Marci here...

Dear Routine,

I really miss you. I didn't know how good I had it when you were with me. I loved our daily walks to the bus in the mornings, our trips to the gym, our leisurely grocery shopping.

I didn't mind the chauffeuring of children to dance, art, basketball and school. I was even learning to enjoy the time while James was at class. Consistent laundry days and normal amounts of dishes didn't bother me when you were around.

We had a good thing going, you and me.

Life without you has been difficult. I'm now realizing how much I counted on you to get me through the week. I've really taken you for granted and want you to know I would welcome you back. I need you in my life again.

Yours,
Valerie

icicles

I used to think that icicles were beautiful...

Now I see them as a sign of danger. I've learned this week that if your home has icicles, it can mean that your attic isn't properly ventilated. It can mean that your roof is warmer than it should be. It can mean that the snow/ice will melt and refreeze over your gutters. It can mean you will have leaks from your master bedroom all the way down through the wall in your family room. It can mean you are DEFINITELY ripping off that ugly paneling and putting up sheet rock when the water all dries out.

And hopefully it can mean that our homeowner's insurance will be paying for our family room redo...

hysteria

I think I'm losing my mind.

James and I were online looking for a "roof rake" for our ice dam problem (or is that damn ice problem? :), when we spotted this gem.
I just about peed my pants laughing so hard.
Am I crazy or do you think this picture is as hysterical as I do?
Maybe it just hits too close to home...

Regardless, I know what I'm getting James for Christmas next year.
I can't wait to see him out there in the snow with this.
I wonder if XM radio and cupholders are sold separately.

blizzard

This about says it all...27".

ready!

This morning school was canceled again. The kids only went one day out of the 5 this week, and even then it was a 2-hour delay. Today we're gearing up for some REAL snow--they're saying somewhere around 2 feet. So, yesterday was spent running around to buy batteries, groceries and a few other necessities. And today we're inside baking corn muffins and making pasta salad. A few comfort foods for a weekend in the house. I still have chocolate chip cookies and Belen's Taco Soup to make, and then we're ready for anything! Wish us luck!

{This is the pasta salad we make for every swim meet in the summer. Every Saturday we'd come with this container of salad and another full of strawberries. Good times.}

lost library book

I just have to post this to remember it.

A few weeks ago Seth got a letter from the library. He was so excited to receive mail, and then quickly realized what this was--a notice that he would have to pay replacement costs for a library book that he checked out months ago and still could not find. He immediately went up to his room and searched and searched for the book, then came downstairs in tears. I assured him I would help look for the book over the weekend. That night, Rachel started violently throwing up and the rest of the weekend was spent cleaning up and taking care of her--no time for finding the missing book.

When Sunday came James stayed home with her and I took the other kids to church. Seth was sitting next to me in Sacrament Meeting. When it came time for the sacrament, the bread was passed and Seth turned to me and said, "Mom, I guess I shouldn't take the sacrament today." I gave him a quick, questioning look and he reminded me, "My library book."

I don't want to forget this sweet boy at age 8, internalizing the principles of the gospel.