Winter storm

I've lived in Oregon almost all of my life and don't ever remember having a storm like this. Yesterday we had about 6 inches of snow, followed by freezing rain. More freezing rain tonight and 1-3 more inches of snow in the forecast. This has been going on for about a week now. Church was cancelled today. We spent the day playing games and baking Christmas goodies. It was a nice cozy snow day. I'm just grateful that we didn't lose our power like the 45,000!!! in the western half of Oregon. This picture is kind of dark, but you can see that the ice is doing a number on our willow tree. We've had four large branches snap off and probably more tonight. The tree is pretty funny looking now. We'll have some fun cleanup in a few days when this storm is gone.

I just have to clarify that the lady in the story below (from church) was on no way
ungrateful for my "attempt" to help. I just didn't want it to sound that way. It's more a matter of feeling like my efforts have been pointless....
Today was day 4 of school closures here. I'm guessing tommorrow will be day 5. The kids are driving me crazy...a nice beach in mexico sounds nice right now, eh??

Dang global warming...

Dang, it has been cold here! I'm sure anyone in the northwest knows what I mean. It took Brent 3 1/2 hours to get home last night. (he did get lost trying to take the back roads, but still!) We've been mostly homebound, since I prefer not to drive on icy streets. The kids have had snow days every day this week.
These are pictures we took for our Christmas cards. Yes, you heard me right! IT's a tiny christmas miracle, we are doing Christmas cards. You may not receive them by Christmas, but I figure they are fun to get anytime.
So, recently I've been feeling like I should find opportunities to serve other people. To think less about myself and more about what other people might be needing. So Sunday a family was singing in church. They were holding their young toddler who was out of control, so the mom goes to bring him out to the foyer mid-song. Thinking I would help out, I get up so she can hand me the child, thinking she'll go up and finish the rest of the song. Instead I carried a kicking, screaming child out while the mom followed me. (Me not knowing she was following). So I ended up just feeling dumb as I immediately returned to my seat. Then today I thought I would be nice and bring some hot chocolate over to some men who are building a house kiddy corner from our house. I felt bad that they are out in the freezing cold all day. The kids were excited to do this little good deed. So we make hot chocolate, fill up the thermos and find some paper cups. I head over with Jacob, only to have each man refuse my offer for some hot chocolate. One man wouldn't even look up when I asked him, he just sort of chuckled and turned away. So again I end up feeling really dumb. Don't people know that you are supposed to just accept someone's offer for Hot chocolate, even if you don't REALLY want it?? Anyway, my desire to do good deeds has been deflated.....On a better note, we are so excited for Christmas and the three birthday that will follow the three days after Christmas. It's going to be party central around here! Happy holidays.

Holiday update

What a crazy, busy time of year! Although I wouldn't want it any other way. We
just returned from a 8 day trip to Spokane for Thanksgiving. We had a great time. We were able to take the kids to a fun indoor waterpark, we hit the cheap theater and saw wall-e, decorated gingerbread houses, played with cousins and ATE! We had a great time and even had some snow.
Now we are back to reality. I'm busy with vinyl orders..December is busy with people wanting signs/letters for gifts. We are also doing another craft show this coming weekend.
While we were gone my wonderful neighbor was nice enough to show our house to a couple who were wanting to look at it for a second time. They just called and want to look at it a third time tommorrow. So, at least we know they like it. But who knows what will happen?? We are busy gearing up for Christmas and for the THREE birthdays that immediately follow, plus Malia's baptism. So there is no slowing down around here...Happy Holidays!