Scripture Power

I love to sew and have been making bags for the kids for church. This one was for a little girl at church. She requested "pink and orange". Then David was going through has clothes and had a bunch to give away. I pulled out some pants, a white shirt an old tie--then added a belt--cut into pieces for handles, a zipper--and came up with these. The boys love to take them to church--that is if they can locate them before we leave.

Selfish

Sometimes I just want to be selfish and do something for myself like..........

EAT, SLEEP, SHOWER,



I had a few more things to put on the list, but William just bit Katherine........

House Elves

The little kids are such great entertainment. So easy to please--most of the time. Katherine found this silky piece of fabric (something that Grandma Rita sent years ago) and wanted a dress--well, I sewed up the sides and cut arm holes and a spot for her head--she couldn't have been more delighted. Peter saw the excitement and also wanted one--so a few minutes later we had "house elf" costumes for the group. Now if they would obey my every command!

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning

I am a morning person and have recently rediscovered how good I feel when I get up early. When I was living at home I had a permanent note made that I would leave on the bathroom mirror for my Dad--it said, "Get me up at 5:45 AM". I used this in Junior High and through High School. I'd get up and study, jog (it used to be called "jogging" now it is "running"), or just enjoy the quite mornings. I remember when I was probably 14 or 15 that Halley's comet made a pass close to earth and that you could see it. I was fascinated with the night sky and convinced myself that I saw it several times on my solo morning jaunts. In high school we often practiced basketball before school so we got up early for that. It never bothered me, in fact, I liked getting it out of the way. In college I signed up for early classes and loved to get on campus before the sun came up to study. Night owl roommates did hamper this on occasion. (If I had only known about the benefits of ear plugs back then.) Things changed when we got married. David stayed up later, so then I did too. We'd even watch the news--before I could rarely stay up 'til the news came on, because I was ready for bed. Then the kids came with that many sleepless nights--I just felt like I was barely scraping by--I still feel like that sometimes now. When the new school year started, Eliza had Seminary at 6AM--so she and David would get up at 5AM and then he would drop her off on his way to work. I generally get up and get moving just before they leave the house. It is SO quite, calm and peaceful. I love sitting in the quiet house. I can hear the fridge running. I have about 30-45 minutes of solitude. This personal time has made a huge difference in my day. It is sometimes the ONLY time that I get for myself and I relish it.



The only draw-back is at 8PM, I totally lose it. Everyone has to be in bed or it gets UGLY.

The Cry It Out Method

There are several different parenting methods when it comes to discipline, sleep habits, potty training, etc. They are endless books, theories, and plans with promises. I think my personal favorite is the "Cry it Out" method. This is generally associated with putting babies to sleep, but can apply to any situation. I just go in my room, close the door, lay on my bed and simply "cry it all out". It really helps and seems to work with all ages and in most situations.

Record Players and Sewing Machines

One of my sewing projects. This is Grace in her baptism dress. I made Eliza one and just figured that Grace could wear it. Well, Grace talked me into making her own and it was finished at midnight the night before the big day. It was a fun project and Grace looked amazing. She is such a sweet girl and a great help to me with the little kids.

William LOVES to sew. He'll turn the light on and off (it's burned out now, so I've got to get another one). Then he'll put fabric, paper or whatever he can find under the needle and "sew". Then he pulls the thread through and gets it all tangled up. It keeps him busy for quite a while.

Here is Katherine playing on the sewing room floor with her doll. These are all picyures from the summer and the kids already look different.

I had a great childhood. Some of my best and earliest memories (from the Salt Lake house--so I was about 5) were being in the room with my Mom while she sewed and we listened to records--Mother Goose, Little Black Sambo, and of course, the Cannibal Counting song. I can still sing that song as I'm sure several of my siblings can, too. I remember standing in front of a full-length mirror on back of the door of the room where my Mom sewed and "eating myself all up" just like the cannibal in the song. Pretty crazy, I know. (I"d love to find that record somewhere). Anyway, at the Cannon Junk Jamboree we all got to pick several things from our childhood to take home. An old record player was my first pick--David didn't quite see the logic in my choice, but I use that record player almost every day when I listen to wonderful memories as I sew. I even found the Mother Goose record at a garage sale. I then picked out a few from Grandma Pieper's basement. Talk about pure listening satisfaction. My kids play with buttons and spools of thread as the sound of the sewing machine whirs in the background and the vinyl memories go round and round.

Apple Butter

A few weeks ago, we had an apple butter fest. Our friends have a huge pot. They brought apples and we peeled, cooked and stirred for hours. It turned out so delicious. The morning started out cool, but it turned out to be a beautiful fall day. I think that we made 123 pints. We just split it up with whoever came to help. It was a great day--especially since I didnt' have to do anything--besides make sure the bathroom was guest appropriate.

Giving Thanks and Chickens

We had a great Thanksgiving holiday. David took Wednesday off work so we had several days to relax and be together. Usually, whe he takes work off we are on the go. Traveling across the country somewhere. I am slowing down in my old age! We did have a list of things to do though, which included: movies, board games, crafts, dessert, get chickens, video games, and have a good cry.



On Wednesday David took the kids to get their chickens, I stayed home and made pies. We watched Deep Impact (an older End of the World type movie--this was our "good cry"). Thursday was full of chasing chickens around the yard--I thought they might want to get out and stretch their legs for a while. They did. Then we went up to Emily's for dinner and games. We made lots of food and still have leftovers. She had AMAZING decorations and then lots of fun games--the good old standbys--the flour game and water game. It was so fun to be there. Friday and Saturday were just more movies, gingerbread houses, and fun.



We have lots to be thankful for. We love you all and hope that you are all doing well.

It Worked

Every Monday night we have Family Home Evening. They come in many different varieties--good, better, and best. (Maybe "less than good" should be thrown in there, too). About once every year, we have one that "works". One of the better ones. That happened a few weeks ago. The kids were pretty good, no big fights, teasing, or crying--at least for a few hours. We cut out leaves and wrote things that we were thankful for. Then Eliza went to work gluing them onto tree trunks and making them look good. We had a great time--our hands were busy and David read some of President Monson's Conference talk on being grateful. It was a nice evening to spend together.

One time we had a "best" FHE--the kids were pretty young. I remember we told a story and they voluntarily said that they felt the spirit and liked the story. (Wish I could remember what story we told them). I think those are once every decade, so we are due for one of those soon.

DeBry Family Gone Wild

Parker ready to kick the ball.
Michael in the middle of the action.

I've been trying to "get my feet under me" for the last few years. I am getting better at keeping things simple--but for some crazy reason a few months ago--we went WILD! We got a cat (long story--found on the side of the road by our neighbor on a rainy day, of course. He gave it to the kids. They kept it hidden and fed for a few days--we ended up keeping it.) Then we signed up for soccer--Michael, Parker and Grace. They had fun and it was good to get out once in a while, but definitely cut into our laid back Saturdays. And David signed up for NetFlix--the kids couldn't decide if they should name the cat "Miracle"--because we got to keep him or "NetFlix" --that was also a small miracle. Anyway, things have calmed down a bit. Soccer is over, the cat ran away, and David canceled NetFlix so we are back to a somewhat manageable lifestyle.

David brought home the high-speed connection again--so I am going to do several posts of our last few months. Enjoy--it probably won't happen again for another several months.

Sabbath Day

David here.
Yesterday on the way back from church with Katherine, who is 3 years old, we had the following conversation.

Katherine: Dad, can I play Starfall when we get home? (Starfall.com helps her learn her letters)
Dad: No, we don't play computer on Sunday's.
Katherine: Why not?
Dad: Sunday is a day to think about Jesus.
Pause...
Katherine: Dad, Jesus helps me with Starfall.

Out of the mouth of babes....

I laughed then looked back at her and she wasn't even looking at me...she had a matter of fact look on her face and was playing with something. BTW, she didn't play Starfall.

Escape

I typed this into the computer the other day:
Google Search: What to do in Miami without kids

This was the response:
Did you mean: What to do in Miami with kids?
What is the deal--not even the computer takes me seriously!?

No, I did not mean with kids.
David is going to Miami for work--someone wants him to teach a class--and I am going with him. We will be gone for two nights and have a great time. I am taking books, a good pillow, and some sunscreen.

I have been getting the schedule all set-up for us leaving the kids--they are going to be shipped out to several different places. It is nice to have Emily and Darren here. I'm trying to get them spread out so that no one person gets overwhelmed. It makes me realize how much I do--even though on some days it feels like I get absolutedly nothing done--one step forward, two steps back! We've got some great friends and the kids will have as much fun as me and David.

Happy Trails!

PS. I even got a new haircut--a real one. The lady that cuts my hair is great. It has been a bout year since I was in--she never comments about the self and husband aided haircuts in bewteen her good ones. When I walked into the house, the kids liked it and thought that I looked like Aunt Chris! That was a sweet compliment.

House Guests

We usually love guests and visitors, but I am fed up. We've had several uninvited, and unwelcome visitors that have out-stayed their welcome. We've had ant invasions every spring this year they seem to be especially bad--they are still here. We also have these darn moths that came in a bag of birdseed which sat in our warm, cozy china cupboard that was used as their breeding grounds. I thought we got rid of them, but we found another motherload when we removed a cabinet in the kitchen. (We just built some shelves so that we have more storage space--it will be great). Hopefully, this will take care of them. The latest and biggest has been something living in our bedroom wall. It chews and scratches at night at the depths of REM sleep. It has been exhausting--even the ear plugs don't help. David gets up and gives the wall a few good thumps in the appropriate spot, silencing the little critter for a few hours. At night, when we're half asleep we talk about what it might be and imagine the worst. During the day, with a little more sense, we think it is a squirrel working on securing a good shelter and storing up some food for the long winter. Maybe he is "trying to tell us something"!

DeBry Women

This photo was taken at Athena's wedding--she married Ben Petersen--you can read all about their sweet life as newlyweds on their blog on the side bar. Malinda is the only one not here--she must have been fulfilling her higher calling as a mom and already left the festivities headed for home with some worn out children. I wish she were in this picture--she is the tall book-end for the other side!

These are some great women. They could accomplish anything if they worked together and set there minds to a common good. They are sweet, intense, capable and know how to get what they want. (I think these are traits that the DeBry sisters were born with). They are determined, focused on high postive goals, and do not get distacted by things of the world. If you put them all in one room for any length of time there will be every range of emotions. It is fun to be with them. I love them and feel blessed to be a part of their lives. They inspire me to be better. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your family.

New Look

I've just spent the last few hours re-doing the blog. It's been fun. David needed to do some "high-speed" stuff on the computer so he brought home a device that really has this computer screaming! I've decided to post several pictures that would otherwise take hours. I accidentally deleted our blog list, so I am still working on that. Anyway, my new header is a painting that I did a while back--in February for the Kingsport Art Show. I love to paint, but don't do it as often as I like, so I figured with an entry fee AND a deadline I would be sure to get something turned in. I laughed as I read on the entry form that the art work had to be dry--well, 20 minutes before the deadline, I had the blow dryer on high just inches from a wet canvas. I barely made it. I entered two paintings--the one of the family was accepted and the TN one was not. I have them both hanging in our home. It was fulfilling for me in more than one way.

We took the kids to the art show--there were some excellent works. They were so disappointed that I didn't get an award. They thought for sure that I should have won and that it was the best. Isn't that really what life is about--to have those you love the most be convinced that you are the BEST! It was a sweet moment for me. In our own little world we can all be loved and be the best at whatever we do.

The One Shoe Theory

Throughout the years, David and I have come up with several theories. The “One Shoe Theory” is one of mine specifically for Moms with young children.

Usually at our house it is hard, if not impossible to find two matching shoes, especially if they are smaller than size 4. The basic idea behind the theory is that if you can only find one shoe (or sock for that matter) just put it on. When you are out in public—really the only time you need shoes anyway and even that can be argued, it may seem strange to only be wearing one shoe. You wouldn’t believe how many nice folks point out that you have “lost a shoe” somewhere along the line. Little do they know that the other one is in the black hole of no return. Anyway, this keeps them from thinking or commenting on how you should keep your babies feet covered and what kind of a lame Mom would take their children out without proper foot wear.

Try it sometime. You will be amazed at how many people notice and helpfully point out that you have lost a shoe. It’s a good way to meet people—especially in the South. It doesn’t work so well with 8 year olds though.

Dreams

Some dreams are symbolic, warnings, and spiritual in nature. Others are not.

I’ve been having some strange ones lately.
We were in Cooke City, Montana (near Yellowstone Park) out in the wild near a lake just enjoying nature and the beautiful surroundings. We noticed that there were several buffalo in the area, but they were distant and just minding their own business. After a while of this peace we heard some strange animal noises—we thought that the buffalo were getting ready to charge us—well, they weren’t, they were being spooked by something big and headed the other way. For sure it must have been a grizzly! We were quickly “gathering our chicks” around us and running for the van when we saw a massive, very hairy YETI! It was so scary. Well we were safe in the van and ready to hit the road, when of course, David wants to track it and get some video. I was ticked, but of course here we are driving down this game trail in search of big foot.

Not too far down the road we spot the Yeti girlfriend who is sun-bathing in her turquoise-striped tankini. She was smaller, less hairy, but way more hostile. She was in a BAD mood. When she saw us she started charging and throwing rocks at us. After a few dents and a cracked windshield, David finally decided that was enough. He was backing up, while trying to turn the van around on a very small rocky steep trail. My heart was racing. We got a ways down the trail, when she caught up to us and ran up to the side of the van and took of the gas cap. Pretty sneaky, she must be used to snoopy tourists! So, David decided to send me out after the gas cap against Shera. I had the strength of a person on Fast Sunday and can’t seem to control my noodle appendages. I retrieved the gas cap and was struggling to get back in the van when Shera kept grabbing and pulling me. I was so scared—this is when I saved myself and everyone in the van when I forced myself to wake up and end the torture.

What a relief that it was about 5:00AM and I had already slept pretty good, so that it did not ruin a good night’s sleep. Those are hard to come by.

What is your interpretation??

P. S.

Well, those blues only lasted a few hours. Within minutes of Peter getting home, I had several
"high-pitched reminders" from Katherine and William why the last year has been so hard. It's been great getting them on a napping schedule and doing some sewing.

Baby Blues

No, I am not suffering from a post-partum breakdown—today was Peter’s first official day of Kindergarten. (I went one day with him last week and then he starts “full-time” next week.) You’d think it would get easier, but it has been hard to send Peter off “to seek his fortune”—I guess we’re not quite to that point yet, but I feel like this is the first step. He stills feels like one of my babies. It has been a L-O-N-G morning. I think I looked at the clock 5 times before KK and William were awake to fill the silent void. I will miss Peter. He will thrive and do well—Parker and Michael have tutored him on all of the vital do’s and don’t’s of a successful academic career. They are a little worried about him. You see we have spoiled Peter and he is quite high maintenance. He demands a few rights of his own with his feisty attitude, which I guess is a personality that he needs to go with his little size 3T body. (I think his hand-me-down BYU tote bag weighed more than him—Grace helped him out and was excited to take care of him!) Anyway, it has been quite the morning. He gladly got up and dressed in his new clothes—thanks to a great $2.99 sale at The Children’s Place we got him outfitted for a few days for under $20. Hopefully, the new clothes will be enough incentive to get him out of bed for a while. I got a few pictures of the kids this morning as they hopped on the bus. (I’m sure that they bus driver got a kick out of me in my red polka-dot pjs and turquoise crocs!) I was fun to see them together. I asked Peter if he was excited to ride the bus. Of course he was and with a big smile he said,

“I am going to sit by Michael because he will protect me!”

I am so glad that my kids can go to school together and take care of each other.

Summer 2010

Hey, so how is everyone doing? I know it has been WAY TOO long. After such a long hiatus there is the pressure from the blogging world to produce a great post to redeem oneself and to keep the readership high--my 2 faithful readers have probably quit checking to see what I have put up. So here goes--here are some details of the past 3 months.

It has quit snowing and we are now full swing into summer (it has been soooo hot).
Eliza is "one year older and wiser"--big 14.
William hit the 1 year mark on March 26.
Darren, Emily (David's sister) and their three kids Paul, Ellie, and Kyle moved here and live just up the street.
Darren lived with us for a month and then Paul and Rita drove out with Emily and kids and then stayed for a few days. Lots of fun. Celebrated David's birthday on Memorial Day.
Thought lots about Doug on his b-day, Memorial Day and anniversary of death.
Peter hit the big 5--he is a fun little character.
Grace just turned 8 and was baptized on Sunday along with cousin Paul.
Heimdal cousins joined us from Savannah, GA for a week for Magic Treehouse Cousins Camp. Lots of fun memories.
We leave tomorrow for a few weeks to go visit family in Utah and Idaho. See you all soon. So--I will be taking a break from blogging for three weeks!! HA-HA-HA

HAPPY SUMMER.

Summer

Hey, so how is everyone doing? I know it has been WAY TOO long. After such a long hiatus there is the pressure from the blogging world to produce a great post to redeem oneself and to keep the readership high--my 2 faithful readers have probably quit checking to see what I have put up. So here goes--here are some details of the past 3 months.

It has quit snowing and we are now full swing into summer.

Eliza is "one year older and wiser"--big 14.

William hit the 1 year mark on March 26.

Darren, Emily (David's sister) and their three kids Paul, Ellie, and Kyle moved here and live just up the street.

Darren lived with us for a month and then Paul and Rita drove out with Emily and kids and then stayed for a few days. Lots of fun. Celebrated David's birthday on Memorial Day.

Thought lots about Doug on his b-day, Memorial Day and anniversary of death.

Peter hit the big 5--he is a fun little character.

Grace just turned 8 and was baptized on Sunday along with cousin Paul.

In Like a Lion

Marilyn here...I am using David's work computer:
The last month or so has been crazy. The kids have not had a full week of school since before Christmas. The winter really has been cold and snowy. Of course, our friends and family in Alaska, Idaho, and Utah would laugh at our snow days. We get out if it is snowing. Pretty much every morning for the last month, David would get up and check the County web-site for schedule changes--the best is "2-hour delay". That means we get to sleep in, the big kids go to school and the little kids still take good naps and stay somewhat on a regular rhythm. We have had probably 12 snow days and will be making those days up in May and possibly into June. Here is what has kept us busy: doing puzzles, reading thousands of pages of books, watching dozens of movies, several sword fights, bawling, video games, doing sit-up and push-ups, sewing, painting, making Popsicle-stick creations, deep cleaning, rearranging rooms (Eliza's specialty), crying (every one's specialty), baking, blogging ( I had Michael blog one day because "he was breathing some one's air"), relaxing, and of course driving to various friends to swap kids because everyone is stir crazy. No, we aren't snowed it at all--it's just a snow day. We did have some good storms though and went sledding several times. Eliza, the homebody, stays home and tends while Will and KK are taking naps and I take the other kids, pick up some friends and head to the park. I sit in the car, with the heat cranked and read while they sled for a few hours and then go home. It is great. Our last snow day was last week.

This morning, David went to wake the kids up for school and Grace said without opening her eyes, "We're out". David thought she was dreaming about a snow day and proceeded to wake them up. BUT, they really did have another day off for teacher inservice. I'm glad they were out today--it was 70+ degrees and we spent the day at the orchard pruning trees and enjoying a picnic lunch. Between a few smashed fingers, scrapes from branches and the loppers falling out of the tree onto Michael's head while reading a book in the hammock (it was a good lesson for him on obedience--I had just asked him to come help me pick up branches off the ground and he decided to stay in the hammock--oh well, I tried not to rub it in too bad), we had a great time. I think William's head got a bit of sun and he even has some little scrapes on his face. It felt great to be outside. March came in like a roaring lion and turned quickly into a lamb today. The only thing that was missing was a kite and some jelly beans.


P.S. I read The Princess Acadmeny by Shannon Hale (Thanks Taylor) during one sledding adventure. It was a fun book. I then read the "Goose Girl" series also written by her. Eliza is reading them now. They were my "escape" during those long snow days. I highly recommend them.

William

This is Michael here home from school, so I will be doing a blog. William loves yogurt a lot. He loves it so much he makes lots of messes. William is a great little brother and is worth more than the messes he makes.

Deprived children and the Desolation of Days

David here.

On the way back from Church activities tonight, the 3 oldest were talking about how spoiled William (10 month old) is going to be "when he gets older and the house is paid off." They then began to list the things they have been, or are deprived of, which he certainly will not have to experience (it was all in good fun and we were laughing).

Now, before I give the list and in my defense, let me explain a few things. First of all, I have 7 children; second, we are trying to get our house paid off 3 years from now; and third, I am no cheapskate...we spend plenty of money and have plenty of fun. Most of what you will see below is to help pay off our house and to raise kids who are not spoiled, know how to work, and can grow spiritually (and no, we are not perfect...far from it, just pointed in the right direction, I hope).

Now that I have successfully convinced you to be on my side, here is the list of things they are "deprived" of:

1. A cell phone (we have only one cell phone, with the basic plan)
2. High speed Internet (we have Dial-up Internet--this helps us limit our time on the Internet and allows us to spend more time together as a family)
3. T.V. - our antenna works about 1% of the time
4. Milk (yes, we drank powdered milk for 2 years when real milk was about $4 / gallon. Thanks to our friend Ellen for bringing by a gallon of 2% which helped us remember what we were missing)
5. Pets (well, no pets that they want...they had gerbils that Marilyn released into the yard and I told them they could have the neighborhood Tomcat, who we call Stalker)
6. Free-time after dinner (They act like dinner jobs are the end of the world and their bones turn to rubber when we mention that the jobs will "only take a second")
7. Costly birthday parties (over $5)
8. School lunch and "lunchables" (they get to have school lunch one time per week, and actually prefer to take their lunch)
9. Unlimited electronics and gaming time (they are only allowed to play video games and watch movies on Friday's. This works well for me and Marilyn because they always want us to go on a date on Friday so they can binge on electronics)
10. Free-time on Saturday (we do yard work or house work in the morning and then do something fun in the afternoon)

I don't think this is what Daniel meant when he was referring to the Desolation of Days, but they seem to think so.

Well kids, to put things in perspective, when William is "your age" Mom and I will be in our 50s and will be too tired, worn out, and boring to:

1. Go sledding at Roan Mountain
2. 4-wheeling
3. Clean the pool so you can swim in it
4. Wrestle on the ground
5. Build a $40 homemade projector that projects a 11' X 15' movie on our wall
6. Go camping
7. Drive 6000 miles out West and back
8. Visit church history sites
9. Take an outing every weekend
10. Play video games
11. Etc... - read the blog for the rest of the list

Although this post is really meant to be tongue-in-cheek, someday our children will thank us that they were "deprived"....

It Takes a Village....

Ahh--the big kids are back in school--they went back on Wednesday. It is sure more calm around here. I've been playing with the little kids--they always want to do an "activity"--they are going through withdrawal symptoms of not having everyone around all day for endless entertainment. So, we got out "The Village". I made this several years ago--it was designed after one that my Grandma had made for us when we (myself and siblings) were young. It seems like we were always playing with it. I loved the Zoo and the Lumber Co. It also had homes of our Grandparents, the church, school, airport, and post office. I'm sure my siblings can picture the fabrics, layout and remember their coveted dwelling spot. We spent hours playing on it and driving cars and living our little village life. I think my Mom later added the roads and stop signs. It was like magic--so I had to make one for my kids. (I think I have more fun playing on it than they do). Peter and KK had fun for a few hours going to "visit Grandma", to the BYU game, to the temple, and to Fountain Green. It was sheer bliss until they had a brawl over the orange 4-wheeler! It is a good thing we have cameras to capture the moments we want to remember.

Frosties and Waterfalls

A treat at Wendy's--thanks to Grandma for the gift cards!
Headed down the tube slide (sideways).

The "HOT" tub!
The view from above.

The big pool and slides.

Nothing like spending a COLD winter day at the pool. It was crazy to be in the pool and see snow and icicles outside. We had a blast at WILD BEAR FALLS--an indoor waterpark in Gatlinburg. We went with several other families and got the group discount which made the usually over-priced paradise doable for us. The only bummer was that the air and water were kinda cold so we spent a lot of time in the hot tub warming up. In between the slide and lazy river we'd head over to the hot tub to get warm again. It was fun though and we all had "raisin fingers", blue lips, and bleached suits when we left. I think they must have over- chlorinated the pool. Our skin was pretty thrashed after swimming in the stuff for hours.

Snow Days

"And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"

I think this line must have been written by a Mom who had a week of "snow days" after the long Christmas Break.

Or the Dad who called home on his lunch break to see how things were going at home.

Schedule Changes
Sullivan County Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 7, 2010.

The safety of our students and employees is the most important factor in making these decisions.

This is from the Sullivan County Department of Education web-site. I think the mental and emotional state of the mothers needs to rank higher as a consideration when deciding to close the schools!

It has actually been fun having them home all week. I have extra help with the little kids and we just read, watch movies, craft, bake and sew.

Survival Part 2

Lots of heavy wet snow!
David takes the kids on the 3-wheeler
Trees down in the neighbors yard

Friends cars parked in our yard--they had to walk up the hill to get home.

A while back we had a great storm. The biggest storm in 10 years! VERY heavy, wet snow covered the ground, roads, and trees. The kids loved playing outside and had several snowball fights. We were outside playing in the yard when the neighbors tree broke and snapped the power line...that was pretty scary and we could hear trees craking and snapping all throughout the neighborhood. One of their big tree limbs later fell on their house and punched a hole through the roof and into their bathroom. David put temporary shingles over the hole until the insurance gets it fixed. We lost power--many neighborhoods were without power and water for a few days. It was a good test of preparedness--we did OK, but learned a few things:

#1 I have to know how to do everything and where it all is!

(Since David was stuck on the freeway for 3+ hours--after a friend came his rescue--they were still a long time getting home).

#2 We have lots of stuff packed away for "emergencies" but it is not very accessible or very easy to use.

#3 The kids had a pretty good attitude--I need to work on mine a little!

#4 We had several friends and neighbors that needed help (water, heater/kerosene, wood, warm snow clothes) so it is good to have extra stuff on hand.

Overall, it was great to have snow--it was beautiful and we had some great adventures. I took the kids and some friends sledding at the park and then at the golf course. They had a great time and were exhausted after a few hours. Peter was going non-stop. We could only find one of his snow boots so he wore one cowboy boot. When I helped him get undressed the boot was filled with snow. He must of been having fun because his foot was frozen!