We're still here!!

It is freezing here today. Filling my tank up with gas this morning reminded me of the extended weeks of below zero temps we experienced in New England. Those were the days that I sought out full service stations and would wait in line forever just to avoid the blistering cold wind. The poor station attendant would greet me at my car window with a muffled hello looking like the abominable snow man in a grey jump suit. I would feel bad for about 5 seconds until I rolled my window down thankful that my credit card was thin enough to fit through the crack I'd left between the glass and the frame of the car. I'd quickly close the small gap in the window and sit back dreading the moment I would have to roll it down again and the intolerable moment of actually getting out of the car. The slightly higher gas prices at those stations were worth every penny. In reality, the winter here has been quite bearable but it's amazing how quickly I've gotten used to warmer temperatures. The bad part is keeping Alea entertained inside day after day. For a change of scene we drive up to the school to visit Wren and play with the toys there.

We had fun with family and friends during the Christmas season this year and were even surprised by a white Christmas which was beautiful but completely shut down the entire north central and north eastern parts of the state. The schools didn't have to close because it was Christmas break but you can sure bet that they would've called school off and had extreme weather reports on the news. Not that we shouldn't be warned but it's presented as if it's a natural disaster of some kind. Yesterday all the schools closed because it was suppose to be cold. Not just elementary and secondary schools but the University as well. I guess it's justified because of all the rural schools and the kids who would have to walk in the freezing temps but it just makes me laugh at the idea of closing schools due to cold weather. After all that, yesterday was beautiful. I know all of you New Englanders are having a hardy chuckle over that one.

All in all we are having a good year so far. There are some exciting things on the horizon with the new school and the new addition to my sister's growing family. Sarah is due to have a little boy in April. Cora knows she is going to be a big sister, but isn't fully aware of just how much her life is going to change. Alea talks about her new baby cousin and has even requested that we sing about him in her bedtime songs.

We took some new pictures after Christmas dinner at Crystal's house which I posted under the photos link. We wish you all a happy new year. I am looking forward to getting back into writing entries for the blog and keeping everyone updated.