Made it to Saturday!

Made it to the weekend.   Whoo hoo!

The laundry is still stacked up and the dog isn't sleeping at night again, but the house is relatively clean, Matt survived his mid-state band audition this morning, and for the first time we saw snow on the roofs and trees.

It has already melted, but we saw it! Yay!

Unfortunately, my Christmas shopping is still basically stalled.   Things that seem like they should be easy purchases are suddenly difficult to find (even online!) and Matt still doesn't of anything he really wants.   Super helpful.   #SocksAndUnderwear   

But since I don't have our tree up yet, it's not like I have anywhere to put the presents that I can't seem find.  #SilverLining

And speaking of Christmas presents, have you seen this video?   I love a good international commercial and this one is awesome!  Come and get your love!

Snow flakes and Book Fairs

We woke up to snow on the ground.  Actually, since I get up at 4:25 am, I woke up to snow FALLING to the ground.  It was pretty heavy when I left for the YMCA at 4:45, but was only sticking to the grass and trees.    Still, the powers that be in Williamson County declared a 2-hour delay, so the kids didn't start school until 9:45.  I had to be there at 8:30 to open up the book fair, but it was better than the 7:15 that I had originally planned on.

Day 1 of the book fair down -- 2 to go.   I love a short book fair.   Still Gracie managed to pick out a stack of paperbacks.  Matthew could barely be bothered to look.

Here's to less snow and more books!

Snow...again

2 more snow days in the books, plus a one hour delay for tomorrow.

We never had more than an inch of snow either day, so the sledding was lackluster.   The kids gave it a whirl, albeit a bit half-halfheartedly. What else have we been doing?  Well, we got Valentines done, did some shopping (because apparently the roads were only really bad if you are driving a school bus), delivered Girl Scout Cookies and today road-tripped to the hospital to have lunch with Bassam (And bring gift bags of cookies to his nurses--an annual tradition!).  I also made the kids clean their rooms, less they think staying home is all fun and games.

Is it a faux pas (or faux paw) to wear your Halloween/mummy sweater in February?

REAL snow day!

Another snow day.   But guess what?  This time it snowed.  Not 14 flakes and some ice, either.   By most accounts, we are at almost 7 inches.  I'm not sure Nashville has ever seen this much snow.  This picture was taken around 2 pm and it continued to snow, albeit lightly, for the rest of the afternoon.  I'd show you an updated picture but it's dark and quite frankly, too cold to go outside and take one.  

 Safe to say, Nashville is closed.

Bassam had to work of course.  He is feeling a bit invincible on his new "winter tires," but they helped get him to and from the hospital safely, so I'm willing to let him crow about them a bit longer.  Northern readers, bear with him.  He's only ever lived in the states of Tennessee and Georgia.

The kids, naturally, were thrilled by all the snow. Although he complained bitterly about having to go shopping last night for a new waterproof jacket, Matt was happy and toasty in his new coat, which hopefully will last for at least couple seasons because I paid an arm and leg for it.   He wears a heavy North Face fleece most cold days, which is plenty warm, but of course soaks up water like a sponge.  I miss shopping the sales when we used to go home to Illinois for Thanksgiving.  Nashville only gets so many coats and since all the smart moms purchased theirs a while back, the sizes and styles were very picked over, especially among the ones that were on sale.  In the end, he was warm and dry and even said, "I love my new coat!" so I'll forgive myself and move on.   At least my thriftier self had remembered to pick up new sleds and snow pants back in October at Costco, you know, when it was 80 degrees.

I'm now sitting in my jammies ready to go to bed, even though it's only 8:30 pm.  We enjoyed a drink and fun conversation with the neighbors earlier this evening, then it was homemade chicken noodle soup and getting beat by Matt and Bassam in 3 straight games of "Sorry."   Gracie is next door sleeping over at the neighbors.   It's been a full, fun and cold snow day.   And since the snow isn't going anywhere, we'll be enjoying another one tomorrow.

More snow!

What's the best way to spend the day after a "snow day?"

With MORE snow, of course!

While the kids were at the breakfast table, Gracie suddenly screamed, "MOMMY!  God did it!  I prayed for more snow and it's here."

See, when you're six you can pray for things like snow.   Not exactly at the top of my prayer list, although I love a good snow day as much as the next guy kid.  

Not only did we get another inch of snow (Friday's snow was long gone, of course), but it fell fast ....within about an hour.   Cue the car accidents.  I-65 was shut down.   Morning basketball games cancelled. 

Sledding at the hill over at Kenrose?  That was ON!  Arriving a little after 7:30 a.m., we were the first ones there.  The kids ran up the hill and promptly covered the hill with sled tracks.

The kids had a blast and so did this guy . . .

Charlie must have tore up and down that hill a dozen times.   When we got him back home, his stomach was covered with snow and ice balls.   I dried him off and he napped for the better part of the morning.   Man, it's good to be a dog. 

Afterwards, Matthew and his Scout den gathered at our house to do the first part of their service project, which is a food drive for Graceworks.  Today we distributed bags with flyers to the neighborhood.  Next week we pick them up, hopefully full of food.   We only had 4 Scouts on hand, but we made fast work of the task at hand and were finished in no time.

Since basketball games were cancelled (and admittedly, the neighborhood roads were a MESS and it took Bassam a full hour to get to the hospital), the rest of the morning was pretty laid back, including a screening of "The Muppets" (new version).   But since the action started with sledding before 8 a.m., I think it was well-deserved. 

Around 1, the kids and I rolled in to Nashville.  The sun and traffic had cleaned off all the roads and it was life as usual.   In a Mom-of-the-Year moment, I only this week realized Matthew's feet were squished in his less than 3 month old tennis shoes.    As he tried on various pairs at the shoe store, it suddenly occurred to me that his church shoes had been purchased around Easter, so I casually mentioned that as long as we were there, we might want too look at those, too.

Cha-ching.
  
I swear, the kid has never complained that his shoes hurt. 

From there we headed to Vanderbilt for the basketball game.  Bassam was supposed to go with us.   Or at least meet us.  But he was getting slammed at work and only finally joined us around half time.  Although the Commodores lost, Matthew made it on the scoreboard once for the "Fan of the Game" contest and again with Gracie when they got one of the free pizzas for the Papa John's Delivery of the Game promotion that the cheerleaders do.

Free pizza meant no cooking for mom, so everybody wins. 

As for today, it was church and reviewing all the school work for the tests we were supposed to take on Friday, but didn't because of the snow day.   Matthew has been counting down the minutes to the Super Bowl since he woke up this morning.  And yes, that has gotten just a teensy bit annoying.   I'm sure the folks sitting around us in church appreciated the update mid-sermon.   Anyway, since he was a member of the Super Bowl champion Williamson County 49'ers, naturally, we are rooting for the San Francisco today.

As for me, I'm there for the commercials.  The redhead has managed to doze off on the couch before the game has even started.  I'm not sure she'll be there at all!

Did someone say SNOW?

Kids all over town are excited. . . anxiously awaiting the day, the moment . . . when a phone call comes from Williamson County Schools Communication Director, Carol Birdsong.

Yes, the word "SNOW" has entered the forecast in Middle Tennessee.

If you listen a few moments longer, you will also hear the high today is 46 degree and while the temperature will drop through the afternoon, there is no expectation of accumulation.    Wet mess?   Very possibly.   Crappy traffic?   Definitely.  Folks can't even drive in rain down here.   But canceling school and spending the afternoon sledding?    Not a chance.    But it doesn't matter.    We hear the word "snow" down here and immediately everyone runs out to the grocery to stock up on milk, bread and adult beverages.

Not necessarily in that order.

It also doesn't matter that on the typical snow day, you will find every single museum, movie theater and mall slap-packed with parents and kids. See, you can get to those places . . . just not the grocery store for milk, bread and adult beverages.

Of course, as I am traveling tonight, seeing this snow finally roll in across several parts of the country is not good news. Anything that potentially hinders my travel plans or makes this already nervous traveler, a little more nervous is a BAD thing.

Plus I really don't like cold weather anymore.   12 years of Southern living will do that to you.   Occasional snow days are fun (or as they generally are down here, faux snow days -- 2 inches or less), but constant cold temperatures and snow that sticks around so long that the piles in parking lots turn grayish-black are not.

SNOW

Matthew had a weather project to do for school and chose to do it on snow.  With the endless snow days we've had this year, who could think to do it on anything else?   The kids had to make a poster and give a presentation to the class.   Matthew did his yesterday and according to his teacher, gave the whole thing from memory--without having to look once at his poster (which yes, he did ALL the typing for!).  She says his classmates were very impressed--and honestly, I was too.  He was the very last one in his class to give his presentation --and adding in the weekend, it was a full 5 days after turning it in.    He also wowed the class by mentioning that one of his sources was "a real meteorologist!"  Thank you, Aunt Amy!

Speaking of snow, they let school out 3 hours early today.  And yes, for those of you counting, that meant Gracie was at school a whopping 2 hours!   The snow that was going to make getting home so difficult has yet to arrive.   But I'm sure it's coming.  

 Eventually.

Snow ready --without the snow!

No snow here . . . just a full day of rain.   

But because the news is so saturated with information about the "snowstorm of the century," I sort of feel like part of it. 

So, I stopped at Publix and bought completely unnecessary groceries --just in case I am not be able to leave my house for the the next 2 weeks!

I'm with ya, Yankee friends!

Best part of snow days . . . .

No 4 year olds were harmed in the making of this video. Gracie's whimpering is because "Matthew kicked me in the back getting on the sled!"

Whatever.

Enjoy the ride!

Whew!

The end of the weekend is nearing. 

But not really.    They cancelled school for tomorrow.   A rarity for December, but not Nashville winters as you probably know.   We got somewhere between 1.5 -2 inches of snow, I suppose.   But tonight it's supposed to be freezy cold, so they are expecting very slick roads in the morning.  Yuck.  

Tammy hopped on an earlier than expected flight this afternoon . . . thank goodness.  Her 6:30 flight ended up being cancelled tonight.  She got on the last on-time flight out of Nashville to Florida.  I miss her already ---but am glad she is home safe. 

Yesterday, we went to see ICE! at Opryland.   As always . . . . AWESOME!  And cold.    This year's theme was "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."  Not my favorite Christmas show, but loved the exhibit just the same.  It was our first visit out to Opryland since it reopened.  Sad to see the mall abandoned--minus Bass Pro Shop, which appeared to be slap packed. 

This morning was the Christmas program at church.  All the kids did great.  Matthew played Joseph and Gracie was the angel who shouted, "Don't be afraid.  I bring good news!  Today in the City of David a Savior was born.  Christ the Lord!"   I was a proud momma of both kids.  I was also a relieved director.   I love working with the kids on the Christmas program, but I am always a ball of stress as I have to come up with an idea and write the script, then once again the week of the performance.  I don't know why -- it always turns out great.  I mean, cute kids singing Christmas songs never disappoint.  Throw in costumes and the random things that happen when little ones are involved and it's even better.

 As today was our first real snow,  I took the kids over to Kenrose this afternoon  to sled on the big hill while Bassam was back at work.   Soooooo fun.   Did I mention soooo cold, too?   I was glad to have snow pants and boots for the kids.  Honestly, I was wishing I had them, too. 

The rest of the afternoon was spent decorating the gingerbread houses . . . finally.  Had a hard time keeping Gracie from munching all the candy, but I think they turned out pretty fabulous anyway.  Matthew had a great idea to use Oreos on the roof, which looked neat.  Of course, the fact that he and Gracie had to eat all the cream centers was a real sacrifice. 

Snow day #2

Snow day #2. Still not much snow, but much more cabin fever. The kids are going nuts tonight. I took them to the Y this morning and then we scooted over to the mall, where they both scored new shoes and some treats from Candy Craze. The afternoon was relatively smooth, but the wheels have definitely fallen off since Bassam got home at 5:00. We played briefly outside, even pulling out the sled. Sure it was more like sliding down cold and slightly wet grass, but what can you do? Since dinner, Gracie and Matthew are either laughing hysterically at the top of their lungs or bickering over something inconsequential. There is no in between.

15 more minutes -- then it's off to bed. Not that I'm counting.

Magic Powers

Never underestimate the power of Grandparents. My Mom and Dad came through down on Tuesday night and managed to get school called off for a "snow day" today (although admittedly, there was potential for badness, but it never came to fruition). As a result, they were able to spend the whole day with Matthew and Gracie before they head out on their way tomorrow.

Admittedly, countless games of go-fish, pottery painting, visiting "Happy Tales" and making Rice Krispie treats was a pretty awesome way for them to spend the day!

2nd chances

Gracie decided to give snow a second chance and I'm happy to report she LOVED IT!

traffic, haircuts, snow and other adventures . . . .

This was a CRAZY day for us!

I guess it started out normal enough. The kids and I went to the Y at 8 like we normally do on Thursdays. Traffic was very heavy on Wilson Pike and Concord Road (but not in the direction I was going) due to an accident with a semi I-65. We left the Y at 9:15 to get to Crockett Elementary for speech therapy (usually takes less than 5 minutes), and despite all my sneaky back road routes, by 9:40 it was clear we weren't going to make it today. You see by this time, they had shut down the Interstate all together and were routing traffic in to Brentwood. It was a complete dis aster--every major thoroughfare (and a number of the minor ones) were completely congested.

Since we had appointments for haircuts for the kiddos at 10:30, we decided we'd just roll over to Cool Springs. But guess what? Heading south was a not a problem at all. Besides, I have a really good back road route to Cool Springs!! We made it there with LOADS of time to spare. But since Miss Becky's prior to appointments hadn't made it, we got in early and were outta there in no time!! Gracie was especially pleased with her braid (and sparkles, of course!!).

I should point out, it was a miserable day weather-wise. Cloudy, rainy, cold and windy!! Yuck. My least favorite combination of all. Still, the kids and I decided to tackle a bit of Christmas shopping (plus lunch at Sam's Club--how gourmet!!) as long as we were out. Nothing was crowded, but of course getting from parking lot to store was no fun. The guy who checked us out at Kohls told us that he drove in from Hermitage--was supposed to be at work at 7:00 a.m. and didn't make it in until 9:30! That's how bad it was out here!!

The kids both took naps this afternoon and were delighted to see snow falling when they woke up. And not weak Southern snow....this was heavy, wet snow that collects on the ground, bushes and trees! Beautiful to look at and perfect for snowballs!! After dinner, we bundled the kids up and headed outside for some fun! Despite begging to go out, Gracie decided she wasn't THAT into snow once we got out there. Of course, the rest of our neighbors wandered out and before you knew it, all the kids were playing and Warren had filled up a pitcher with beer and it was a regular party!! Good times!

The kids are now warming up on the couch (I felt bad, despite two pair of socks and his rain boots, Matthew's feet were REALLY cold) and watching the Grinch!! Hasn't happened yet, but if I had to guess, we'll be out of school tomorrow. Of course, having a snow day when there is actually snow on the ground . . . that would be kind of crazy!!

Snow Days!

In the past, I have blogged about the "Tennessee Snow Day" (TSD) phenomenon. These are days off of school, when more times than not, there is actually no snow on the ground. Well, with the first flurry of the season early this very morning (think pre 5-a.m., I saw it only in my headlights on the way to the Y at 4:45), the director of the preschool decided to prepare the parents for the season that lies ahead with the following email. Hysterical.

*****************************************************
The "No Snow" Snow Days

As we enter the winter season, I would like to explain a phenomenon that we experience here in Williamson County called The "No Snow" Snow Days. This can be very confusing to newcomers to our area, especially to those of you that hail from parts more northern than Tennessee, called "The North". You are now in the "The South", and it is a well-documented fact that southerners do not do snow, or at least we don't do it well. Floods, tornadoes and hurricanes we can do. Not snow. Therefore, whenever Jeff Rayor, heaven forbid, Snow Bird mentions the "S" word, it puts forces in to action that are beyond our control. Because we are unaccustomed to the white stuff, we begin to panic. A forecast of a "slight dusting", immediately turns into the possibility of a real, or imagined blizzard. We panic some more. We know that we are no match for a blizzard. Once the"S" word starts buzzing around the airwaves, our poor, innocent children catch on to this and the real bedlam ensues. They can never, I repeat, never go to school in snow. In this panicked state, The Powers That Be (TPTB) will "delay" opening school. However, "delay" is a code word that we who have lived here (re: natives of "The South") know means that they will just go ahead and call school off anyway, just for safety's sake. Even if there is no snow. So don't be fooled by that "delayed" code word. Keep the panic alive. Keep watching the news! Some forecasters have been up all night with radar to tell you exactly when the first flake will appear on your street. These panic conditions can go on for as long as the "S" word is in the air. Now, to the confusing part of all this: You can't go to school, BUT you can,in fact must, take your kids to the mall, bowling, skating, the movies and other places of entertainment. Even if it means sitting in a terrible traffic jam on I-65 with all the other Williamson County parents to get there. At the very least, so as not to be a terrible parent, you must take your kids into Brentwood for movies, pizza and other necessities at Target. Trust me, everyone will be there, stocking up, because you can never tell how long these blizzard conditions will last.

I bring this to your attention because today they mentioned "flurries". And generally speaking, every time they (TPTB) "delay" school they will usually go ahead and close school, they're just not going to tell you that. I will then have to make my way through the "no snow" to the Preschool where I will be met by a group of unsuspecting parents with small children in tow. And I will have to explain, at length, about the "No Snow" Snow Days. And they never really believe me. Now, I must confess that we have had several real snows in the 17 years my family and I have lived in Brentwood. In fact, in 2002 we had so much snow one morning when the buses were en route to school that many of them got stuck and kids had to spend the night at the school in many locations. It took people hours to get home because everyone got confused and got on the roads to go to the mall. It was a real mess, like only a snowstorm in "The South" can be. And it was as close as I ever want to come to a blizzard! Be sure to watch Channel 3 when you get up and before you head out the door on mornings when they have predicted snow. And please remember that we follow the Williamson County Schools for delayed (code word!) openings, early closings and "No Snow" Snow Days. Enjoy your holidays. And pray for "real" snow.

Sheri