Trying to make the best of it

While Parker napped, Grant and I went outside to make snowmen. Well, the snow was covered with an inch and 1/2 sheet of ice, so we explored a bit and came insdie.

Our front steps were completely covered.

A little pose that shows off my 2 pairs of pants, shirt, 2 coats, gloves, scarf, and hat. Makes a person look heavier than they really are! :(

The sheet of ice that breaks right off the top layer of snow.

Sun bathing on our deck. This was yesterday.
Today the seat of the lounger is completely covered with snow.

This man, that would like to remain anonymous, ran across our deck in his underwear at 12:30 at night! That is one crazy guy! Notice the black bar across his face to hide his identity.Grant built a mini igloo dome on our stairs.

Once you get through the ice layer, it's all powder.

Taking a break.

Our tree out front all frozen. The lights on it are coated in ice too. We just planted a bunch of new plants this summer. I hope they recover after all of this.

Tree popsicle. Yum!

The mound of snow where are steps once were.

I love the wall of snow you see from inside the garage.

Our sweet little house in the snow.

I started out our day by making breakfast. This was Parker's first taste of pancakes... and he is a fan-- whole wheat of course.

Here are a couple of videos--me giving a tour of the ice and snow out front and Grant's attempt to sled using the lid of a plastic bin.

There are these fun and memorable moments in the snow and I'm happy to have time at home with my boys, but there are several negatives.

1) I feel completely stuck inside. We went out the day before yesterday and almost couldn't get back in the driveway. I was sliding all around and the snow had accumulated so much that I was stuck. I thought I was going to hit the jetta or Grant, but finally made it back in the garage safe and sound. I haven't gone out since.

2) We usually eat out a lot. Now we have to cook. You would think with all this time in the house, I would be able to spend a lot of time cleaning and it would be spic and span. Well, I think it is because we are home that it is a bigger mess. Toys strewn about. More dishes in the sink. I'll catch up eventually!

3) There is no good TV on. All the lower channels have special "Arctic Blast 2008" coverage. I'm sick of it!

4) I NEED to go shopping!

5) Maybe it is just the holiday season, but I think there is something to being inside when it is all snowy that just makes me want to eat bad stuff and drink hot chocolate. The cravings are horrible. I keep reading on Facebook all my friends comment about making cookies and treats and it is driving me nuts. (If you are not on Facebook yet, get an account and add me as a friend!)

I'm hoping that it is less of a white Christmas than it is right now. I want to get together with family for the holidays and not be stuck here. Grant and I have had fun playing board games-- our favorite right now is Trivial Pursuit- the 90's. Grant is making it in to work in the snow. He walks a couple blocks up to the bus stop. He just called me to say that the Mayor of Portland closed down all the city offices and sent everyone home with a full days pay. Yeah!