Zach, lettuce does not come from a bag....

I had a friend at church ask me other day how was Christmas. I replied that it was fine and that we were snowed in. She asked if I got lots done with being stranded. No I replied but we did hang out as a family which was nice. She said they played games and hung out as well. It did dawn on me that it was nice to have Sean and Zach home though. Those two are on the go constantly. So with Zach being home I learned a lot about my teenager. Here are a few highlights.

1. Zach is very kind and helpful for the most part. He grumbles about doing chores and helping but he takes pride it what he does and he does a good job.

2. He likes the smell of Pine Sol - he actually doesn't squawk at cleaning the bathroom. Whatever works right?

3. He is a gentleman. We had walked with the two little ones to Pizza one snowy night and on the way home he took us down a path and he saw a grate ahead and he actually stepped over it and turned around to hold both Emily's and my hand to make sure we got across safely. For real he did this and I was ever so impressed.

4. He is a fabulous big brother when he wants to be. He chased Emily and Andrew home that night we walked in the snow and he made them giggle and laugh. He knows just how to play rough but not to much with them.

5. He likes to be in the kitchen, and is pretty good at it too. That's a Foushee thing definitely not from my side of the family.

6. The boy did not know that lettuce does not from a bag. He wanted lettuce for something and I said it was in the drawer in the refrigerator. He pulled out a bagged salad mix and I said not that use the head of lettuce. He went back and took it out - examined it and said he never knew lettuce came like that. He had no idea what to do with it or how to get the leaves off - pathetic mom moment huh?

7. He can be determined to accomplish something when he sets his mind to it. He can now solve a Rubik's cube, he can play hours upon hours of online games to get to the next level, and he even taught himself to ski down our hill. Now we just need to focus that ability onto his biology grade and he will be set!

I am proud to say Zach is my son and I love him dearly - I cannot believe how fast time goes. He is way taller and stronger than me and his voice is changing and cracking and in a short 3 1/2 years he will gone. Wow. I am glad we were snowed in and to be able to spend an extra few more days observing and hanging out with him and our family.

I love Jesus but I drink a little...

My mother in law sent me this one:
http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2007/ellen-gladys-hardy-p1.php?em

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve morning at the Showell's for breakfast and gifts and then headed out thru the ruts and melting snow and ice to the Foushee's. On the way home it even started snowing again! It was a great family day and we are excited for Santa and Christmas tomorrow! Yeah!

The Storm that Lived up to its Hype......

This is so ridiculous! It keeps on snowing and snowing and snowing. It finally has stopped this evening and they are saying maybe more to come on Christmas Eve. We have at least 8"-10" of snow then a good 1/2" of solid ice followed by another good 8" of snow.

I am getting a bit stir crazy. I have been playing around with my pictures on the computer - taking out cars, fixing teeth etc. to get the perfect picture. I recently started working part time for a photographer - he has me digitally altering and composing memory mates. I love it and I have learned a ton so far.

My little ones keep wrapping up anything they can find to put under the tree - my wrapping paper, tape and gift bags are all but depleted. They are happy though! Sean is way ready to go back to work and get out of the house and Michael even had a friend from Tigard brave it over and he will be staying with us for awhile; yeah a built in friend!

What an adventure!

Zach and Andrew have even learned to ski down our hill.

5 Household Essentials

5 Household Essentials when stuck at home from a snowstorm that won't quit! Who needs more milk and bread or flour and sugar (that was what was gone from the shelves at Safeway anyways)

1. Dishwashing Detergent - who would of thought! We are eating and baking 5x more than normal and I have run the dishwasher at least 4x today! Ugh!

2. Laundry Soap - With not much else to do I have been way on top of the laundry to the point of running out soon!

3. Gloves - how can we constantly be running out of matching pairs of gloves - I think some must be hiding in the snow and ice - geez!

4. More laptops or computers - no brainer - 2 teenagers, a mom who loves tinkering on the computer with her blog and photographs, and a daughter who creates and plays games. 2 computers is just not sufficient!

5. Built in friends - my kids have had about enough of each other. Really they have :) LOL

Beautiful and Insane

Woke up this morning to a tremendous amount of snow with about a good 1/2" - 3/4" of solid ice on top, and the freezing rain keeps on coming, they are forcasting possibly more snow and or more freezing rain! This will take forever to melt, but its beautiful!

And it Keeps on Going....

The snow and ice and cold keeps on coming. Its been a solid week of something to keep us on our toes. Today has been crazy. We woke up to flurries that have just increased all day long. The snow has not stopped coming down. Its windy and almost blizzard like conditions. A few friends came over for awhile and we sledded and snowboarded - goggles were a must just to see! Now they are saying ice tonight and tomorrow - not that I am complaining - I love it and its so beautiful!

The longest break ever....

Its still snowing and we are actually going on day 5 of the kids being out of school. What a long week and we have two more ahead of us for winter break! So much for preparing Christmas with the kids being gone and in school. Now I just have to be creative and stay up later :)!

The kids love it - actually I am really glad the older boys didn't have school today - I could only imagine the extra work they would have been given over break to catch up. Now it will be stress and homework free! The little ones were disappointed about missing their class parties, wearing their pajamas to school, and giving their teachers gifts this morning.

Its funny how when it first snowed they were out all day long - hours and hours on end. Today there is snow again on the ground and they could care less about being outside - whatever! We are hoping for the huge storm the news media is promising this weekend! Can't wait to be stuck at home with the whole family! And I really wouldn't mind a little sledding again myself if it really snows hard - I am to old to land on the hard concrete under 1/2 inch of snow!

Take care and stay warm and be careful of neighbors trying to get up hills in their little Honda's - what a crack up I tell you! (You can't tell we have one of those in our neighborhood - honest people get a clue! If 4 wheel drives are slipping you will not make it up - plus it ruins the road for sledding....)

Going For It!

Okay, with the weather so cold and my kids sledding non stop I had some time to kill and decided I should break down and create a blog. Its a little bit intimidating and I am a bit worried that I might become a bit obsessed but I decided to go for it! So here goes - enjoy! Thanks -Polly

Artic Blast 2008

The kids are loving sledding down our hill here in West Linn. Michael has even figured out how to jump thru the bushes off the rocks in the neighbors yards - only Michael.

School has been cancelled again - I really need to finish up with Christmas and go into work for a few hours but we also have to enjoy what we are given. The weather is just a big excuse to lay low and enjoy life and each other. Hope everyone else is enjoying this winter weather as well - stay warm!