What I Love about Snow in Cleveland

Well, first I should say hello to everyone. If you're still checking this blog, you are a faithful friend. =)

Now, since everyone is talking about snow this weekend, I thought I'd throw in my two cents. I'm not the weather enthusiast my sister-in-law Jenn is, but I have been surprised to find that there are some things I like about snow in Cleveland:

1. We actually don't get as much as I feared. We live on the west side, and the lake effect hits the east side a lot harder. So even when we get a good dumping, we always have friends and acquaintances who get a lot more. For example, we may have to shovel multiple times a day, but we haven't shoveled our roof yet like some people we know. Helps keep it in perspective.

2. When it snows in Cleveland, it stays. None of this melting next day, or next week. So there's a lot fewer brown days of winter. (Admittedly, we have more brown days of spring than some other places, but it doesn't have the same psychological effect for me since it's a bit warmer by then.)

3. In Cleveland, they only salt the main roads. Everything else gets plowed but not salted. As long as you have good tires and a bit of experience, it's not that bad to drive on, and it looks so much prettier. Nostalgic.

4. When it snows in Cleveland, life continues as normal. OK, so the early morning men's meeting for church was cancelled today. But I have yet to see school cancelled for snow. You don't have to listen to the radio to find out what's happening and what's not. There's no run on the bread at the store. Everyone has a snow blower and is an experienced snow-driver, and life just continues as normal. You'd think that would be disappointing, but for me there's something fun about it. Maybe it's the conquer-the-elements sensation, or maybe it's because I'm a mom...

5. We have a Little Einstein DVD where the kids go looking for a baby reindeer. So every time it snows, it reminds Lily to look for baby reindeer. We'll be walking through the parking lot or driving in the car, and Lily will start calling, "Baby reindeer, where are you?" And the best part is that since some people still have Christmas decorations up, we sometimes find one.

Christmas

Christmas was a bit of an after thought this year. We went to Jenn's Christmas Eve and then drove out to Mom and Sonny's the day after Christmas. It was nice to go somewhere with Christmas decorations and no moving boxes. The kids made out like bandits with all their presents. We all had a great time relaxing with family. Again, sorry no pictures. Mom has a few on her blog and I'm sure Jenn will have some up soon (see Favorite Links).

We're In!

Sorry for the delay in this post. Things have been crazy around here. The good news is, we are in our new house! We moved on the 19th, and God was kind to keep the snow here to a minimum that day. We still have some projects to work on, but the place is very functional. I'm sorry I don't have any pictures.

It's been a bit of an adjustment living in some place so big. Lily keeps asking, "Mommy, where are you?" She's used to always being able to see me. William's had the hardest time, but he's making good progress. We haven't seen any regression yet, praise the LORD! Last time it took a month, so we're still praying for God's protection.

The kids and Bingley are loving the backyard. And I'm very grateful for it too. I can't imagine walking the dog with the kids in this weather! Last night Eric moved some stuff so now we can both park in the garage. Yay! It just keeps getting better...

This is Eric's and my 7th address since we got married, but our first home. We are overwhelmed with God's love for us expressed in this amazing gift.

William and Lily

I'm doing bare minimum Christmas decorations this year, but I'm so glad I decided to get out the nativity set. Lily loves to play with it, especially with baby Jesus. I think baby Jesus is riding a camel in this picture. My aunt gave us a Miss Patty Cake DVD a couple years ago that tells the story of Christmas using a nativity set. Sometimes when Lily is playing with our nativity she'll sing and do motions like Miss Patty Cake.

Lily's other new favorite is Ring Around the Rosie. Morbid origin, I know. But it's a good game because William will often join us for a couple rounds, and it's sweet to see the kids interact. William added a loud scream when we fall down and when we get up again, which heightens the excitement.

Speaking of wild sweet William, he is doing great in school. They're working on having him write "W" for William, and he's doing pretty well at it. He's constantly imitating his teacher (even when she's correcting another student). He also imitates his videos and sometimes even me.

Tonight when we were brushing his teeth, he was making faces in the mirror and I said, "You're so handsome." He looked like he agreed, so I added, "Say, 'I know, Mommy, I know.'" To my surprise, he whispered, "I know." I don't think he understood what he was saying, but it was still sweet.

Speaking of imitation, we watched a potty video a couple weeks ago (thanks to Aunt Barby again), and William is all the sudden making great strides in that area. Wow! Now the trick is to keep his clothes on him when he's not in the bathroom... The best part, though, is how Lily follows him into the bathroom and says, "Good job, Bubbie! Good job!" William's not the only imitator around here...

No Where to Lay His Head

With less than three weeks till our projected move-in date, we're in the thick of home repair. Doors, windows, tile, carpet, wall repair, plumbing, paint... Isn't this why we were only going to buy a home that was move-in ready?? I don't know what we'd do without help from family and friends.

In the midst of all the decisions and work, I'm trying to remember to be grateful for this amazing gift from God. How kind of God to give us a house when He Himself had no place to lay His head.

Answered Prayer

Thank you for praying for Eric's job. Progressive renewed his contract today for a full year. Praise God! I was hoping against hope for some sort of change (pay raise, sick days, vacation, better insurance, shorter commute), but our Lord knows best. We are grateful for His provision and we know He will give us the grace for what He calls us to.

Nieces

Sunday afternoon we had a shower at Mom and Dad Roggio's for Miriam. Eric was very kind to watch the kiddos so I could go undistracted. What fun!