Snow Day!!

So we FINALLY had our first real winter storm!  By the time it was all said and done, there was probably about 12 inches on the ground.  School and work were cancelled and we all hunkered in trying to stay warm.  Once the snow stopped falling, the rain started and it has pretty much been raining ever since.  Ugh ugh ugh!  Let me simplify for those of you who are desert rats who live where the world shuts down for a minor snow flurry -- a foot of snow + a lot of rain in 35 degree temperatures = A BIG MESS!!!!  The snow turns into ice chunks which are no fun to shovel and the puddles form on the sidewalks since the water can't run into the yards because there is too much snow.  What I continue to find amazing is that no matter how messy it gets, life goes on!  The snow plows plow, the neighbors all shovel, and we all trek out to our various destinations.  It sounds like I'm complaining doesn't it?  I kind of am, but I also have to admit that I love a good snow!  It's so pretty and clean before we all set out to mar the beauty of it.  It also gives you an excuse to drink hot chocolate and watch movies all day.  That is definitely not something to complain about!

Snow lays heavy on the branches

The next door neighbor's tree

The view of our street

Rick shovels while Alexis piles

Alexis shovels while Rick supervises

Julee decides it's too cold outside and retreats back inside

Alexis is loving life at the moment

The view from our front porch

One of these things is not like the others......

If you look closely, you will see that the person walking in that driveway is the mailman -

poor guy out delivering my bills in the snow. 

They say there might be more snow tonight. Bring it on!

Be Strong and of a Good Courage

I love that we are part of a church that is teaching our youth to "Be strong and of a good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9)!  A couple of weeks ago, our bishop held a fireside for the youth to talk about this, the Young Men/Young Women Theme for 2010.  He challenged all of the kids to memorize this scripture and take it to heart.  I was impressed that Julee had it memorized within the week.  It was an added bonus when the next Sunday, the Young Women were told that whoever went up to the bishop in between classes and recited the scripture to him, would recieve a candy bar.  Shortly after, I found this poster for Julee's room.  We gave her the option of size - small, medium, or large - and love that she picked large.  What a perfect daily reminder this is to her as she goes out into that big bad world we call junior high!

How You Know When Rick Needs a Boys Night Out

Here's a little taste of Dunklee morning dialogue:

Steph: "It's a little warm in here.  Do you mind if we turn off the heater?"

Rick: "But my hands are cold."

Julee (who feels obligated to be part of every conversation especially when you are not talking to her): "You could always put on some gloves."

Alexis (obviously confused as she walks by a little while later) : "Um, Dad, I think those are MY gloves?!?"