A snowy weather system moved in!

Alisa ran the motorized equipment like a boss!

I was the shoveler and vehicle mover!  We got everything cleaned up...for the time being.

It was a gorgeous afternoon and evening with the heavy snow.  Several snowmen popped up in our neighborhood!

Velle found a comfy place to hang out and keep warm.

We were back to school on Thursday and Friday.  I really enjoy spending my days in K5.

Thursday night was set aside for encouraging each other as co-workers.

We had time to just sit and chat without having to keep one eye on students.

I love the hostessing part!  Alisa does too!  

Friday was beach day...a break away from winter weather...and God sent winter just in time!

"Are we gonna get teached on our towels?"  Yes...yes, you are!  "You mean our towels are gonna be our desk-es?"  Yes!  "Wait...if we try to write our pencil will poke through our papers!"  Right you are!  I have a plan for that too!

"You never know what I have up my sleeve!"  We started our chapter book today...lots of laughter around mouthfuls of a cookie snack.

"This is the best day ever!"  And they happily lifted their faces for a fake sunburn!

We accomplished all our work and had fun reviewing what we have learned so far using all things beachy.

Learning should be fun!  If it is not...most likely...something is wrong with the teacher!  In 25 years (plus being at home with our own children) of teaching, children are inquisitive and want to learn.  The challenge...they all have different ways of learning!
 

First snow day of our winter!

Alisa had to leave for work before I did, so I set my alarm for 6:00am and went to bed.  I missed the text buzz that let us know that school was called off due to the impending weather.  It wasn't snowing as we began to move around with the dogs.  Alisa pulled away and we went back to bed and slept two and a half more hours!  It was divine.  We stayed cuddled up in bed while I read and then came down to make coffee.  It wasn't even snowing at the time.

It finally started to snow and it has been going strong since.  What a gift today has been!  I'm catching up on things around the house.  Taking care of details for this and that with music playing and candles making the house cozy.

I will go out and shovel later.  Alisa is going to snowblow when she gets home.  We will sit by the fire and eat supper that is in the crockpot.  Thank you, Lord, for the beauty of the snowy day and unplanned for time off.

Now...off to fold laundry and vacuum!  Cinderella can't be lazy the whole day!
 

Playing with the baking

Tried a new recipe...chocolate sugar cookies...and they received two thumbs up from the official taste testers...

the book club girls!

 

Down the street...Across town...Around the world...

I'm thankful for constant reminders throughout each day and week that help us keep focus on what is important in life.  Every day we have a choice!

Every morning this dear man brings me a cup of coffee.  He chooses to serve me.  He chooses to serve his family.  His love and service encourage me...and affect those that I spend the day with in K5.

My new past-time is very rewarding!  Alisa was right...and she is keeping me stocked with yarn.

Winter is for cooking comfort food to welcome Ted home from work!  Chicken cordon bleu bake was yummy this week.

And another treat for Alisa and I to share for dessert...rice cream with fresh raspberry sauce.

Making math fun for my little coin counters!

Her shirt..."I love my Dad" for our special day and trying to decide what to buy.
Spoiled by Alisa again!

Donuts with Dad was a great blessing to me! 100% participation

I love listening to my husband talk with his children!  He had two calls with our TN loves and when our MI love got home, more chatting.  Our Heavenly Father was so wise to give us here on earth Dads to help us navigate life's ups and downs!

Dad brings the wisdom and the knowledge for life needs.  Mom brings the emotional support with treats and cuddles and tears of understanding.  I love the teamwork God has called us to use. 

Saturday morning date before he leaves for Belgium!

Ted refreshed his international packing skills.  I made lists of things to not forget to take care of while he is across the pond.

Sunday morning and now afternoon snow showers bringing winter back to the mitten state!  Thanking the Lord for the gentle reminder that all things are beautiful in His time.  A friend sent a text to me as we dropped Ted off at the airport last night..."Praying for Ted, for safety and peace over his trip!"  There is a quiet, settled peace today...the snow...a perfect picture of how God's peace settles on the hearts of His children.

  Hearing that my girl heard of a need and stepped up to help friends...lunch alone wasn't so bad when you are playing good music!  I got to enjoy the make-up sandwich from yesterday's date sandwich mix-up...just another little blessing. 

A marco polo from Belgium!  Right outside the hotel Ted is staying at in the city center.

He kept hearing a clip-clopping sound...and there came the carriage.

And then a facetime call before his bedtime!

I am so thankful that no matter where we are...God is close!  Uncle Pastor's message was huge blessing today from Psalm 34.  I am thankful that God gives me what I need...exactly when I need it.  Our family is spread out all over the USA...and these next two weeks around the world.

Always busy

I'm on a roll lately!  It is relaxing and addicting all at the same time!  Alisa is building up a stash for a February craft show...and she is letting me help.

My little friends are fun to watch each morning as they play together.

I love treats...especially unexpected coffee treats on Fridays!

So creative...

Such a careful colorer...

Learning and growing every day...

A date to get a new phone...a necessity as he gets ready to cross the pond for work again.  This time...Belgium!

Ready for a book club with a new friend tonight!

And Alisa brought me more yarn!