Let it snow, Let it snow.... Make it stop!

We are officially freezing our fannies off in the Fort. I was scrap booking the other night, Tennison comes running in, "Mom it's snowing". He was so excited... I was not. To a mom this means winter coats, gloves, hats, mittens, boots, endless warm weather clothes... Are the jeans floods? Do you have any long sleeve shirts that fit? I don't want my kids looking like ragamuffins, but for the love of Pete, winter catches me off guard every year. Not prepared!! When it was 70 outside on Monday, who can really be ready for 20 degrees this morning?

I was happily not home yesterday for that first snowy day before school. Scott got the job of unearthing the winter gear. Luckily I'm an organized girl, he found everything and they all stayed warm. I unhappily got day #2. Like Colorado weather, it is sunny outside and it appears to be warm. I happen to know otherwise, it was in the low 20's when we got up. So when Reagan starts heading to the car in flip flops I had a decision to make... let it go or say something. Knowing this child can't kick a cold for nothin' I said something. I knew right away it wasn't going to be pretty - she had on skinny jeans, there are few shoes they go with. So her options were to put on boots, change or... at the last second I told her she could freeze in flip flops. She decided to change. In the car I asked if she was mad, "Yes. You usually let us freeze if we want. I look gross." Okey dokey. "Have a nice day!

Next child... from there we drop off Whitney for book club. Right after she frantically finishes the end of the chapter I get, "I should have brought shoes to change into from my boots." "I told you to grab your tennies." "No you didn't." Okey dokey. "Have a nice day!!"

Next child... as we're heading out he put on his favorite hat, looks in the mirror and says, "I don't want to go to school, I'm hot!" I see the rationale. "You're hot because it is 68 degrees in here and it is 20 outside, you'll be great out there." I won't bore you with more details... but he left the car telling me I was the meanest mom for making him put on his coat. He didn't get a, "have a nice day".

I earned a badge today - The Meanest Mom. I'll take it if it means they're warm and healthy.

There is one Kissel who loves the snow and can't get enough... that would be Moka. She jumps in the snow, makes some fly, chases that, and does it all again. She's the lucky one who doesn't even have to wear a coat!!

Just another manic Monday!

Do you remember the group The Bangles from the '80's? Here's a hint: "Walk Like an Egyptian"... does that ring a bell? They had another catchy song, "Manic Monday". The lyrics say, "Just another manic Monday, wish it were Sunday, that's my fun day". That is at least what my memory has stored up. Nonetheless, I'm with her! That Susanna Hoff was so adorable, bet she still is... and I bet she still wishes for the weekends.

Yesterday was my manic Monday! It started like most Mondays. I typically start by going to the gym around 6:15 for some quick cardio, then to the grocery store so I don't have to take kids, and home to unload the car and then shower. As I was putting on my tennies, Moka (our new puppy) came and sat real close to me. I smelled something funny and Scott informed me that she was doing the boot-scootin' boogie the night before leaving poop on the carpet and hardwood floor. So I decided to grab the scissors and snip off that extra poop... lovely way to start your day. I was late to the gym and then hustled off to the grocery store. I came flying in and headed off to the school to volunteer, hair mostly dry! My time at the school went great and then I called Scott... that is when the manic part really set in. I was in a hit-and-run accident almost 3 weeks ago, and my car has been in the shop ever since. Scott got a call from the insurance company saying they decided to total my car. Como say what? Amazing how that happens. Then we find the puppy ate through an electronic device borrowed from a friend... When it rains it pours.

You know, about 5 years or so ago we took a class called Financial Peace University. It has been the most annoying and best thing ever. Everything paid in cash, no credit cards. We just got back from our big California vacation (awesome), bought a puppy (what a joy), came home to a breaking (now dead) garage door opener, and now this!! Scott says, "Well, we haven't had to touch our emergency account yet!" Then as he's mumbling around, "Since I'm so rich why don't we hire a chef too?" That is Scott's version of sarcasm, but what I know he really meant was - I'm so glad God is taking care of us, but cut me a break please. He's done a great job providing and I'm grateful that we can freak out together on our manic Mondays.

So after picking up free sandwiches from Sprouts and a Mountain Dew, we sat on the patio and enjoyed dining al fresco on a 70 degree day in November. Isn't Colorado the best? I don't think we've spoken of the car in the last 24 hours, feels good to ignore it for a while - even if ignoring it won't make it go away. And the magic of electrical tape and an understanding friend are a relief.

Here is to the car search... or a miracle.