Sigh

So it's been crazy around here due to our snow, and by snow I mean really a lot of snow for Alabama.  We had over 8 inches all across North Alabama. I know, I know my Northern friends this is not a lot in comparison to what you get, however let me point out again, this is Alabama.  We (as in the state) are not prepared nor equipped for this type of snow.  We have a few snow plows but not enough and when it snows here, it melts and turns into black ice.  Black ice is very very dangerous, especially at night as you might imagine.  Our city & surrounding counties have been closed down since late Sunday night, today is Tuesday.  School has been canceled since Sunday night and is closed at least through tomorrow (Wednesday).  It's quite possible it'll be closed or delayed Thursday due to the amount of snow/ice still on the roads. 

I mentioned before I got a new job at Jo-Ann fabric & craft stores, had orientation last week and was supposed to start work this week.  Actually I was supposed to start last night, but they called at 8 am yesterday morning and said they were not opening due to the weather.  OK makes perfect sense to me. They told me to come in tonight at 5 pm. and so even though the city opened some roads today (they were reclosing them at 5) and my local roads still icy I made the trek into work.  There were plenty of people there, so I thought OK we'll be working no problem.  I go on in and the first shift is leaving and I and only 1 other person show up for the 5 shift.  Um OK. They are like oh yeah we're not working tonight.  Excuse me? They apparently were able to call every single other person  BUT me and this one other guy?? I am pissed, beyond pissed they have such a lack of respect for us.  It kills me because the roads were not clear enough to drive on and they did NOT even apologize for not calling. 

I really am not sure what to do. I am supposed to work Wed, Fri & Sat this week, however we are still under Winter storm warnings, hard freeze warnings and the news keeps talking about the roads being bad.  If they are going to be this way tomorrow, WHY would I drive back to that store? Um I don't think so.  The job is not worth possibly getting into a major wreck, getting hurt or killed.  No thanks.

So now a few pics from this week

I've Been Dreaming of a White Christmas

For 33 years, I've dreamed of a white Christmas and never did I think I would see one, especially in Alabama! Then again I think the majority of the people in Alabama thought the same thing. It was simply amazing to wake up to a very white Christmas morning, the area had anywhere from 3 to 6 inches of snow. It was breath taking. 

I not sure I'll see another white Christmas in my lifetime but it was worth the wait.  The snow made the day so much more magical, seeing the kids when they realized there was tons of snow out there, was awesome. They were so happy to be able to go out and play and build a snowgirl.  Of course they made snow angels and threw a few snowballs.  If we had more appropriate clothing, we would have all enjoyed the snow more and stayed out longer.

Our 1st Snow "girl"

Snow Angel in the making

Don't think she quite understood what to do ;)

We had a very laid back Christmas this year, more so since we stayed home rather than try to go out and visit family.  I am very glad, while the roads weren't bad early on, they were later when it iced over. The kids enjoyed all of their presents, Kaitlyn didn't really know what to do or think, but next year should be fun!

A couple days later we headed down to Georgia to visit family and spend a few days there.  It was great, the drive there and back went well.  The last few times we've gone, something has happened.  From the kids being sick, to car issues, but thankfully this time there were none.  The visit always go by to fast, but I am glad we went. 

All in all I would say that we had an awesome Christmas!

Cold

Freezing really, well I guess you could say below freezing since the temps will remain around 21 today, not counting the windchill. Last check was about 6 degrees for the windchill and it's almost 1 pm.  Yes I know there are places that are much colder, but this is Alabama! We're not used to this cold weather. We actually had snow most of yesterday and this morning but it was soo windy that it really didn't stick.  So off to school the kids in our city/county went.  Though I wish they had stayed home since it is so cold.  Tonight is not going to be any better and they are also calling for some freezing rain on Wed I believe. Not looking forward to that.  I hate to see how cold Jan & Feb end up being. 

A couple of "snow" pictures from yesterday:

So while it wasn't a lot, it sure was pretty while it lasted. 

Hello March & Snow

Welcome to March!

Here in North Alabama and across much of the SE USA, we welcomed in March with snow. It rarely snows here in Al and when it does the kids get excited and the weather men go crazy! I really didn't think we would get any as normally it dies off before it reaches the area, but we awoke Sunday morning to about an inch of snow on the ground. This will probably be it for us this winter and I am really looking forward to Spring!

I figured the kids would beg to go out and play but they did not, I was even feeling bad since it seemed practically everyone else had pics posted of their kids int he snow on facebook. Turns out I wasn't the only one that had kids that didn't get/want to play out in it. Whew, still in the running for Mommy of the Year.....oh who am I kidding, I was probably never in that running.

Hope everyone has a wonderful March!