Ahhh Dakota Winters!

In North Dakota winter last from November to April. From the very first snowflake until the last pile of snow melts all I can think of is summer. I live for summer, dream of summer, and love summer!! I actually don't mind winter. It's the blizzard conditions like tonight that I hate! Like when I open my door and the snow has already started to build up inside the screen door. Soon that screen door will be covered with ice. That will last until March. I hate that winter lasts so long. I can tell you that North Dakota is not for wimps! Only the brave, strong and hardy can live here. You have to be humble too. You can't worry about what you look like in your parka or the rest of your winter gear. We all look like dorks and we all have staticy, messy hair. And we all love how our glasses fog up when go indoors. You might think I'm one of the wimps because I complain but I'm not. I do force myself to get out and play in the snow. So, even though I don't like it I am one of the fearless! After 19 years of living here I should be able to handle it right?

Of course this is the first snowfall and it didn't come quietly. It came in the form of a blizzard. This is what it looks like on my front steps. It looks peaceful and beautiful but the wind is blowing and it's very cold. It started this afternoon and it hasn't stop yet or will it anytime soon. School closures you say. Oh no, not in Bismarck! The power would have to go out or water main break or worse before they shut down the schools.

These are our front steps that we can't shovel because what's the point? It's defeating !.
This is the side of the house by Ammon's bedroom. If you look very closely you can see a snowdrift starting to form. Oh joy!
This is the backyard. I was trying to get the snowdrift in front of the garage door, but with all the snow falling you can't see it!
Here's a snowdrift on the deck.And here's our crazy dog Ringo who still loves playing in the snow.He doesn't seem to mind the cold. He's brave, strong and very hardy!
Of course I do mind the snow that he tracks into the house. Worse than that is the wet dog smell that lingers. But he can do whatever he wants because he's old.

I wish I could say that I'm loving the snow but I honestly can't. If there were mountains maybe but all you would find here is hills. That just doesn't do it for me. Maybe if I had time to ski then I wouldn't mind it so much. How I ever ended up here I'll never know! Don't worry I'm okay I do this every year it's like tradition to complain about winter. Alan's been hearing the same story for 19 years. The good news is that it only lasts a day or two....... Then I suck it up, buck up and go on with life!

P.S. The Morning after the Storm. In the light of day you can see what the storm left us. The door did iced over.The snow drift by Ammon's window is clearly visible. You can even see the lovely wind blowing around.

We ended up with 9.1 inches of snow. It is wet,wet snow hard to shovel because it sticks to the shovelThis is my HERO who braves the elements just so we can get in and out of the house!That's not snow falling it's just snow blowing around! The snowdrift on the deck grew over night.

Finally, I have to eat my words because Bismarck Public Schools actually closed school ! That's a first!! Who cares it's a snow day YAHOO!!!!!

To My Jess

Happy Birthday Jess! I don't even know where to begin to express how I feel about you. We have such a bond that can never be broken. You are my niece but you have always been more like a daughter. It's been a joy to watch you grow into a beautiful young woman. I'm proud of all that you have accomplished in your life. You have been blessed with so many gifts and talents. Everything you touch seems to turn to gold.

You are a good sister to your brothers and sister. I know that you do your best to stay close especially to your brothers that live far away. I know that you try to do all you can to help them. Encouraging them to be and do their best. You're a good Tia too!

You are the party girl, the party planner. The center of fun! I like that you are so festive! I wish I was more like that! This is one of my favorite pictures of you. It reminds me of the when you lived in Fargo. The only one in the family with enough courage to live in the frozen tundra! I'm very proud of you for that.

You are a wonderful cousin to my children. I know that they look up to your example. Your wisdom is of great value to them. I appreciate all that you're willing to do for them.
Know that they love you as much as I do.

I feel so blessed to have you in my life. You keep me young and hip! I cherish the memories we have made and look forward to many more. More importantly you are a wonderful niece! You are my girl I love you with all my heart. I believe in you and always will. Know that I'm always here for you. No matter how far apart we are our hearts are knit together with love.

As a wife and mother you give it your all. Your family is your gift and our gift. We feel blessed to have Aric and the girls. They are a beautiful extention of your beautiful life.

On your special day remember that you are a big part of my life. You have my heart. Happy birthday!!!