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<\/a><\/p>\nAfter lots of preparation and window peeking while doing school, the first flurries showed up around noon on Friday. \u00a0We haven’t had any significant snowfall this winter so any snow would have been fun. \u00a0But predictions for one to two feet?! That’s cause for some excitement! The timing couldn’t have been more perfect! In Virginia, a big snow usually meant a snow day both for school kids and construction workers. \u00a0When you do school at home and you live practically within breathing distance of your husband’s job, it’s a little tougher to get a break unless you declare a vacation day. \u00a0We had about thirty minutes of school work left for the week when the snow arrived and better yet, the biggest snow day would be on Saturday when David was home.<\/p>\n
We haven’t had a lot of free weekends recently. \u00a0Who am I kidding? We never do since we live here. \u00a0This one was supposed to be an at home weekend; but to have it turn completely into a fun, kick back and relax weekend was such a fun gift!<\/p>\n It’s the kind of weekend that makes memories forever. \u00a0Lots of time to read, to play in the snow (although somebody got the flu and somebody’s mom hadn’t purchased baby girl snow pants so that didn’t turn into an all family event this time), fun foods, lots and lots of coffee (ah, finally, finally I can drink it again!), excited snow measuring, a fiercely competitive game of Monopoly, and watching a movie together. \u00a0And that word is perhaps what makes it so much fun. \u00a0Together.<\/p>\n (Zara watched Liam and started begging, “Me. Me. RaRa. Eeeeeeee. Me. Finally it was her turn. \u00a0This picture happened about 1.7 seconds before the look of terror turned to crying, “no, nooooooo” and the ride had to be aborted. She doesn’t want anymore eee rides.)<\/p>\n So many hours to be together … having fun, playing, talking … while the deep snow muffled the noisy demands of life.<\/p>\n I love the way the world gets still outside when snow falls. \u00a0White. Beautiful. Pristine. And silent.<\/p>\n But I love even more the way it quiets our normal and helps us pay attention to little things again.<\/p>\n The way it gives opportunity for big conversations about life that might not have happened otherwise.<\/p>\n The way it reminds us of how barren can become beautiful.<\/p>\n I tried a new recipe this weekend that was an instant hit for David and I. (Don’t bother asking the boys for their opinion. \u00a0Their taste buds are still developing.) These Greek gyros<\/a> with homemade pitas and Tzatziki\u00a0sauce are oh so delicious. \u00a0The only thing I’d change next time is to add a bit more salt to the chicken and up the seasonings in the sauce just a tad. \u00a0But this and a Greek salad on the side? Party in my mouth.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n