Blizzard 2011

“Blizzard Twenty Eleven” that is what the news anchors are calling it. I laugh every time I hear it because it is said with an extra bit of drama and flair. Granted I’ve only seen snow like this in Oklahoma once before (that I remember). I know I can smile when I hear it because I am warm and safe. That isn’t true for so many. It’s hard not to think about that when I am nestled under a quilt with little ones. I’ve been given so much.

On the day of the blizzard I convinced my older two boys to go outside with me. I mean I can’t pass up a chance to document them in an Oklahoma blizzard despite how much I hate being cold.

The snow was blowing like crazy. I made a hole in the bottom of a plastic shopping bag to cover my camera.  It protected the camera, but it was so windy that a few times the bag blew in front of the lens. If you look at the bottom left corner of some of these pictures you will see it (white blurry spot).

I think they lasted 3 minutes MAX. The snow was so deep they got it in their boots and were done. The beach towel is like a mean reminder of where I am not.

Of course, after that we had hot chocolate. They always want to stir. They always make a mess.

Lots of work getting in snow gear. 3 minutes of semi-fun. Hot chocolate. Mess from hot chocolate. Sometimes it feels like so much effort and work. Sometimes I can focus on that work and the mess. In those times I miss out on the obvious. We have SO MUCH SNOW. It could be another decade before my kids get to experience this again. So even if it is only 3 minutes and even if there is sticky hot chocolate all over the table….I got to be with my boys. Outside. In the “Blizzard Twenty Eleven”. I’ve been given so much.