The ICE STORM has cometh. Now go away!

Alright, I think I've had about enough. We still have our power, but it looks like we won't for the entire night. We got the gas fireplace started (it hasn't been turned on since we moved here in 2005 - whew!). Here are some more recent pictures of the ice. Its still coming down - sleet and all. I thought it was supposed to change to snow at one point.. I think it should about now.
Kate is loving the "icicles", although for some reason she wants to taste them. Must be the new fascination with popsiciles. SOOO not the same thing! :)




Glad that we are still warm and with power. Kate is taking her nap as I type - thank goodness! I was worried it would go off soon after we put her down and she would wake up cold!

Hope everyone is staying warm AND staying put if you are in this storm with us!

Ice!!!!

Okay, so I'm still trying to catch up on my Project 365 entries. However, i find it completely necessary to post some pictures of today (and last nights) goings on. This is probably the worst weather I have seen up here since we moved back in February 2005. It's like pure ice and it's starting to sleet again. I've been trying to work from home, but with the power going on and off at work, I keep getting kicked off the system. It's quite frustrating. Here are a few pictures of our house.

That was last night. Poor Abbie is still using her ramp (due to a back problem common in dachshunds) and with it freezing over, it's more like un-figure skating all the way down.

After coming home early, Kate & I were safe and sound. It took John over an hour to get home (usually it's a 15 minute or so commute). But we were all safe and sound. However, we had this great idea that we would enjoy Taco Bell since signs were that we would be staying in tomorrow night for dinner (with the weather getting worse). So I attempted to leave. I ended up sideways in the driveway. It was not fun or pretty. Then we made it into the grass, but since I had Belle with me, I knew that I could not let her out there (since she tends to be a runner). So, after about FIVE (literally) minutes of spinning on our driving - which is NOT a huge hill at all - we finally made it in the garage although I was sure that we would either end up crashing into the house or John's car in the garage. So, long story short - we won't be going anywhere soon.
After all that, as Kate & I were playing, my glasses broke. Not usually a big deal, but they are my only ones. And I work on the computer all day at work, so I have all that fancy stuff on them so my eyes won't hurt as much. So unless I can find a tiny gold screw soon, I'll be getting a new pair. It's sad because I've had those same glasses since 2001 (I know, about time to get new ones, right?)

So, on to TODAY! It's SOOO bad. Well, it's gotten worse, but here are some pictures from around 10am today.



These are pictures of the front yard:


Kate was wondering what I was doing out there while she was still inside (yes, in her pajamas - I'm thinking it's about time to dress her now that I can't connect to work. :)

Next, she tried to lock me out!

It's sleeting again now and we are supposed to get between 2-4 more inches of snow/ice mix. Show, I'm not sure whether tomorrow will be better or not. I'm trying to round up charges for the portable DVD play and flashlights, the computers and cell phones. Hopefully we will be okay and the power won't be out for long if it has to go out. John just got home since they have been without power. Apparently everything south of Lowell (on 71) is out, but the fast food joints and Marvin's (grocery store) is still open. Doubtful that we will actually venture out.

Project 365 - #12 - Things I could do without

January 12, 2009 - Things I could do without. When you turned two, I realized how much fun you were becoming. Talking more and actually having conversations with us; however, one thing I know I could do without - the whining. Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful for everything about you, but after a long day at work, it's the hardest thing to smile through. To find something to make you happier is the goal, and sometimes it takes a few choices to find the right one. May you outgrow this stage fast.

Project 365 - #11 - Fun with daddy

January 11, 2009 - Fun with daddy - Riding daddy's shoulders. Sometimes it's the simple things that bring about the best smiles.

Project 365 - #10 - Decorating with Jen

January 10, 2009 - Decorating with Jen - Today Jennifer Russell came over and helped us to transform a room with a lot of things, into a very functional and fun playroom. Thank you SOOOO much Jennifer & we love it.

Project 365 - #9 - Hopping along

January 9, 2009 - Hopping along. Kate LOVES her new playroom. It's still a work in progress; however, she loves that she has her own place to call her own. Today she really had a blast jumping on the bed (much like the naughty monkeys we have talked so much about). But when you hear a 2-year-old giggle like that. You just let them do it. And there are moments of worry when they fall down close to a rail, but the excitement and laughter in them is enough to let any mom know that continuing is the best thing for her child.

Project 365 - #8 - Rocket

January 8, 2009 - "Rocket". Kate is in LOVE with the Little Einsteins. "Watch Rocket is a common catch-phrase in our house. She has already learned so much from them (or maybe she's just learning in general). But she loves to imitate them - especially June. This picture is just one of the many moments we spend watching "Rocket" when nothing else will do.

Project 365 - #7 - Back to school & Camp's Birthday

January 7, 2009 - Back to school. A new year, a new backpack and lunchbox.



I also have to mention - today is Campbell Jackson Caldwell's first birthday. Such a cute little boy!! I hope this picture turns out okay - Shutterfly isn't the easiest to copy pictures from. Happy Birthday Camp!

Project 365 - #6 - The allergist

January 6, 2009 - Our trip to the allergist. And a diagnosis that would add a new dimension to our lives. Kate is definitely allergic to peanuts. A not-so-quick trip to Mercy Hospital to have her blood drawn for the first time. It was probably the most traumatic experience for a mother, but Kate was "all better" as soon as we left the lab. Another week for results.

Project 365 - #5 - Belle

January 5, 2009 - Okay, I admit this is an older picture, but Belle is such a big part of our lives. A 2-year-old is not always the softest friend when it comes to a family pet. But Belle takes each "horsie-ride", pat and hug in stride.

Project 365 - #4 - Dressing yourself

January 4, 2009 - I just couldn't resist. One little girl who tries time and time again to dress herself. If she chooses to leave her pajama top, add sweatpants and a pink tutu - even cuter.

Project 365 - #3 - Playroom continued

January 3, 2009 - Today we continued the conversion of our guest room into Kate's very own playroom. Such a hard days work that she insisted her lunch be served there. Happily obliged.

Project 365 - #2 - Ovaltine

January 2, 2009 - One of Kate's favorite things right now. Ovaltine Chocolate Milk. A daily treat. And if she gets a few more vitamins in here & there - even better!

Project 365 - #1 - Dora

January 1, 2009 - New Year's Day. John, Kate & I went shopping at the Promenade. Although we don't even watch it, Kate loves Dora The Explorer. It was even her birthday theme. She saw this coloring book at the Borders during our shopping excursion. The result one happy girl.

Project 365 - Let's begin

I have a new resolution. I saw this incredible scrapbooking kit (designed by the uber talented Becky Higgins), and although I was not one of the very lucky people who were able to get the actual kit from Creating Keepsakes yet, I am still encouraged to continue on.

The purpose of this project is to take a picture every single day of all the little details of your life for an entire year, and provide minimal journaling. What an amazing concept. I'm so excited about this kit mainly because I never have time to do everything I want to document for Kate and our family. I really think this is one of those projects that Kate will be able to look back at and remember how the second year of her life went. If only I had this when she was first born. What amazing changes I could have documented! :) I hope you guys will check back often. My resolution is too keep up with this project, and to share our pictures and journaling with you all.

I started documenting back on January 1st, but am just now getting around to uploading all the pictures. I may be slow going here and there, but I do hope that you enjoy!

For more information on the kit, check out the following websites:

http://www.beckyhiggins.com/blog
http://www.lisabearnson.com/kotm