February: Stories to Tell

February has arrived bringing piles and piles of snow!  A huge storm arrived on Saturday night and lasted through Sunday.  It is the most snow I can ever remember receiving (in one storm) in Iowa since we have lived here.  The kids have had fun, and it is really beautiful.  But we are all looking forward to spring!

On Friday before the big storm, Ashton had her Eastern Iowa Honors Choir Festival.  I was able to go for the day and had such a wonderful time.  It is an outstanding event where select musicians from each of the area schools gather to learn and rehearse music with a guest conductor. The day culminates with an evening choir concert for the parents.  We are so proud of Ashton and how she excels in music.  Singing in a choir (especially one of this caliber) is a great experience and something she will remember forever.

When the big storm hit, we all hunkered down inside, grateful for a warm home and good food.  Church was cancelled so we had lots of time to relax, annoy each other (ha ha!), and enjoy the Super Bowl.

No school on Monday either so we had a neighborhood sledding party!  It was actually a beautiful day, very cold but gorgeous blue sky.  Good thing these kids like to play in the snow.  Even Luke would not be left out!  And Cole just loved helping Tod.  He is such a hard worker.

On another note...last February, I shared several memories about my mom since February is her birthday month.  I wasn't sure that I was going to do it again until last week.  I began reading through last years memories and also looking at old pictures.  For Christmas, my dad had all of our childhood pictures put on a DVD.  Talk about a priceless gift.  Several years ago, Chris and Marieta had scanned the years of 1976-1983.  Now with the new DVD we have from 1976-2001.  It brought me lots of happiness and joy...and I knew for sure that once again, I would be sharing some memories for the month.  It is so important to write things down! I do not have a great memory, and things need to be recorded!

I guess I was a little hesitant in some ways because these are my memories of my mom.  Everyone interprets experiences and stories differently and remembers things in their own way.  But I am going to push forward knowing that I want to share these stories for myself and for my own children...and for all others who may come along for the ride!  Hopefully, they will bring you some joy and happiness too!  I am not promising an entry for every day, but I am going to do my very best!  Stay tuned!