Grateful, Grateful Wed

The murderous sun pokes his head up over the horizon, ready to steal my beloved snow. I am almost certain that this very experience is what inspired Emily Dickinson to write, "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." While it sounds as if I begin on a grumpy note, it's more of a realistic note. I am very,very grateful for a PERFECT snow day yesterday. It was truly without compare. I think when my kids are grown and gone, this day will be one that stands out in my memory.

I've got a Grateful Wed list for you (please join in!), and then some Redneck Tips for the perfect snow day.

I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for these blessings and more:
1. A fabulous snow day yesterday with snow aplenty and a bunch of great kids
2. Another day off school today to clean up the damage done yesterday and make up the missed Odyssey of the Mind practice
3. Great kids
4. My husband's chili-making
5. The ONE hill in Edenton, without which there would be no sledding
6. The awesome snow-filled view from my study window this morning
7. A lump-in-my-throat inducing Inauguration Day yesterday and all out bawl-fest in watching the Inaugural concert Monday night
8. God's amazing mercy and gifts (I have a wonderful story to tell you, but probably won't get to it today...don't let me forget)
9. The family's new puppy, Ruby Spinelli Koppelman, another Boston terrier sister to Maxilla Theodore Koppelman (Spinelli for Jerry and Eileen, two favorite authors, Theodore for Dr. SEuss-who hailed from Boston, and Max and Ruby from the Rosemary Wells characters whom we adore)
10. Healthy family members

Whew! Now I could go on and on, but for the sake of Redneck Wisdom, I'm going to move on to A Redneck Guide to the Perfect Snow Day
1. Pack your house with kids
2. Make 220 ounces of hot chocolate (really). The key to the perfect hot chocolate is to make it with half evaporated milk and half water. You can use the cheap chocolate mix, but you MUST have the evaporated milk. And little marshmallows.
3. Throw in a little excellent television, coverage of an unprecedented historic event like an inauguration, for example
4. Fill a crock pot with chili-yum, yum-and keep it simmering all afternoon
5. Purchase disposable hot chocolate cups and chili bowls to save dishwashing later
6. Whip up a batch of snow cream
7. Bake a pan of brownies to eat with the snow cream
8. Gather all the sleds in town and take the kids to the biggest hill
9. Huddle around the television, like the old days, to see tomorrow's school closing scroll across the screen
10. Keep the dryer running all day, so their clothes are warm and cozy each time they go out. (My 5 yo said he felt warm as popcorn)
11. About 5:00, announce Make Your Own Dinner Night, then get your book and snuggle by the fire, occasionally gazing out at the still-falling snow. Even though the house is completely trashed, you know tomorrow is another day.

Wishing you snow days and new beginnings of unprecedented significance. Please share your blessings today and any additional redneck tips. I KNOW you've got some.