Burrrr

It's been in the low 30s during the day and 20s during the night for the last week. We still have snow and ice. Most of it is just ice which makes walking to school downright treacherous. It's been one of those weeks where I wish I could have skipped it altogether. Gabe has been keeping a tally of how many times he has fallen on the ice on the way to school. He is on number 7! I think I would do better with a pair of ice skates then "wellies". On Tuesday, we were half way to school when Avery got sick right on the bright white snow! So, I sent the boys on ahead and turned around to take Avery back home. She stayed in bed all day. The next day it was Ian's turn but he got sick at school. Thankfully, the principal gave us a ride home because I had no idea how I was going to carry a sick boy across the ice home. Gabe informed Mrs. McKenna on our way home that he was keeping a tally of how many times he fell down on the way to school and then as we got out of her car his feet slipped right out from underneath him. Mrs. McKenna said, "Well, Gabe another one for your track record!" So far Elise has only has come down with a bad cold and Gabe is well. Let's hope it stays that way.

Keeping our house warm has been a bit of a challenge. I have never been so cold. We have oil heat with radiators which we have set to come on periodically throughout the day. We keep the doors shut to all the rooms to retain some of the heat. We also have two fire places which we have been lighting during the evenings. I have never worn so many layers. The kids all have their long johns on constantly. The positive side to it is that I don't have to refrigerate drinks or butter and most things left out on the kitchen counter stay cool. It's also very nice to have a cozy fire with the smell of peat burning.