Winter, Winter, GO AWAY!

I love cold weather. Really, I do. Maybe it's because I never experienced "true winter" in south Alabama. I don't know, but coats, scarves, crisp air, and snow all make me happy. So, it sounds a little out of character for me to say, "winter, be gone," but I just have a deep longing in my soul for the warmth of spring. Don't get me wrong, snow is beautiful and mystical and fun....for about 1 or 2 days. After that, not so much. Here are the top four things that make me ready for spring:

1. Winter is making me late! (well...later than normal)

In my morning frenzy of trying to get out the door for work, I often forget that my car is going

to look like this.....

and that it is going to require 15 to 20 extra minutes to clear off the snow, defrost the frozen windows, etc. I usually end up driving slowly down the road trying to see out of one, tiny clear spot at the bottom of the half-defrosted wind shield... and I'm even later to work.

2. Consistent Exercise is 10x more difficult.

I don't think I've mentioned that Adam and I are training to run the Kentucky Derby 1/2 Marathon at the end of April. We are running to raise money and help our friends adopt 2 children from the Ukraine (which, by the way, if you are interested in sponsoring us $1 a mile or more, let me know). Anyway, it's hard enough to be disciplined to run when the weather is pleasant, much less when it's 20 degrees out with snow on the ground. Needless to say, it has been challenging to get our runs in. We've been going to the seminary gym and running on the track (12 laps=1 mile....we feel like hamsters). We're thankful that we have the gym, but we're not getting much training on hills.

3. My skin feels like Iguana Skin.

My skin is literally drinking lotion, and it is still ALWAYS dry. It's truly disgusting.

4. The 3 wild things (children) that I nanny have been cooped up in the house for WAY TOO LONG!

If you haven't heard any of my stories about the wild things, you should ask me...seriously. I love these kids, but they are super active and have LOTS of aggressive energy. They need to be out racing each other around the tennis courts, riding bikes, and splashing in the pool. Too much time in the house is never good for anyone involved....and the poor house gets destroyed! Wild as the kiddos are, I have to admit that they are also pretty darn cute. The girls went to a "father/daughter" dance with their dad last friday, and they were so precious! I just had to share some pictures. Also, they've just started taking violin lessons, so they wanted to hold their violins in all the pictures.

Caroline (left) and Rebecca (right)... primping!
Really excited about their violins.
Becca is a doll!

After my winter gripe session, I should say that winter does have its benefits. Adam and I enjoyed a relaxing snow day today. School and work were cancelled. We slept late, did some reading, took a long winter walk, and ate some yummy black bean soup! It was a nice break at the beginning of the week.

6 inches?!?