Thanksgiving Thursday

Now I am convinced that we are living in a Snowpocalypse.  We had about 30+ inches of snow outside, and last night we received about 20+ inches more.  Our college has closed or been delayed at least four times since we came back from the holiday break and even on several Saturdays, we've been snowed in.

Our three foot fence in the front yard.

One large icicle on our house.

The largest icicle on our house--probably about seven feet long.

Lewie's little playhouse.

Lewie's playscape.

During past winters I used to complain that we didn't get enough snow or when we did get snow, the sun would melt it all the very next day.  This year is quite the exception, and yet, I'm still disappoined.  This time I'm disappointed because we have too much snow instead of having too little.  The snow is literally taller than my little man, and the icicles on the house have become large, gargantuan daggers to avoid like the plague.  (Being at the wrong place at the wrong time could result in a massive blow to the head if one of those huge, frozen ice chunks ever decided to let go.)

Still, in spite of my disappointment that we don't exactly have sledding conditions, I'm still unbelievably thankful.  This post is being modeled off of the very inspirational Mama Hen and Her Thanksgiving Thursday posts, which are so uplifting.

This week, I'm thankful for...

1) My family, friends, and blog friends.

2) My comfy, warm home.

3) A job/career that allows me to earn extra money for my family.

4) Days off with my little guy.

5) Our safety and security.

Today I'm focusing on being appreciate of our safety and security.  The weather has been scary these last few weeks with howling winds, below zero temperatures, icy conditions, slippery roadways, and heavy, heavy snow.  Everyday, I need to count my lucky stars that everyone in this house is safe.  With these conditions, it's way too easy to get frostbite, slip and fall, slide off the road, get into an accident, or even just have one's roof give way, causing much damage and destruction to the house.  We already have some water stains on the ceiling from problems with our drainage and all the icicles, but these stains are nothing considering the fact that our house has protected us from below negative windchills and 30+ inches of snow.

Today, I'm honestly going to look at my budget once more.  If I have extra money to give, and I know I can find it, I plan on mailing a check to our local soup kitchen, which turns into a homeless shelter during these weather conditions.  I've seen the faces who come here--men, women, and children.  There's something to be said for the gift of warmth...