Wednesday, January 16, 2008


Being back in WV has been wonderful for many reasons....family, mountains, seasons, etc. Recently we've been enjoying the winter snow. I guess we're expecting more for the rest of the week, which I'm sure will be beautiful. However, I never considered what kind of time and energy it would take to get a 4 year old and 1 year old ready to go outside -- when it's below 30 degrees, snow boots are required, (along with a pair of shoes to change into once we get to our destination), hats, gloves, diaper bag essentials, whatever toy Bethany wants to tote around for the day and her choice of purse, a blanket to cover the baby's legs because inevitably her pants legs will ride up when I carry her to the car, etc. Oh, and don't forget that before this, and sometimes during or after (because I forgot to do it in advance), I have to clean the snow and ice from all windows - as well as the top of the van because huge waves of snow will fall to the windshield while I drive if I neglect to do so, pry open the frozen sliding doors of the minivan, and start the car to get it heated. One day a week or two ago, the back doors froze, so I had to put Bethany between the front seats, hand Mallory to her and let big sister put baby sister into her carseat. I then proceeded to climb into the 12 inch space between the front seats, stand up inside the van ( bent over, of course) and try to buckle both of them. What a sight for anyone looking into any of the front windows! (Boy, do I miss having a garage!) But, I do have a sweet husband who tries to clean the van off for me before he goes to work if it snows during the night. But, I still love being here for every inch of the snow.....so far. (It's only January....2 more months of this, at least.)

12 comments:

Amber said...

mandy, it's amber stewart (mann). I blog-hopped from Melissa's blog. I hope you don't mind. You're girls are adorable. We got your Christmas card. Thank you. As for me, I handmade all 65 of our Christmas cards and they're still sitting on my desk! Ha! I guess my cards for next year are done!

stewartstories.blogspot.com

Ann said...

Frank is directing me so I can become a blogger too. We loved your dancing girls and comments. You sound very mature and into what life is all about! We miss you. Ann Miller
P.S. I grew up in Wis. with winters just like you describe. Mom had three girls to dress and undress constantly and we were always "put outside to play". California is a different life.

Melissa said...

Last night we had a snow storm come through here in Asheville so today we went and bought snow pants and snow gloves for the girls. They can hardly stand staying inside. They are so excited!!

Isn't it amazing how much more difficult it is to go and do things with two little ones? Man, when I was first making that transition I was so grateful for sweet friends like you who helped me SO MUCH!!!

I love your blog page. I am so excited to stay up-to-date with you and your fam. I love that picture of Brad and the girls on the slide. Bethany always was such a daddy's girl. :) Looks like she still is.

Therese said...

Mandy, Thanks for sharing your blog. I really like hearing how you and your family are doing, which looks and sounds like you all are doing so wonderful. Great picture of Brad and the girls. I'll bet they are both going to be daddy's girls but we know daddy has three girls-ha ha. Lucky man that he is! What a sweet family.

Deana said...

Well I guess I will have to join in and create a blog of my own. Melissa's was pretty cool with the music. The pictures of Brad and the girls were great. Where is you picture? Hope things are well in your new place. We miss you guys. I will be starting over soon making new friends. The girls are doing well in Homeschool.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mandy,

I love the pictures! I miss my girl Bethany! My, how Mallory has grown. Enjoy the snow, I really miss it, I know it's not easy to deal with sometimes, but it's beautiful and fun to play in! I remember having those "mommy momnents" such as yours in the van, I'm sure there were many times I could have one the 10,000.00 on America's funniest home video's! (My neice Megan actually did win that in 1996-Easter Bunny Surprise) Anyway, glad all is going well and that you are enjoying being around families. We miss you.

Love, Jackie

Anonymous said...

wait...i don't know where my comment went...

is this the mandy i know from dr thorne's office?

your girls look so big from what i remember. okay, so mallory was a peanut and hadn't come out to play yet. kathie told me when she was born but we were still in VA. good to see you on blogger. that is, if this is the right mandy...

Ashlie said...

Mandy!!! It's Ashlie Wilder! I'm So excited you decided to join into the blog excitement! LOL I LOVE hearing about Bethany and Mallory. They are such beautiful kids and I miss going home and seeing Bethany playing at my house. Hope things are going great for you guys! Keep in touch!

Heather Wolfe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Heather Wolfe said...

Mandy, It seems you guys have settled in and are doing well. The girls are beautiful and growing so big. I got a lot of laughs out of your blog, I am the queen of locking myself out of things and having to climb through windows. The boys are keeping me busy, Christian(4 1/2) is in pre-kindergarden and Karate (he is already a green belt) and Nathaniel (20 months) -Nate Ryan as we call him, is just at the active stage and keeping me on my feet. There is never a moment to myself, but I would not trade it for any other job in the world!
Heather Wolfe

Rebecca said...

Glad to see you jumped on the blog bandwagon! Looking forward to all your updates!

Camille said...

hi mandy! it's great to read about your family! The girls are growing up so fast! It is snowing and below zero here in nebraska. How is it there?