They call him "Frosty"

6 winter lessons in 6 years

I took my first trip to Philadelphia in 2002. It was the middle of February, and I had traveled cross country from California with my friend Lisa and her six week old daughter. I remember the three of us girls standing in 20+ inches of shoveled snow and being paranoid we would run out of food! We walked to the local WaWa (gas station) for lunch meat and milk, and played board games inside the house all day long. When Joe arrived at her doorstep, I cried. Then, I sat white knuckled in the passenger seat while he drove all the way to his parent's house in Maryland.

This year marks the sixth year since Joe and I made the move East. With every year that passes, I seem to learn something new about living in this winter wonderland they call the North East.

1. When your car is parked on the street, and you shovel it out to leave, placing a chair in the empty spot on the street means the spot belongs to you.

I learned this firsthand from a passionate male neighbor our first year in Philly.

2. Never trust a weatherman.

When they say 1-3", they really mean 12".

3. Neighbors make great friends.

Especially on cold, snowy winter nights.

4. It takes two hours for 2 members of Team Clark to shovel out.

But, only 30 minutes with 3 friendly neighbors and their snow blowers.

5. All sidewalks, mailboxes, and fire hydrants must be cleared within 10 hours of snowfall.

If not, you will receive a nasty gram from the Township. That is, if you have a mailbox following the plow run.

6. The words..."Snow Day"...can make a couple of kids giddy happy!

I wonder what next year has in store...

Snow: Children at play

Step 1: Carefully sculpt the perfect snowball.

Step 2: Taste the snowball.

No that's not right. Let's start over.

Step 2: Pick your target.

Step 3: Launch.

Step 4: Score!

Step 5: Laugh at unsuspecting four-legged victims.

Step 6: Celebrate with snow angels.

Do you feel the rhythm?

The below is a video from our son's favorite movie, Toy Story 3.

He loves all things Buzz and Woody, and this is a clip from the movie where "Spanish Buzz" dances with Jesse.

The next clip is our son's interpretation of Buzz in "Spanish mode". It's sideways, but that is my fault. Even so, it is so stinkin cute! I am so playing this at his high school graduation party.

Thank you Rapunzel.

Like so many nights before, we marched up the stairs, counted 1-2-3 before turning off the lights, and I proceeded to tuck them in..."snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug".

Then, I headed to my office for a half hour or so, listening to the sweet sound of her singing (it was Rudolph tonight), and his books dropping to the floor one by one. When the background noise had ceased, and the house seemed to settle, I headed back into their rooms for a kiss goodnight.


Tonight, you were waiting for me. I pulled the covers back in place and tucked you in again.

Momma, What was your favorite part today?

Hmmm. I had so many. I'm going to say my favorite part of the day was sharing cookies with you, Kate.

"My favorite part was snuggling with you. (pause and hugs). Mom?

Yes, Kate.

The girl in Tangled...what was her name?

Rapunzel?

Yea, Rapunzel. Her Mommy was mean. You're not a mean Mommy. You're a good Mommy.

There is a saying, "People may not always remember exactly what you did or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel."

Tonight, with a few simple words, you warmed my heart and made me feel like the luckiest Mom in the world. Tonight, I will remember both.