Ahhh….the simple words “snow day” immediately conjure up images of hot chocolate, marshmallows, snowball fights, and no school. When we departed for our various schools this morning, we found ourselves entering a white world with soft flakes of frozen fun falling steadily. I confess to standing outside, tipping my head back, and allowing the flakes to land on my face as my mind wandered back to my own childhood and the glorious snow days I enjoyed.
Now, I work with a teacher who is from the north and I suspect she often laughs at us for our enjoyment of this simple thing. She tells of weeks on end with snow as if it were a bad thing. I do have to tell you, I personally would enjoy living someplace that has a beach and waves crashing – but for now, I also do enjoy the chance to play in the snow with my kids.
I don’t know if you can tell what the picture is, but this is my youngest son’s pirate ship with a homemade sail made of an outgrown Dallas Cowboys t-shirt. It met with a tragic fate this afternoon as it was caught by the iceberg and then was pummeled with falling snow boulders. The girls squealed and cheeks were rosy as they tossed snowballs back and forth. My husband entered into the action, eliciting even more squeals and giggles. My young son, a smart guy, found a place with me near the fire pit we had going to warm our hands and faces.
The teacher in me bemoans the lost time in the classroom. We have so much to do. The parent and fun-lover in me completely enjoyed the chance to spend the time home with my family on this day. Later, after drying off and warming up, we enjoyed hot chocolate with marshmallows and a game of Pictureka that had us all laughing. Now I sit here, feet snug in my fuzzy socks and sipping hot coffee. How lucky we are. I know the decision to close early and begin late was not a decision made lightly. However, I also know the decision was most appreciated and, yes, even celebrated by many.
So I don’t mind being a source of amusement for my colleague. I’m too busy being excited about having a snow day! Hot chocolate, anyone?
Christine Moore currently holds a degree from Howard Payne University and is actively working toward a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Married with four children, Christine teaches 6th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 14 years. Her husband, Jeremy, owns a local company that specializes in web design, custom computer builds, and on-location repair called DreamSoft Design at www.dreamsoftdesign.com. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you!