Of Weather

Before showing you this picture of the day, I would just like to note it was 61 degrees outside this afternoon - or so told me my Weather Widget when I settled down to my computer after lunch.  And from my before-lunch jaunts outside, I would have no reason to doubt it.

This is what my weather widget says now:

I'm not sure how closely you're looking (or if it's just too trippy to you to have that "blog within a blog" effect so you're not focusing on the right thing), but that says 34 degrees.  And right next to that, there's a cloud.  And what's falling from the cloud?  That's right, snowflakes.

And from my brief jaunt out to the mailbox after putting the kids to bed, I can, indeed, attest to the fact that there was some not-so-liquid precipitation stinging my face.

Seriously. Oklahoma?  It was 61!

Sigh.

As a result, tonight's before-bed snack is brought to you by Malt-O-Meal, my snuggly cold-weather alternative to your typical bowl of cereal (also something specifically advised against by the midwives two weeks ago thanks to raised glucose levels - I won't tell if you don't).

(Also please note, in the 15 minutes between when I took this picture and when I posted it, the temperature reported on my widget dropped to 32.  This is lame.)

Further Update:  After my initial post, I peeked outside to see if I could actually see snowflakes swirling in the air (though I knew it would only be in the air as the ground wasn't cold enough to sustain accumulation, right?).  This is what I found:

I would be lying if I didn't admit it actually makes my heart a little happy inside.

Of Enjoying the Weather

Three years ago - Micaiah's first winter - the only snow seen falling in our backyard did not come early, in November, or even during any of the normal winter months.  It came the last day of March.  I was very sad that winter - clinging to hope that one day we would see a single snowflake - Micaiah's first snow - and cursing the fact that we lived in Oklahoma - where we would never have any guarantee of a white winter.

Since that year I have had little to fear - ice and snow storms have plagued our winter months for the past two years.  And it has been wonderful.

And right now, I am praying for a repeat of that winter three years ago.  In planning for our Christmas travels and preparing for a baby who will arrive at the same time of year during which Snowmageddon 2011 hit, I have had not one inkling of desire to see any solid precipitation fall.

Thankfully, the weather has thus far cooperated.  Now, I understand, we still live in Oklahoma - where we can have two blizzards back-to-back with a day of temperatures in the 60's sandwiched between them.  So I hold no false delusions.

But for now, I'm rejoicing in the fact that today neared 70 degrees and praying our unseasonably warm January sticks around for the long haul.

And the family celebrated by taking to the outdoors today - for some late morning play until the kids' cheeks flushed red and an early evening walk followed by Tag in the front yard with Daddy.  Maybe if these higher temperatures feel appreciated they will stay where they're wanted.

Fingers crossed.

 Coloring her rock - the same one she railed at Emmett for coloring until she learned it wasn't off-limits.

 He calls our cat (Annie) "Nee!" - it's pretty adorable.  This is also about as close as he'll get to her at the moment.

 I love family walks.  This is actually Emmett's first time as a participant in the "walk" aspect of the activity.  He seemed a fan.

Emmett didn't quite grasp the game - but he thought it was fun all the same.

 Daddy was getting a little worn down by this point.  This is why I don't play Tag.