sore muscles and memories

Snowapocolypse is the best word to describe what is going in the area surrounding my home. I am not quite sure on the inches 10 maybe more, probably more. Last week we had that much snow and it was a piece of cake. I shoveled my driveway a couple times and didn't blink at driving post storm. However this time I had #1 shovel first then I did the same 4 other times to keep up with the amount being dumped an hour (1 to 2 inches an hour). Then there is the lean to, the place the horses stand to get out of the weather. My father took the word of someone on how to build it and well let's just say it is less than certain to withstand the weight of such large amounts of snow coupled with inches of ice first. It withstood last week's storm well but this rare snow extreme is doubtful. My mother and I climbed on top of the roof to push the snow off, once the ice began breaking apart from the salt we first used it created a cracking, slippery footing. I crawled around and shoved snow, painstakingly making my way back to the top of each section to do it again. God bless my mother in her early 50's who hung tough close to the length of time I did. Later we opted to make supports with the wood purchased to add support a year ago. This required me standing on a ladder and using a nail gun which is easy and difficult once my weak shoulder had been stressed.
All in all we worked as a team a total of 3 hours in the day and had a short bit of hiccups in getting along. I would say this is really a praise report if you understand my parents and their struggling relationship. Once a walkway was shoveled in between the houses the work of Tuesday would have been done, except one change of plans. My dear husband upon teasing by his fellow firefighters decided instead of remaining overnight at the fire station for his shift Wed to come home he would drive home. You see in the area between my house and there (only 15 miles) the amount of snow is so much less there is no logic for it at all. It had already been decided against doing so due to the broken tractor arm to blade the snow off the driveway but reason out the window he arrived here, stuck in the snow. The van he drives is waning and we are simply holding out for later in the year to get rid of it. This is NOT the vehicle that needs to be stuck anywhere! After my tired mind and body opened to unkind words his short time home led to little positive. Forecast of more for us overnight led me to suggest he attempt to head out in my van safely backed into the garage. Long story short 2 tries, some pushing, more shoveling on my part he made it to the fire station once again.
Now that described above was my day minus 1 movie with the big 3. Sore muscles and beaten down spirit was all that it resulted in. But after that things began to change, dark came and the need to remain inside and trust God took over. Kids who did a darn good job with managing themselves in my stead prove that while challenging are learning to be responsible mess ups here and there. A hot bath and warm cup of coffee was made with a sidekick on my heels. #4 seemed to be needing my attention more than most. 5 minutes in to our bubble bath #2 popped her head in as well. What the heck why not I thought when she requested to come in. Girls spa time she called it and giggles commenced. I am pretty sure these days are numbered with my oldest daughter now 8. As uncomfortable as it made me the situation opened up to free discussion of body parts, puberty and changes. No one wants to talk about these things but well, matter of fact and honest words lend to clear understanding. #2 was adorable asking if we can go to a spa sometime, asking about my first car/cars and telling me she wants a limo as her first car because she will be a singer/model. Then she wished we could go to the mall just her and I to buy stuff. I can see I am needing to lead back to what is really important in life, shying away from famous people picture of success.
#3 already had made plans to spend the night at Gma and G's leaving my oldest 2 when #4 went to bed. They requested to sleep in my room so I rolled with that too. Giggles of excitement, a bit of chatting and some family tv resulted in 11pm bedtime for all. In the middle of the night #1 stuck a pillow between him and I. I suppose I was trying to cuddle in sleep, lol.

Whew what a day, what a storm. Wish me strength as I head to shovel one last time then tow my van back to my driveway. Patience is needed too! But a praise report as the supports we made for the lean to propped it up just enough for the wind to do the hard work of snow removal. Mom pushed us to do it the way she heard God prompting and no surprise he saved us from returning to that roof!