Ice Storm 2009

This ice storm has officially been declared historical! Many people are still without power and water. We've had problems with our internet, phone and cable staying on. It is ashame ice causes so many problems...it is so pretty! I enjoyed driving through this winter wonderland Thursday & Friday when I went to work. Looks like Narnia!!

We took our Brazilian friends sledding and had a blast! Juliana had never been sledding before...they don't get this weather in Brazil. Ended the day with...of course...hot chocolate.

May be a big snowstorm moving through on Tuesday...we'll see!

Lots of ice!

We have about 1/2 inch of ice on the ground and temps are hovering at 30 degrees. Lance has shoveled the ice twice just to keep the driveway open. We're going to attempt a trip to see Paulo and Ju tonight, but more ice is on the way! The phones are not working right, the roads are a mess, school has already been cancelled for tomorrow and I just cancelled my morning of kids. The governor has issued a state of emergecy--WOW!! So far the power is still on here, but is out in some parts of the county. We'll be heading to a hotel if we lose power...no gas here!!

I stayed in my PJ's til 10:00, got caught up on paperwork from the last 2 days and took a nap. Rather relaxing I must say! Jordan has enjoyed a day of playing with her friends in the neighborhood. Lance had a final and went to work, but walked to both and was home by 2:30. All in all a nice "ice" day. :)

I could get used to this!!

The last two Wednesdays Jordan has made us dinner. She is cooking meals out of her kid cookbooks...and doing a great job!! Last Wednesday we had oven-fried chicken tenders, garlic potatoes and green beans. Last night we had french toast sticks and bacon. (Lance made the bacon so Jordan wouldn't get burned) We may have to expand this into a few more nights a week!! :)

It's very, very cold!!!

So we've seen many extremes since we've been here: the wettest fall, the most days below freezing, the most days above 95, a drought, the biggest snow in 10 years and now the coldest temps they've seen here in 5 years! It is unbelievable! I am so glad to be in for the night, cuddled up under a blanket, watching a movie w/ my family. Sounds like a night for hot chocolate to me!

Whorton Update

I haven't posted in awhile and thought I would just give an update on the January happenings in the Whorton household.

Lance--will start his "J" term class this week. He has 3 half days this week, 3 half days next week, a paper and a test. All of his preliminary reading is done...yea!! CPE this summer with hospice was cancelled...UGH!! He is scrambling to get into another one. He had the entire last year and a half planned based on the CPE this summer. He's a little angry about the whole thing.

Jordan--started Upward basketball this past week. Her age group this year is 6th-8th grade...YIKES! She's one of the youngest again. Her team is all boys except her and one other girl. The boys are rather cute...they seem to be a little protective of having a girl on the team. I heard one ask more than once if she was okay...after being hit by a ball or whatever.

Me--Settling into the Stephen Ministry Coordinator position. After today I will finally have a secure, confidential e-mail through the seminary. (This has been a feat as they don't want to give me an e-mail account cuz I'm not a student or staff.) Training will start in February and should keep us rather busy. (Lance is training this year).

In a nutshell...that is what's up here. Hoping we'll get a big winter snow yet this year!

More Christmas Fun!

We spent five fun days in Missouri and Illinois visiting family over New Year's. First we spent a few days with Lance's family...the whole gang got together. Then, on to Laurie's family, but we missed Jeff, Karen & Madison. We had a great time! Thanks to our families for the hospitality, wonderful food and the gifts galore! We love you all! And to our church family "back home": thanks for all of the love and support you give us!!

Waiting is hard...

We've been waiting for a birth mom to pick us for six months, officially. I checked the agency's web site and 2 families now have their babies. Encouraging that things are going on, but frustrating that we have not had a call yet. I did get a call from our placing state 2 weeks ago, but not from the adoption agency. (Took me 20 minutes to get my heart to stop racing!) So....we wait.