blizzard

So, I got to start my Spring break two days early. Two snow days in a row were totally unexpected, but wonderful. Yesterday, I got up and got fully ready for school. I had checked the website, and my school district didn't say it was closed. It had only just started snowing and the roads weren't bad, yet. But, we knew that lots of snow was expected. Thankfully, Ryan checked the website once more, just as I was leaving, and they had canceled school. Wohoo! I have never had a snow day since I started teaching. Ryan decided to stay home too, and we had a fun day off together. The snow kept coming down. We ended up shoveling wet, heavy snow twice. Actually, I only did about half of the driveway the first time, and then Ryan wouldn't let me lift the heavy snow the second time. Nice, protective husband! But, I'll get to do it today, since it is just an inch- instead of about 7 inches. I think Broomfield got 16 inches. It is hard to tell because where there are snow drifts from the wind, it is over two feet deep. But, all the wet snow was such an answer to prayer. It will be fun to see it melt and have the grass and trees turn green!
I got to enjoy getting some chores done, making some yummy strawberry, orange muffins and relaxing. We went snowshoeing in the midst of the blizzard (the first photo). Man, what a good workout when you are blazing through over a foot of wet snow. We just explored through our neighborhood and over to Josh and Claire's, but it wore us out. We got to watch Oceans 13. Last night, we ordered pizza with Josh and Claire, and Ryan built a fire. So cozy. And, Ryan and I have NEVER ordered pizza before, so that was really fun.
Today- not sure what is on the agenda. Ryan is at work and it is about 0 degrees out. Not sure if snowshoeing in that temperature is good for me or Coranelle. But, it was nice to have some rest. I am sad that I don't get to say good-bye to my students before Spring break. That feels strange. I don't think that Spring break is the same, exciting time for them as it was for most of us. I think they spend a lot of time home alone, or watching their younger siblings. This past week was emotionally very draining. I have quite a few students with horrible home lives and I was trying to do what I could to help. I don't feel like we have the resources or professionals that we need in order to help these kids out. I have students who I believe are victims of physical and possible sexual abuse. I have others with fathers in jail and under restraining orders. These students are not growing academically and I don't even have to wonder why. With their lives constantly in a state of crisis, I don't blame them for not caring about assessments. It is so sad and I often feel so helpless. Hopefully, they get to do something enjoyable over break and at least are not being tested.
I'm off to bundle up and shovel. Horay for snow and Spring break! It will be fun to have Coranelle during the next big blizzard!