We are on Snow Day #3. There is so much snow! I am feeling claustrophobic with the narrow streets, 6 foot high “tunnels”, and trees so heavy they can barely stand. Roofs are collapsing, the roads are nearly impassible, power is intermittent… and more is on the way! Please pray for the elderly, the people with special needs, and for everyone’s safety. City Hall is considering declaring a state of emergency to deal with snow removal, road conditions, damage, heating issues, and dangerous conditions. We are hunkered in, warm and cozy for now, with plenty of cocoa. Pray for our home to stay safe, and for our power (heat) to stay on. Yikes! Another day to catch up on some work… I will update again soon if power/connection allows. Trying to keep everyone safe and happy. :*)

http://www.khq.com/Global/story.asp?S=7780241

http://www.khq.com/Global/story.asp?S=7254841&nav=menu438_3_3

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST FRIDAY…

STEADY SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH DAWN FRIDAY. EXPECT 6 TO 10
INCHES OF NEW SNOW IN THE VALLEYS ON AVERAGE AND UP TO TWO FEET OF
NEW SNOW IN THE MOUNTAINS BY EARLY FRIDAY MORNING.

GUSTY WINDS DURING THE STORM WILL CAUSE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW
ON EXPOSED TERRAIN.

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL
MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

Ready for the next round

Posted: Wednesday, Jan 30, 2008 – 09:39:57 pm PST
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By SEAN GARMIRE
Staff writer

Commissioners could declare state of emergency if conditions get any worse

COEUR d’ALENE — As another round of heavy snow moves into the area today, Kootenai County commissioners will decide whether to declare a state of emergency.

That emergency declaration is “pretty darn close,” said Sandy Von Behren, director of the county’s Office of Emergency Management.

An assortment of government and service agencies met Wednesday to discuss progress and problems associated with cleanup efforts so far, and to prepare for more intense weather.

Their responses were almost all the same: Resources are running out.

Snow-covered powerlines continue to fall, roofs collapse under the strain of heavy snow, roadways grow narrower and emergency agencies are running out of personnel to respond.

The agencies’ requests will be brought to Kootenai County commissioners, who will decide if a declaration of emergency is necessary to draw personnel and other resources from the state.

Emergency responders requested help for downed power lines, and the Coeur d’Alene School District reported a shortage in workers to clear snow off their roofs, which has proven to be a Herculean task due to the district’s more than a million square feet of roof space.

Agencies called for collaboration between their staff, and asked Kootenai County officials to examine their resources to find additional help to catch up before storms hit again.

And the storms are coming.

National Weather Service meteorologist Kerry Jones said another storm will move over the area early today, depositing 5 to 7 inches of snow.

Road crews in Coeur d’Alene are working non-stop to clear roads, but lacking sufficient workers, other road agencies said they can’t work 24-hours.

All the road agencies report they are running out of space to put the snow.

This is what I see when I open my front door.  We have had 2 snow days in 7 years… and now 2 in the last 2 weeks!  When the “locals” and “natives” are saying this is the worst winter in 100 years, something has GOT to be up.  We are in the middle of a terrible storm.  100,000 without power (THANK THE LORD NOT US).  Accidents everywhere.  I had to venture out yesterday, and it was nearly impossible to stay safe with the ice, slush, and white out conditions.  We took Nicole’s keys… when experienced men cannot handle the roads, teens have NO business being on the road.  It is beautiful with the trees so heavy they are bending under the weight.  We have about 4 feet, with 12 inches last night, and 15 more expected this week.

Pray for us to keep our power… we will need to get a hotel if we lose heat.  But, today is a GREAT day to catch up grading papers, laundry, and paying bills.  Countin’ my blessings in the middle of a bitter North Idaho winter…

My baby turned 17 on Friday. Every year, she attends the Generation Unleashed Youth Convention in Portland, Oregon. This year, it fell on her birthday! She was not with us for the first time, and it did not help that I am already grieving about her “last” year at home. I did arrange for her youth pastor to get a great cake, and I sent supplies with her friends to decorate her bed. She had a great time worshiping and being with her favorite friends. Nicole is an amazing girl. She is funny, fun, bolder than I ever was, a great friend, a good big sister to the Littles, and full of big dreams. She is a great servant at church, and she has a real heart for those caught up in big sin. She is creative and passionate about the things she loves. She is the only girl I have ever known to crash into her own mom in a parking lot! :*) Her goals right now are to work hard so she can get into Portland Bible College, stay out of any more car accidents (fender benders actually), have as much fun with her friends as possible, continuing the journey with her best guy- God, marrying a boy from the South who says “ya’ll” and “supper”, reflecting the grace and classic beauty of Audrey Hepburn, and showing off her mad dancing skills as often as possible. She also wants to go on another mission trip this summer… big dreams… amazing girl… We love you Nicole! It has been quite a journey. You have taught us so much. We can only pray that we have taught you all you need to know to have a blessed life. We are proud of the young woman you are becoming. Our work is not finished here… but we are getting close :*)

Looks Like… We woke up to the most beautiful, sunny blue sky. When you haven’t seen it for 45 days, it is like being reborn.

Feels Like… too soon to get out the suits just yet! Yikes!

Just goes to show you that you cannot always believe what you see… :*) Enjoy your sunshine! We are going sledding…

Please put Henry in your prayers this week. My precious sister-in-law, Roberta, just got the news that her 78 year old daddy has prostate cancer. He goes for his pre-op on Thursday. We want to pray God’s best for this situation, and comfort to the family who is understandably scared of this unknown. Cancer sucks!

Life is full of suprises! Alex has a best friend named Kahtianna, and her precious mom purchased 6 tickets to Riverdance for us to have a “play date.” That was some play date! We had the chance to get dressed up (in -10 weather) and head to Spokane together to watch the Broadway production of Riverdance at the Spokane Performing Arts Center. Joahlee, Kahtianna, Me, Alex, Jessica, and Christine experienced the show that has played over 10,000 performances, been seen live by more than 21 million people in over 300 venues throughout 32 countries across 4 continents, played to 2 billion tv audience members, and sold 2.5 million copies of the Grammy winning CD, and 9 million copies of the video. Outstanding! Celtic dance, music, and song telling the story of the people of Ireland’s journey through war, poverty, and family. We ended the day with a trip to Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Parlor. It was a great treat and wonderful surprise.

http://www.riverdance.com/

Surprise visits can be so much fun! Aunt Robin, whom has not visited us since we moved here 7 years ago, called and said she was coming for 16 days. With 2 days notice, we did not even have time to worry about cleaning up the house. She arrived and we have enjoyed getting reacquainted with her. We have broken bread, prayed, danced, SHOPPED, walked, hiked, explored, shoveled, napped, laughed, cried, and had lots of coffee. I can’t believe our time is coming to an end. At first, I worried about 16 days. My grandma always said house guests are like fish, they both start stinking after 3 days. But, not this time. It has been more like a big box of chocolate. Having a few pieces every day, and being sad when you realize there is nothing but those brown wrappers left. We even had some blue sky today. Life is full of surprises.

Since my busy sister hasn’t answered her phone for DAYS and I have tried to call 5 times today to tell the most amazing 5 year old I know Happy Birthday…. here is a post in Ethan M. Brown’s honor. We love you so much!!! We can’t wait to hug you again. We miss you and wish you the very best Bday a little boy could imagine. We love your giggle, smile, ‘tude, and cool surfer-ness. Happy Birthday E!

One of our traditions is the Polar Bear Plunge in Lake CDA at noon on New Year’s Day. This year, Brianna, her friend Janie, and Johnny braved the snow and 22 degree temps to jump ALL THE WAY IN the freezing lake water with about 500 other crazies. Johnny thought knives were stabbing his legs, but the free hot cocoa provided by local churches soothed some of the pain :*) I love my kids! What an awesome way to start the year. We just got home, Bree headed for a hot bath, and Johnny is under my electric blanket on high, where both of them will probably stay for the rest of the day. What crazy thing will you dare to do this year to bring some great memories to your life????