Snow Day

Yesterday we were hit with a crazy winter storm.  Heavy rain in the morning that turned to frozen precipitating stuff and then finally all snow.  It was a horrible storm that sadly claimed lives.  But in my little world it was a gift from God.  Why would a winter storm, appropriately named Vulcan, be a gift you ask.    My college girl & oldest child is home on break.  Technically spring break but that just doesn't seem right.  My husband and I both teach high school.  And my boys go to the same school where my husband teaches. And all of us were home because of the storm.  Nothing in this world makes me as happy as all five of us being together.  I had an entire, unscheduled day with all three of my kids & my husband.  Gift!

I got to sleep until 7:15 and then went to work.  Cleaning, laundry, Advocare: check.  Such a feeling of accomplishment to spend some time catching up.

Being in my kitchen with my hubby or one of the kids sitting at the counter while I cook or bake equals happiness for me.  I love cooking & baking. And I adore making a meal for my family then sitting and eating and talking and laughing together.  I am blessed because this happens in my house.  Just not very often with all five of us together.  And I do make very healthy meals frequently.  However, when God gives me a horrible winter storm and my entire family together I choose to make comfort food.  So there was nothing consumed at that table last night that would have been 24 Day Challenge friendly.  Our menu: pork roast, garlic mashed potatoes (yes home made with butter and milk), and broccoli in cheese sauce (again home made with butter, milk, and cheddar cheese).  Freshly baked shamrock cookies with green icing.  And for hubby and I some wine.  It was delightful.  It was indulgent.  It did absolutely nothing to help me reach my health and fitness goals.  The odds are highly unlikely of ever having another surprise, unscheduled family day so a culinary splurge was ok.  Dinner was great but the talking and laughing was wonderful.

Every choice we make does lead us closer or farther from our goals.   This choice definitely took me a little away from some goals but it gave us a wonderful family memory.  That's a trade I am willing to make once in a while.  And since it was a conscious choice, I refuse to feel any guilt or remorse about it.  On normal, regular days, we need to make those memories without as many culinary indulgences so we can be alive and healthy enough to make wonderful family memories for decades to come.