Baby it's COLD outside

So our move back home to the arctic, I mean ND, has been full of transitions. One thing that has been similar is my need to check the temperature before leaving the house for the day in order to appropriately dress my kiddos. Let me explain.  In Iowa you may have a day that is sunny, warm, 60 degrees and the next may be 15, cold, snowing and raining.  Although the fluctuations are slightly different up here...it is still a necessary evil. Instead of should I wear shorts, or pants the questions become "will I need fleece lined pants, long underwear, or my snowsuit or all three?" and it is only January!  Today I decided to check before dressing the boys and just about had a heart attack when I saw -37 degrees F!!!!!  This was at 8am, but still! As I write this post it is a balmy -16 out.  

Although we miss so many things about Iowa I have been comforted by some familiar sights over the past few months.  ***Warning*** You may not appreciate the following list of items unless you have lived in arctic temperatures like wonderful Grand Forks or Northern MN.

What I never knew I missed about Grand Forks, ND in the winter...

1. Automatic car starters are God's gift to mothers with small children (Thanks honey) and you may find more cars left running in the grocery store parking lot then cars not during these wonderful chilly months.
2. Bomber hats are apparently still popular.
3. Russell pants are still a fairly common sighting. (I haven't checked the stores for them, but I have seen them)
4. You are a minority if you don't own a snowblower (That would be us)
5. The postal workers must go on an expedition to find the mailboxes hidden in snow banks.
6. There are "real" winter storms here. Not those wimpy ones in Iowa that cancelled school for a 1/4 inch of snow and a little reduced visibility. 
7. You can skate outside on the outdoor rinks if you are ok with losing body parts to frost bite.
8. You can find lefse in the grocery stores!!!!
9. A shovel in the back of your car is a necessity.
10. Shoveling is a great form of exercise. Especially when you have two small helpers "unshoveling" what you have just shoveled.

These are just a few things that are helping us survive.  I am sure the North Pole is a great time, but if you would like a cheaper vacation and want to see some Dafoes you can always come visit! 

Here is what I woke up to the other day!  I watched from inside for awhile and thanked the Lord for snow, my wonderful husband who is also a wonderful father!