Snow Day Contemplation

Like the rest of Western Washington, we were trapped indoors for five days while the snow just kept falling. Yesterday was the first day my car saw the light of day, and though it was good to get out, I enjoyed the snow days. We had our moments of "to much togetherness" but all in all, I loved every minute of it. I think snow days are a good time to evaluate things. You are forced into down time, stuck in the house with your family...what do you feel like? Are you going nuts? Are you texting people as fast as your fingers will go? Or are you relaxed, enjoying the time as a gift, not escaping into video games and technology constantly.

I choose the latter. You see, I don't even have texting. My cell phone, which is fondly referred to as "Bob's Phone" because of it's lack luster appearance and basic features sat in my purse as it always does in case of an emergency only. I don't even know my cell phone number. Do you know what a tremendous amount of peace that gives? Yes, I do have a Facebook account which I frequented more than my usual twice a week peek...I'm not totally in the dark ages. However, you won't find a Wii or X Box or whatever else there is at this house. What you will find is lots of craft supplies, lots of wet clothes continually going into the dryer after hours in the snow, and stuff baking in the oven. There's lots of chats with my kids and just hanging out...and time for big mugs of tea and reflection on life and Christ and all that matters. There was also a day of kids with cabin fever were everyone got on everyone else's nerves, but isn't that just part of being together?

Anyway, all this to say, I love snow days...all the busy schedule stuff gets canceled and those are the only distractions from just total peace here at our house. The snow was a welcomed guest for us, and I hope you welcomed it too. After all, life is about these precious moments in time...it's not about that big trip to Disney Land or that awesome thing that happened in your career. All the technology in the world can't replace the simple pleasures of home. That's were my heart is.

For you gluten free peeps...I invented a new recipe during this time:

Gluten Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 Cup Brown Rice Flour

1/2 Cup Tapioca Flour

1 Cup Gluten Free Oats

1/4 cup Flaxseed Meal

1 Teaspoon Sea Salt salt

1 Teaspoon Xanthan Gum

1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon

12 Tablespoons Organic Butter, softened

1 Cup Organic Sugar

2 Free Range Eggs

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 Cup Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 350

Whisk flours, oats, flax meal, salt, xanthan gum and cinnamon together in a bowl and set aside.

Beat the butter and sugar with a mixer until blended.

Add the flour mixture and beat to blend.

Finally, add the eggs and vanilla and beat in.

Stir in the chocolate chips and drop by heaping Tablespoons on a cookie sheet.

Bake 12-14 minutes.

Makes around 2 dozen.