Snow day fantasies...

The first snowfall makes most of us a little whimsical about winter. It makes the children anxious and excited and wanting to play in the snow. But we all know that only last about five minutes until they want back inside.

It's the same with snow days: a day where school is canceled just so the family can frolic in the snow. As I watch a dusting of snow cling to the sidewalk right now, it seems almost possible, but I know better.

Children's fantasy: They will get to build snowmen, snow forts, have snowball fights and sled all day, then Mom will be ready with hot chocolate and cookies still warm from the oven.

Mom's fantasy: The children are still at school, terrorizing the neighbors, or some other place that's not HERE. House and TV to myself, I can make my own "Irish" hot chocolate and indulge on my neglected TV viewing via Netflix. (I know, "Way to go, supermom!")

Reality: The parent stuck at home is still attempting to get something work-related accomplished, while hearing howls of, "Where's my scarf?" "My gloves don't match!" "My boots are too small!" Getting them bundled up and out the door to play takes half an hour. Five minutes later (yep, I called it) there's a pile of cold wet clothes pooling by the front door. One child is crying after getting hit in the face with a snowball, and the other is looking for hot chocolate when the only chocolate in the house is a box of brownie mix. The rest of the day will be spent with the children fighting over the TV, toys and personal space issues while the parent is either still trying to accomplish work stuff, or fighting with the snow blower to avoid a city ordinance violation for snow-covered sidewalks.

The snow remains light outside. Let's hope it stays that way...