Stalked by the Stork...a diary of raising 10 kids

Well, St. Louis City schools did the noble thing- the safe thing- and cancelled school today which gives Albert and I a wonderful head start on our weekend. Mascoutah, is apparently less concerned with safety than with ensuring their state funding for the day so school was on for the boys. I gave them the choice, as looking outside my bedroom window, it was obvious to me that I wouldn't bring myself outside today, so why would I force my children to go out into the cold? All but Jackson opted to go to school. Brandon weighed his options for a moment but upon finding out that a few chores were on the days agenda for any stay-homers...he chose to go to class!
I must say, although a tad bit of cabin fever is begining to set in, its wonderfully cozy and warm and toasty being all settled in the house with Albert and our little ones. The twins are eating a very late breakfast/early lunch in their highchairs, Jackson is lounging comfortably on the couch watching television, Sydney is dozing in her swing and Brice is cruising around the kitchen table drinking the remnants of everyone's soda's. The house is a beautiful mess with beds unmade (and thus ready to be jumped back into for a warm nap) baby toys scattered on the living room floor, and a load of laundry ready to be folded and put away upstairs.
It feels very satisfying today, being here with the freezing temps of the ice storm outside our front door. This is exactly how I imagined my life when I was a little girl. This is exactly what I've always wanted and though so many of our days are filled with more than an ample share of stress and chaos, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have been blessed in more ways than I am probably even aware.
Today is spa day for Alexandria and I. We have started this little tradition that someday Sydney will join in on as well. Once a week (usually Friday) we have a spa day. We take a bubble bath together (Alex hates the bathtub and will only get in if I'm in with her) Then we get out all of the yummy smelling lotions, powders ect and we have a great time putting on lotions, purfume, painting toenails and getting in warm pajamas. Then we read a few stories and sing a few songs and have a little talk where I explain to Alexandria how special it is to be a girl. I tell her all the things that are amazing about being a woman. I tell her how one day she will be a Mommy herself and that it is quite a blessing to be the conduit through which God brings about new life (at least most of the time).
Yes Mom, I even things up by spending time in the rocking chair with Isaiah reading and singing with him. Sometimes during the songs, I even refer to him by name!