Let it snow!

Holy Christmas, Jesus!  It was a whirlwind of a holiday season, with celebrations all over the place - and food and family and presents - and FREDDIE!

 Harper was not super excited about seeing Santa at the mall.  Shocker.

I finally convinced Andy to ditch cable - and we got an early Christmas present: APPLE TV, baby!!  Thanks, mom and dad!  One of the many super cool things about Apple TV is that you can watch youtube on the big screen - which means we can project our very favorite artist - and have some serious art parties.

If you never have - check out artforkidshub.com

Dance

Harper has been begging to go to dance class.  So, I finally caved and signed her up for a "tiny tots" dance class.  She has been counting the days on the calendar, and the day after Halloween marked her first class.  She chatted the entire way to the studio.  She spoke about her dance teacher (who she hadn't met yet), the dance moves she would do (twirls are the prettiest) and the new tutu she would buy.  She skipped through the doors, and then stopped short.  You could see the uncertainty creep up  her eyes, as she saw all the people waiting for class.  She grabbed my hand.

Harper did go into the dance class studio.  She sat in a circle, and followed the direction of the instructor - for about 3 minutes.  It was heartbreaking to watch her hang her head in her hands and begin to cry.

I wanted to burst through those doors and scoop her up, but I just watched as she sobbed, and the teachers did their best to help her feel comfortable.  Little shy Harper wanted nothing to do with anyone, she just searched the glass windows for mama.  Finally, they brought her out, and I was able to hug her and dry those crocodile tears, as she buried her head in my neck.

We watched a bit of class, and I encouraged her to go back with the other dancers.  She just shook her head, and asked to go home.  As we left, she finally told me that there were just "too many friends there".  And, was back to her happy, dancing self - once we got into the safety of the car.

Later that day, she told me she was definitely going back to dance class - when she was seven.

 Halloween 2014 finally arrived, and there were so many things that made it SPOOKtacular..
     1.  It was on a FRIDAY!
     2.  Mrs. Prose did not have students that day.
     3.  Grammy and Grandpy could both come celebrate.
     4.  Our friends came over, and even stayed over night.
     4.  Grampy "needed" to go to the store, and he took me with him.

Lu Lu's Confirmation

The first born grandchild is all grown up.  We were blessed to celebrate Lauren's confirmation, and during the service of 70 confirmants, I had some time to reflect on the little blond, round faced girl, who has grown into such a beautiful young woman. 

 oh - and of course, there was some Papa time...

Costumes & Carving

 Let the Halloween preparations begin!!

 

Bennett Daniel Prose

Grade 2 - Seven Years Old

Mr. Putz's Class - ORE

M(adison)EA Weekend

Thank goodness for MEA break.  It provides a perfict opportunity for a fall roadtrip.  We were super bummed that Lola and T couldn't join us this year.  I thought maybe this would be our first "family" excursion, but T had to work - so Harper had to pretend Lola was in the backseat the entire drive.

Let me take a moment and give some respect to the Mother (Nature, of course).  The drive was incredible.  It was breathtaking and stunning and nothing like I had ever seen.  We gaped out the window, for a majority of the drive.  It was a postcard, once we crossed the border.

 As usual, we ate at great restaurants, Colie cooked some fantastic vegetables (did you know parsnips taste exactly like mashed potatoes??) and played games.  We did have a Madcity first!  It was our first visit to the theater.  We purchased front row tickets to see the production of "James and the Giant Peach".  We got dressed up (Nicole and Harper in tights) and went out to dinner.  I was a bit nervous, because the play didn't begin until 7pm, which is a bit late for the ninja and gnome, but they were so excited and entertained, before we knew it, we were standing with applause.

 Super. Awesome.

H is feeling a bit pink today.

October began with our annual trip to the Prose Pumpkin Patch.  Papa's pumpkin patch gets bigger and bigger each year - much to the delight of the grand kids!  I wouldn't say Andy and I are delighted by filling up the truck with 40 pumpkins, but we are not one to buck tradition!  So, we loaded up the truck with orange, pink, red, green, warty, carvers, spidery pumpkins.  Rita was quite sure we could give some to the entire neighborhood.

 And, Grandma is always right!  During the following (beautiful) days, we did deliver pumpkins to the neighborhood.  Orrin invented a pumpkin delivery truck - the drop offs began.

Fall Conferenes

Our conference with Mr. Putz has been on the calendar since August.  Bennett was so excited to hear all the feedback from his favorite teacher.  I also was very excited.  I know what a great kids we have, but it's always interesting to hear the teacher's perspective.  And, being a teacher - I love to see how other schools operate and pray to NOT hear the word "interesting".

Mr. Putz gave a glowing report on the boy.  He is smart, and hits the "exceeds" mark on most of the content areas.  He preforms well on standardized tests, and turns in quality homework.  But, more importantly (to Mr. Putz and Mom and Dad), Bennett is demonstrates high levels of character.  He is a leader in class, and sets a good example to his peers.  He is a good friend, and kind and helpful to his classmates.  He makes his teacher - and Mom and Dad - incredibly proud.

Good work, Little Dude.  Good work.