The first day of near 30*, and immediately, AP was plowing out our firepit.  Spring fever, already, Prose?? 

Parent Teacher Conferences

Harper Nicole Prose

Grade 3

Harps had all kinds of things on display this night - a book jacket, some poetry, book recommendations, and a steller report from Ms. Foy.  Ms. Foy shared how excited Harper is about learning, she participates in class discussions, has her hand popping up all the time, is a great friend - often the first to help another classmate - and tries her best all the time.  One thing Harper needs to work on is her consistent need for hugs.

 "Love is seeing all my friends.  Love is kisses.  Love is spending time with my brother.  Love is going to school.  Love is family day.  Love is girls day.  Love is all the people I know.  Love is seeing Ms. Foy.  Love is my mom, and my dad and brother and cat."

February 20th, 2019 was our 67th snow day of the year.  Ok, that's totally hyperbole, but it definitely seemed like it.  Unfortunately, we will have to make up, yet another, day at the end of the school year.  Fortunately, I was feeling pretty crummy so a stay home day was just what I needed.  Oh - and have I mentioned that my kids are old enough, and responsible enough to head to the local snow hill solo, while I nap?  The kids geared up, and I offered them a ride, but both tucked me back into bed and told me to just rest, and they would walk to the hill.  I had not worries concerning their safety, knowing the hill would likely be full of their friends.  And, sure enough, it wasn't long before I was getting pictures from Musky - all was well - and they were even able to hitch a ride home!

The snow is pretty, though, isn't it?

Duck Unlimited Ice Fishing Tournament 2019!!  It's an annual event for the Prose boys, each year they plan and prepare and map out their best honey hole.  This year, they trekked up to the lake with lots of layers to keep warm.  They came home wind burned, exhausted, with no fish, but lots of good stories. 🎣😂

While this may seem like the longest winter in the history of winter, there is a glimmer of hope.  The days are getting longer, second by second, and we are doing all we can to enjoy every minute of sunlight - until Mama calls us in for dinner - promptly at 5:30pm.

I'm not sure these two could get any happier. 💕

The Mister, Ninja and Gnome planned the best birthday weekend to celebrate another trip around the sun for Mama.  Each member planned an event they thought I would enjoy.  Bennett chose an afternoon visiting the newly renovated MN State Capitol.  There were very few visitors this freezing cold morning, so we had the place to ourselves.  We explored all the levels of this beautiful building and left with a few souvenirs.

Harper thought I might want to play some games, so we headed to Can Can Wonderland.  If you have never been, you definitely need to check out this fantastic throw-back arcade with a giant mini-golf course, pin and ski ball, and of course all kinds of beer.

The Mister selected the company, knowing that in order for it to be a true birthday bash, the besties needed to be there.

Cheers to #41.  It's always been my favorite number.

Pike came to live with us July, 2000.  He was rescued from the Pike's Peak Humane Society, and immediately, Andy was his favorite.  Pike loved to climb the Christmas trees, hide anywhere he could squeeze his long whiskers, and stretch out in the sun.  I remember one night, there was a terrible thunderstorm.  Pike was nowhere to be found, and the garage door had been left ajar.  I was certain Pike had dashed for the outdoors, as he often did when given the chance.  Andy and I scoured the neighborhood, calling for our beloved cat.  Dripping wet, from the rain and the tears pouring down my face, we returned home, certain he was gone forever.    As I sat and cried, that black cat came slinking out from under the chair in which I sat.  He looked at me like "What.  I was napping." and sauntered over to his food dish.

When Dolson arrived in late 2001, Pike was not impressed with this fat, drooling cat.  But, soon they because quite close.  The two spent their days napping at the foot of the bed, or curled up on the end couch cushion, and their nights racing each other up and down the stairs.  While Pike tolerated Dolson in the beginning, I know he also loved his best friend the most, in the end.

Pike left us on February 7, 2019.  

Rest easy, my beloved Black Unicorn.  Thank you for sharing 19 years with us.

 

First weekend home from our ski vacation, what do you think we should do, Mom?