Our annual stop at B&J's Evergreen began with the obligatory debate - long vs short?  Every year, we discuss the needle length, and every year I remind my wonderful family that we always get short needles, and every year they try to convince me that we alternate between long and short needles and every year I disagree, and every year we cut down a tree with short needles.  It's not annoying, it's endearing.

Me, too, Harps.  Me, too.

My very own Paul Bunyon.

 

First day back on the slopes!  

They tell me it's like riding a bike...  

(Don't you love just love banana boy??)

 

Thanksgiving 2020 - the one when we found out that we actually can make a decent gravy. 

Family Zoom Conversation: 

Mom: I'm not really sure what Christmas will look like this year, but...

Colie:  THIS!!  MOM!!  THIS IS WHAT CHRISTMAS IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE!

Mom:  I know, I know, but still...💙😘😔
 

Distance Learning set-up includes lots of monitors and no physical students.  It's strange, but I can't say enough how proud and impressed I am by my students and colleagues.  It has been incredible to watch the entire educational system change and evolve to fit within the parameters of Covid-19.  (I like to think we are building the plane as we fly...)

Everyone in our community is stepping up to support our students learning from home.  I have 100% attendance every day.  If a student is gone for a reason, I am contacted a head of time.  Students are completing their work, asking questions, making mistakes and trying again.  Is it perfect?  No.  Do I expect perfection? Nope - not in person or virtually do I expect perfection.  I expect kids to show up, work hard, and be nice.  They are not falling behind.  They are surviving a global pandemic.

 

 😂

One of the best things of 2020 is pictured above.  Finally, after YEARS of begging and pleading - the family finally agreed to putting a tree up prior to Thanksgiving.  While this may seem like not a very big deal to you, it is to me.  I LOVE CHRISTMAS TREES SO MUCH, and sitting in the twinkling glow makes my heart happy.  

AP's birthday celebration 2020 - guess what?  We stayed home.  AP made an amazing cheesecake, we danced, decorated the tree, and determined that he continues to be our favorite. 💙

 

November 10, 2020 - Bennett Daniel Prose turns 14 today.  Yep, fourteen.  And, we decided to celebrate at home. 😊 You had a few items on your birthday list - snow, distance learning and an old set of encyclopedias. You know we do everything in our power to make your birthday dreams come true. So, beginning next week, we will be full time distance learning, it is currently snowing, and unbeknownst to you, your encyclopedias are on the way. We got you, kid. #myfavoriteoldman

Harper got Bennett a leather bound journal and quill feather pen.  In the journal, she wrote this poem:

A Poem for 14

Happy 14th birthday, Bennett Daniel Prose.

As a present, I will write you a poem, I suppose.

You're the best brother I've ever had, and that makes me very glad.

I like when we are home alone, even if I'm on my phone.

You are so determined and smart.  But, I don't like it when you fart.

You take care of me so well, maybe a new pair of socks would be swell.

Forever I will be your best friend.  And I love you even though this poem ends.

Love, Little Muffin

 

Thank you, Lord Jesus, Mother Nature, The Universe and the 81MILLION people who voted for unity, love, inclusion, human rights, education, Joe and Kamala.  It is a moment in HERstory that we are proud to be of witness.  Now, can we just fast fwd to January 20, 2021?