Grandma's Recipe

Due to a broken arm and a second back surgery the Prose Family missed out on Pickle Fest at Aunt Marge's house.  This was rather traumatic, because Aunt Dorothy promised to teach us how to make her infamous homemade bread, buns and Grandma Safar's cinnamon rolls.  I was disappointed, but had to take care of the patients. 

Fortunately, my dad is a great listener, and quick study.  He learned from the expert, and then agreed to spend our last weekend at the lake, teaching me the craft of bread making.

Following the recipe, we gathered the ingredients.  I had to ask the grocery guy where to find "lard".  Who knew it was in the refrigerator section?  

 We mixed, and then let it sit.  The unfortunate thing about bread making, is that it can be a long day of kneading and rising, and kneading again.  The fortunate thing is that these necessary breaks are perfect for bloody marys. 

 Keeping in mind who I was working with, there wasn't much of an opportunity for me to do anything, so I was sure to get a few pictures snapped before someone took over.

 We made big loaves of bread and little loaves.  We made a few dozen buns and carmel rolls (with and without nuts). 

 I'm hoping we started a family tradition, because I think Grandma Safar would be proud.  Thanks, Dad.

Open House

August 28th , 2012 marked Bennett's Open House at Oak Ridge Elementary School.   Go to school, find your classroom, bring in all your supplies, meet your teacher.  This was my first "parent" experience in an elementary school, and I have to say, it was really intimidating.  I wanted to make a good impression, I wanted Bennett to make a good impression.  I wanted the teacher to like my kid.  I was nervous, but fortunately, I was the only one.

 I'm pretty sure Ms. Blomgren is going to be awesome.  She is young, and fun, and has pinned some really cool stuff on Pinterest.

Mad-City in August

A Summer in the (mad) City

Possibly the best weekend of the summer of 2012.  Here's why:
1.   Wisco Beer
2.  Wisco Cheese
3. Cheese Curd Competition (this should maybe be #1...)
4. Bart Simpson Uno
5.  Day Drinking, with children, is socially accepted - if not encouraged
6. Kids fell asleep really early
7. Best Sisters in the Universe

 We will be back, soon, DoDo.

1K

Bennett has taken up running this summer.  He runs with his daddy outside, he runs with his mommy downstairs, he runs up and down the house, outside, to the mailbox...  It's quite apparent that his favorite mode of transportation is to run.  So, what better way to get him motivated - but with a kids 1K?? 

We asked Max (our behind the house neighbor) if he would like to run with Bennett.  It seemed like a good idea, and Andy and I loved it because Max and Bennett were able to train together.  (Run around the block a time or two, usually sufficed.)  The big day came, and we headed to the church. (Yes, I said, "church".)

 Bennett was so awesome, but a 1K is pretty far for little legs.  He got a piggy back ride, for a few feet, but found his stride (which is an exact replica of his daddy) near the end.  As Bennett neared the finish, he raised his arms in triumph, and threw out rocker hands.  The crowd cheered him on, and he was pretty sure he won.  Of course, we told him he did.

Prose Family F-U-N Day

Prose Family Fun Day - a mandatory day of fun! We meet at the river, we eat, and play, and swim, and the adults try to take a few pics, as the kids scamper about.  Oh, and AP usually roasts a pig.

 Papa is an artist, and this year, he had his favorite grandkids create an art table in the yard.  With some hesitation, Bennett slowly began drawing.  Harper grabbed a marker and scribbled away, not a moment of hesitation.

A Saw & A Needle

Two weeks after the orthopedic appointment, Bennett returned to experience the saw.

And, two years later, Andy returned to experience the needle.

Get the List!!

Bennett is starting Kindergarten this year.  It's been a rather touchy subject this summer, because Bennett discovered that Kylee was not going to be his kinder teacher.  Kylee is our friend, and she teaches kindergarten.  Bennett assumed that she taught everyone kindergarten.  I gently broke the news, and he was devestated.  He decided if Kylee was not his teacher, than he was not going.  It was quite simple for his 5 year old brain.

After several discussions, and a brief stalking of his real teacher (via Facebook and Pinterest), Bennett decided that Ms. Blomgren might be ok.  We took this opportunity to go school shopping!!

The Prose Family hit up Target, and Andy grabbed the list.  We roamed from aisle to aisle selecting the perfect crayons, markers, folders and notebooks.  We then discovered that we had grabbed the wrong list.  Quickly, returning the supplies for Oak Park School, we grabbed the list for Oak Ridge School, and the process began again.

 The backpack selection was essential.  Only a ninja would select a backpack from Hot Topic.  A reversible backpack, of course.

It was a long day, and everyone was tired.  The evening ended with the sweetest conversation between brother and sister, as Bennett hugged and snuggled, and convinced Harper she would be just fine at Ms. Kelli's, without him.