A Little Round-Up

 Oh hey there! It has been a week and some change. 

Valentine's Day was lovely and I took no pictures. I mean, it was cold cold cold, but it was a nice day anyhow. 

So here's a little round-up of the drama of the week. Report cards came out this week. There was a huge 2-hour drama with the kindergarten report cards. Even though I know kindergarten grades don't matter I was for sure freaking out at the sheer number of "N"s (needs improvement or the equivalent of an F) on M's report card. 

And I reached out via text to a couple of friends... who were also freaking out. Should we be hiring tutors? Requesting conferences? Right about the time we decided it must have been a weird error, the school emailed out that there was in fact, an error. And the "N"s were supposed to be "NS" or not-scorable because it was stuff they hadn't done yet. 

We all came down off of our panic. But that didn't prevent us from rounding up some 3D shapes to go over once she was home. Just to get ahead of the game. 

Ash Wednesday happened. I struggle with Lent most years anyway, but this year I was especially not looking forward to it. But the Mass was good and we got ashed with Q-tips which I thought was a nice way to do it. 

Lent sure found us and our old car gave up the ghost. So we are car shopping. But until then, Husband and the kids get to pick me up from work. (Husband dropped me off after we took the kids to school.) 

Luckily there are a lot of blessings to be seen, so even though it's an inconvenience to be sure and not something we were anticipating, I suspect it will all turn out okay. 

Yesterday was the 100th day of school! This girl celebrated and had a gay old time. And I am SO incredibly thankful for the fact they've been in school all this time without incident. 

Last but not least, this kid had his first Reconciliation this morning. He did a great job. He was a little nervous at home but when his teacher told him where to go, he hopped right over. No tears. (Which to be honest, I counted as a real possibility.) 

Then every kid got a donut and drink to celebrate their squeaky clean souls. And golly I am so proud of him!!

So that's what's going on in this neck of the woods. The good news is that it's going to be above freezing this week!!!! And I have never been more excited for 34 degree weather in my life! 

Classroom Valentines

 If you've been around here before you know that I LOVE Valentine's Day. Not in like the "go on a date" way. But in the classroom exchanges because they're fun way! 

It's my favorite. 

Without further ado, here are the Valentine's Boxes for this year! (I so prefer when they let us make them and not just a lunch sack with a doily they make at school. But I am weird.) 

All of M's supplies came from the Dollar Tree. C's came from Lowes, but it's a $5 trashcan decorated with electrical tape, duct tape and a little spray paint. Bonus: his room will have a wastebasket after Friday. 

And here are the Valentines! 

Kindergarteners are getting the Crayon Valentines that C gave out when he was in TK. They say the kids name on them and then, "Have a Great Valentines for Crayon out loud" on them. And we changed the red circle to a heart. 

Second graders are getting a pencil that looks like a light sabre. I got the Neon Ticonderoga ones though so they aren't total crap. Because parents and teachers KNOW the difference. 

The valentines went in today to "Quarantine" before Friday! 

And I am excited. I hope everyone likes them! 

How We Superbowled

 Hey Superbowl Fans! This was the first year the kids really cared much about the Super Bowl. 

More as a social event than anything else, but C has also started enjoying watching football recently. 

M and my mom had a special secret Skype to come up with the beverages to be served. And my dad and C had their own secret Skype to plan the menu. 

C really wanted my parents to come to our house, but the weather is horrid and they're still getting things settled down after the funeral and everything that needs to be done on that end. So we had the same food and Skyped a few times. 

C and my Dad even had a bet going. C had a quarter on the Bucs winning and my Dad had the Chiefs. 

The dinner course included hot dogs, potato chips, and baby carrots with pink lemonade. 

For dessert, hot chocolate and Oreos. And man, since the HIGH here today was -3 that hot chocolate hit the spot. 

I was rooting pretty strongly for Tom Brady and his team. I always love an underdog team. (Even with Brady they were not the reigning champs after all.) I did feel a little bad for Patrick there towards the end, it would have been nice for them to get at least one touch down. 

Anyway, it was a good night! The kids went to sleep after halftime. (They were not fans.) And... now the week starts. 

Hello February

 I just got back from a quick jaunt to my parent's house for the funeral. Husband and the kids did not come with. Since they are currently in-person learning full time they would have to Quarantine if they went out of state. And in the winter months it was just easiest for them to stay back. 

I left right before a big snowstorm. I flew since it was just me and I wouldn't need a vehicle. I am very glad that I did! It was a stress free trip. 

The good news was that it was PERFECT playing snow. So the kids did.

I haven't been to MN since my brother bought his house. So I went to see it and then also visited the Prince statue. Because... MN. I haven't seen one bro since Christmas 2019 and the other since July so it was very very nice to see them and spend time with them. 

I hate that it was for a funeral, but I am so grateful for the chance to see them. Plus, not going to lie, it was nice to see my parents and brothers without having to parent my kids at the same time. That hasn't happened... ever that I can remember since C came onto the scene. 

Back at home, Catholic Schools Week kicked off with Spirit Wear Day. 

Then, Sports Teams Day. 

Then Bright Colors Day. 

My flight back I connected through Dallas of all places. (I know. But it was significantly cheaper than other flights and I needed to get back yesterday.) BUT, if I was going to be in Texas anyway, I figured I should get some BBQ, so I did. And it was really good. 

And today I went to work for a while and then got sent home because we are having another winter storm with. I suspect based on what it looks like outside and the wind we're expected to get that we will get upgraded from "Winter Storm Warning" to "Blizzard Warning." And bummer for us, because it's going to get really dangerously cold next. I am considering that I should have, in fact, stayed in Texas. 

The kids actually had a snow day today. And I think they'll be lucky if they go to school tomorrow. 

I am ever so disappointed in that ground hog. Which, I know means nothing. And, I know, the Farmer's Almanac said that it was going to be a harsh winter. But, I am good with the snow and ice that we've had now thank you and am ready to be done with it now. Normally there's a reprieve. Typically, it snows a lot, then warms up just enough for it to all go away before the next big storm. 

Currently, there's still the ice/snow mix from our first big storm from right after Christmas. I can appreciate the beauty for about... ten minutes and then I am just over it. 

But that's what's going on with us. Catholic schools, a funeral, and winter weather. 

Wintery Hello

 So... what's new with us? Not a ton. 

We had a snow day yesterday. This little girl played outside for so long that she fell asleep early and slept in until we had to wake her for school. Her super rosy cheeks just slay me. 

This is a picture C took of one of his snow penguins. I bought a snow mold online. I swear they had some better results than this picture that you can't even make out anything in. But this was the picture he took and he's proud of it so... okay then. 

In other, significantly less exciting news, my Grandfather passed away on Monday. It was an anticipated loss, as he had been declining, but a sad one all the same. One can never truly prepare their hearts. We take comfort in his faith and the knowledge that God is good. 

I believe, as a Vikings fan, he was holding on until the Packers did not make it to the Super Bowl. I know I was thrilled with the results of that game anyhow!

Anyway, if things are a little quiet again here, that's why. But I will be back! 

A Quiet Holiday Weekend

 Hello and Happy Monday! I am so grateful that today is a work holiday as well as a school holiday so we are all home together. We had a fun, but quiet weekend full of lots of good things. 

We watched Frozen on Friday night for Family Movie Night. I adore that my children take Friday night as gospel, hopefully, we can make this last for a long time. 

Saturday I was up bright dark and early because it was GIRL DAY! Which is a fancy description for spending the day doting on my M. We went to Target right away at 7:00 AM. My gal has been aching to go INTO Target, not just a drive-up pickup. But Target on a Saturday is horrible, even in COVID times. Maybe especially in COVID times? 

I decided that if we were going to go, we were going to go as they opened. We were out by 7:40 and still felt as though we had browsed and enjoyed ourselves. Then we got donuts on the way home. 

The rest of girl day involved doing clay face masks, M had a bath bomb bath, and doing her nails. 

Sunday included Mass and then Husband took the kids to Icestravagaza, where there are ice sculptures all around downtown. And the kids got to be on the news! 

Pretty exciting!! (This is a picture my friend took of her TV, which turned out way better than mine!) 

Today we have mostly been playing. I made muffins. And then I helped the kids memorize a poem, and they performed it, in costume. I videoed it, but here's just a still shot. 

The sun is shining, and so even though it's cold and winter is NOT my favorite there's still fun to be had. I hope you have a wonderful Monday!

Oh Hey 2021

 So... I dropped off the planet there and that's maybe okay. The world has enough going on that my ramblings or lack thereof aren't going to influence it. 

We've had some snow. And a lot of ice. While I would love to tell you that I am here for it... apparently, snow and ice are my breaking point and mostly, they have brought out my grumpy side. 

Except for the other day, the sun finally came out. And the trees were so beautiful. It had been foggy for 3 days solid and the fog froze on the branches. (It's called rime... in case you didn't know. Different from hoarfrost.) 

This was simply a picture snapped from my cube window, but it sure was a bright spot in the cloudy yuck. 

In other news, I won my fantasy football league. 

I'm pretty darn impressed by the whole thing. Perhaps I will retire and go out on top. I mean, probably not. But until August, bragging rights are mine!

Work has been going well. I am right on top of that Rose! My mom got me this awesome vinyl sticker for my Yeti. It sure makes my coffee taste more fun. 

Work is going well. I am enjoying it and I think I have learned a lot. The learning curve was steep but I think that I've held my own. I can't wait to see where I am in a few months! 

Husband and I had an at-home date night. We streamed a concert, ate some food, had a drink and played Bananagrams. It was much needed and wonderful!! 

I mean, I still can't wait until things open up and we can go to actual establishments and hire babysitters again. But in the meantime... this works for us. Bonus points for not having to wear shoes! 

In kid news... they're good. School has been back from break for nearly 2 weeks. I don't take for granted their 5 day a week, in-person learning and they're rising the occasion. It's been SO good for them! 

M has been doing a good job with the learning to read program, and she got to watch The Duck Song as a reward. After a comic book stint that I wasn't a huge fan of, C read a whole decent length chapter book in one day so I am super excited about that. 

I've been reading up a storm, though the latest Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Outlaw was NOT one that I enjoyed. This is odd since I typically think Reese has great taste, I hope this is a fluke and not a sign of things to come. 

And that's all I know. Have good weekends everyone!