Weeks 65 and 66

 Feb 9, 2026

Dear Gracie,

Well, we made it through January!  Let's jump right in...

Last Monday we knew that school would be canceled on Tuesday, but because the top layer of ice would melt during the day and then refreeze during the night, making it more slick than before, we actually had school off on Wednesday and Thursday, too.  Everyone was happy about a few more days at home, because thankfully we had power and no obligations.  There were people who had to get out and go to work, but we were glad to stay out of their way.  Dad returned to work on Wednesday, and I took a careful drive to Walmart, since I hadn't gone shopping in a week and a half.  The roads were finally clearing where people had been driving and the sun had been shining, but once I got back, I couldn't quite make it up our driveway until I got a shovel and cleared the slushy ice out from under the tires.  Even though school was cancelled on Thursday too, I decided to have my preschool class (so I wouldn't have a second day to make up), and everyone was able to make it safely.  The front of our house gets the most sun, so it was pretty much melted by then, but the back stays shady, so there was a sheet of ice a couple inches thick on the back porch.  We opted to stay inside and use the parachute for our playtime instead of messing with that.  

Benson and Tessa were getting pretty bored.  They made another RSN (Roper Snowy News, though, instead of Roper Summer News), and used some online editing program to make it pretty professional.  On Thursday, Dad took them out to Greenville to a car dealership to look at a car he found online. He had been looking for a new one since he sold the Expedition in December, and this was the exact car he was looking for--a 2016 Chevy Traverse which came with (he found out this week) a hitch already installed, and at a really fair price.  He ended up getting it, and Tessa and Benson had the privilege of sitting through the process of buying a car.  Yay!  (PS--he LOVES the car!)  Friday was the only day of school for the week, and even though they complained a bit, I think they were secretly glad to go.

I don't remember what we did on Saturday.  Lessons, some shopping, a trip to the library for preschool books...  The weather was nice again, and the ice was mostly melted, except patches in the shade.  Oh!  Dad and I went to the temple that evening.  We even got to sit by each other during the session.  It is a wonderful place to gain perspective, and I especially loved being there after studying the creation in Genesis and Moses so recently.

Sunday was the first day of February, so we were able to fast.  Benson had to postpone his D&D gathering due to ice for so long that we let them (about 6 other boys from his Teachers Quorum) gather here after church to run a campaign.  You may know that these can last a long time, but the others of us that live here were getting hungry by 4:30, so we let them know it was time to go home.  I think they had fun, but it was a little rushed at the end.

On Monday I had a make-up day for preschool for the Tuesday ice day.  Every time I do a make-up day, I am grateful again that I only teach twice a week.  (No funny preschooler comments about wearing make up on the make-up day, but I forgot to tell you that one of my preschoolers would say "Happy Mrs. Holly Days!" during Christmastime instead of "Happy Holidays!"  I thought that was pretty adorable.)  There was still a LOT of ice on the back porch, so before the class I decided to make a path through it to the grass so the preschoolers could go play.  I was using a metal rake and boiling water and making minimal progress, so Dad came out with his big flamethrower and melted a path in ten minutes.  My hero!  I had to do a grocery order from Walmart since I didn't have time to shop, and they left some things out, so dinner was a lesson in substitution.  It was also Groundhog's Day (six more weeks of winter...), but more importantly, also my mom's 78th birthday!  We did a group call to sing to her and share birthday memories.

Tuesday was business as usual--seminary, school, preschool and piano, and talking with you!  Dad had to take a quick trip to Mississippi, so he left after half a day at work.  I took Benson to scouts that night.  His Eagle Project was stalled for a bit, since the door the city had ordered had accidentally been thrown away by the firefighters, as it had been stored at their station but they didn't know what it was for.  But a new one came in, along with the windows, so now they need to be installed and the trim painted and it should be done!  (Minus the paperwork..)  Then a few more merit badges, and our scouting commitment will dramatically decrease.

Hmmm--anything interesting from Wednesday??  I finally had time for a walk.  I ran a LOT of errands.  The Young Women started preparing for their camp fundraiser, which will be three kid camps on upcoming Saturdays.

On Thursday Dad came home in the afternoon--yay!  The Muppet Show made a new episode (!) so we watched it and enjoyed it a lot.  It was a one-time thing to see if it was well-received, so we're hoping they make more.

Friday was busy!  I had six piano lessons, then I ran to Walmart, then Kaitlyn's mom came over for some help with the book she's making for Sam.  Then I made a dinner to take to the Palencias (and realized TODAY that I left the beans out of it ).  There was enough for the kids to have some, and Dad left to go to a gun club meeting with Michael Philippi and I left for a birthday party for Jenna Cason.  It was also the Opening Ceremonies for the Winter Olympics in Italy, so we watched some of that on and off as we could.

Saturday was busy again!  And it was 80 degrees.  Such extremes for the end of January and the beginning of February!  I got to go on a walk.  Benson had a percussion lesson and then met with two friends at the high school to practice a marimba piece they'll be performing at the upcoming percussion concert--three hours of music for him!  But it's paying off, as they sound really good.  It was also the Winter Formal for Tessa!  Dad and I went shopping for some ingredients for the dinner.  Tessa and Tyler decided they'd like to have a dinner hosted by the Hickens and us.  Hannah Danielson had been asked to the dance by a boy in Plano, so they came, and there were others invited, but they ended up doing other things, so it was just the four of them.  We made the salad and rolls and the Hickens provided the venue (Megan is an awesome hostess and had set up an adorable table) as well as the entree, which was a choice of chicken parmesan or chicken with broccoli and cheese, mashed potatoes, and asparagus, and chocolate dipped strawberries to finish.  Then the couples left for the dance and we (Dad, Benson, and I) stayed to eat the leftovers with the Hickens and their other kids and to play a fun game.  We had offered to have crepes and ice cream at our house after the dance, but they joined another group going to Sonic.  We ended up staying at the Hickens until the dance ended at 11 and when we got home, we were surprised that there were some kids from the ward waiting in front of our house!  They had heard about the ice cream offer, but not about Sonic, so we let them in (and Tessa, Tyler, and Hannah soon arrived, too) and served them some treats (but opted out of making crepes) while they talked about the dance and watched some of the Olympics.  Not too much later everyone left (except Hannah, who was spending the night).

Sunday was our Ward Conference, so we went early to rehearse with the choir.  It was nice to have Hannah with us, as our family is getting so small with everyone gone doing grown-up things.  I enjoyed the talks and singing with the choir, and the Stake Young Women leaders did a great lesson about repentance.  After church, we drove out to Grand Prairie to drop off Hannah and to have "linner" with the Danielsons, which was delicious.  We had to get back in time for a youth fireside at 6 which Tessa had helped organize about the Youth Guidebook.  I think we can do better as a family in using that.  We've kind of relied on Scouts to be our goal-setting program, but it doesn't cover everything.  The Super Bowl was going on, so after we got home, some people opted to watch that, while others (that would be me) read instead.   I had my family phone call and we got to end the day talking with the "away" kids, minus you--but we'll talk to you tomorrow!

I got to play pickleball today!  With the court construction and holidays and cold and ice, Mimi and I haven't gotten together since...the end of November??  It was really nice to get out and play.  I also shopped and prepped did laundry and dishes and taught four piano lessons, including two new beginner students.  At the end of the lesson, I was going over their assignments with their mom, and she said, "We don't actually have a piano!"    I told them to look for a free one, since there are lots on Facebook marketplace, or to get a keyboard.  Hopefully they act on that soon!

I have to go to bed!!!  I love you, my Sister Roper!  Have a wonderful, wonderful day.  Expect miracles!

Love,

Mom

Throwback from SeaWorld San Antonio sent from Jessica!  Haha!  Hairy bagel...

feels true...