The Snow Fort
A Snow Mom’s Fantasy
It was quite a snowfall for New Jersey. The kids were off from school, as was I. By kids, I mean my two daughters. I also mean the other three girls who get on at our bus stop and another girl from across town whose mother called me the night before.
“Sure!” I said to everyone who asked. “One of the advantages of being a teacher is having snow days. Of course, you can drop your kids off on your way to work. Be sure to pack outdoor gear.”
A foot and a half of snow came Sunday night into Monday. By 9:00 I had a full house of girls, 4 12-year-olds, and 2 6’s. Everyone was so excited to bundle on their finest outerwear. Then they discovered that it was cold out there in the snow.
“Can I have a tissue? My nose is runny.
“My hands are cold. Do you have warmer gloves I can use?” (Sure.)
“I have to go to the bathroom.” Then: “Can you unzip my jacket?”
One of the 12-year-olds presents herself to me with one soggy socked foot. “I lost my boot.” (I’ll be out in a minute we’ll find it. Here, put this on. I give her one of my boots.)
“Can we have hot chocolate?” They came in for cocoa and TV. Then they were fighting over what to watch. I sent my older daughter up to my room with the two little ones to set them up in front of my TV.
Three minutes later the older one bellowed for me. I am nothing if not an optimist. Little Janie spilled her hot chocolate on my carpet. At least she didn’t spill it on the bed. New rule #1: All drinks must be consumed at a table.
The other incidents were minor:
- One newly headless Barbie.
- The hurt feelings of a 12-year-old because someone said the boy she has a crush on has buck teeth. (He’s getting his braces next week.)
- A missing cell phone. Denni got mad at Rori for texting a boy pictures of Denni going for the world record of how many pieces of popcorn she could fit in her mouth. So Denni hid Rori’s phone in the bottom of a toy box in the basement. New Rule #2: Everyone will leave their phones at home tomorrow.
Lo and behold, the school was closed the next day. And Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The school parking lot was too icy to clear.
On Tuesday I sent them all out to build two snowmen. Each team had two big girls and one little, two carrots, some Oreos, and an assortment of extra outerwear. I permitted them to use their imaginations to scavenge the yard for other materials to use in their creations. They did a pretty good job. One team dug through the snow to find rocks for eyes and buttons because they decided to eat the Oreos.
Since I warned them that they had to be done in an hour, when time was up they begged to be able to stay outside, which I naturally agreed to, begrudgingly. Yeah, I begrudged them to my recliner as I read three more chapters in my book.
When they did come in, I put on a movie that I had picked and left out a few books for anyone who objected. After the movie, they were allowed to play board games. There was a little bit of pushback until I offered to read to them. Suddenly Scrabble and Yahtzee were the coolest activities ever.
Wednesday I made them go out to build a snow fort. There would be no lunches or snacks until it was done. I came out to inspect. I wanted to be sure there was an airhole in the ceiling, that the doorway was sound, and they had made snow blocks to sit on. They fashioned a full-length sofa that I heartily approved of. I brought them blankets and lunch. All were happy.
On Thursday morning they couldn’t wait to get to their outdoor home while I enjoyed my indoor home by myself. By afternoon they got bored and cold and wanted electronic entertainment. I agreed.
While they were staring at screens, overwhelmed by an entire morning of social interaction, I was making macaroni and cheese and brownies. While they were eating, I was playing games on my laptop.
On Friday I woke up extra early. I set up a beautiful array of food for these girls. They had three kinds of sandwiches, chewy and crunchy granola bars, a platter of cookies, a thermos pitcher of hot chocolate, and a brand new variety box of individually wrapped chips. They had a charcuterie board of fruits, cheeses, and mini chocolate bars.
I found the baby monitor in the basement and set it up just in case there were blood-curdling screams at some point.
Then I packed a big duffel bag. I had blankets, my phone and laptop, a book, my spread of food, and a box of breadsticks to dip into my private stock of Nutella. I moved the mini-firepit into the snow fort, along with a generous supply of wood and a lighter. Everything was ready before my kids were even up.
One of the mothers told me I was so good at handling all these kids.
“How do you do it? I guess, as a teacher, you’ve got skills.”
I just smiled. I could barely wait for the last girl to arrive.
The girls quickly settled into their day. The craft items I ordered on Tuesday had arrived and were waiting on the dining room table.
“Big girls, please help the little girls. Little girls, ask for help if you need it.”
I hung out for a little while to gauge the mood. All systems go. Two of the older ones on video games and the other four were opening play dough and pipe cleaners. Everyone had helped themselves to a first round of snacks.
I picked up my part of the monitor, slipped into my boots and a jacket, and snuck out through the back door. No one knew I was gone. They’ll think I’m upstairs.
I looked over my shoulder before entering the snow fort. No one at the windows. I lined the snow couch with a plastic tablecloth and three comforters. I pulled out two pillows and my Arctic sleeping bag. I started the fire pit. It will be toasty in here soon. The sounds from the monitor were benign and I settled back to begin with a game of Solitaire on my laptop.
What a lovely snow day!