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Foreign welcome to sleept Stories Shoutouts and birthday messages are such a special part of our show. They're our way of celebrating the families who make bedtime extra magical, whether by supporting the show or or simply by being part of our listening community. Happy 9th birthday to Vincent from Mill Creek, Washington on February 24th. Mommy, Daddy and Vion love you so much. We are so proud of you. Hugs and kisses. Happy Birthday to Malcolm who turns 3 on February 25th. Mom and dad love you and are so proud of you. Happy seventh birthday to our Sam on February 28th. We love you so much. Love Mom, Dad, Leo, Rory and Raffi. Happy seventh Birthday to Ari from Beaverton, Oregon. The most amazing kid we could ever ask for. You are a joy and delight and we are so lucky that we get to be your parents. Love from Mom, Dad, Indi and Shay. Happy 10th birthday Dennis, our sweet boy. Time has flown by and we're so proud of the kind, smart and amazing person you're becoming. Enjoy your special day. You deserve all the happiness. Love mom and dad. Happy 5th birthday to Alisa from Charlotte, North Carolina on February 25th. You are brave, kind, strong and an amazing big sister. We love you bigger than outer space. Love mom, dad and Eliana. We want to wish you A very happy 9th birthday Leo. You are an amazing kid who continues to surprise us every day. Love Lucky Sienna, mom and dad and Happy Birthday to Eli. Love, Nana and Papa, Greg, Otto and Sally. Happy Birthday to you all and thank you for supporting the show. If you'd like to support our podcast and enjoy ad free episodes, unlock bonus stories and so much more, you can join sleept Premium subscribe in just two taps via the link in the show Notes. Now onto our story. Bernice is worried because the snow doesn't seem to be stopping and she thinks she might miss more school. Her teachers are giving her extra homework and tests to try and make up for the work they might be missing and Bernice is concerned when she gets home and talks to Papa Bear. She tries to explain. Bernice worries about the snowstorm. Papa, I'm home. Bernice called as she quickly stepped inside their small house brushing snow off her coat. It's snowing a lot again, Papa. I'm all covered in snow and I think I might be frozen solid. Okay little Bear, I've got something hot for you to drink in the kitchen. Come in when you're ready and don't forget to shake off all that snow. Papa Bear replied in his deep voice. Bernice stomped her boots and brushed the snow off her coat sending so so much snow in the air that it looked like a snowstorm was happening in the entryway. Cookie. She called as she sat down to take off her winter boots. I'm snow free now. It's safe to come say hello. There was a soft thump and then Cookie peeked cautiously around the corner. Lately, Bernice had been coming home covered in snow, and once a bit had landed on Cookie's head, something Cookie did not like at all. Hi, Cookie. See? No snow this time. Just let me get these stubborn boots off and then I can have something hot to drink. It's super wintry outside. Kind of like Antarctica. If I wasn't such an expert in science, I might believe our whole house got transported to the South Pole. Cookie padded closer, sniffed Bernice's leg for any last snowflakes, and then rubbed against her hand, purring. How was your day, Cookie? Did you miss me? I missed you. You're lucky you get to stay inside where it's warm. I wish I could stay home sometimes, but I have to go to school if I'm going to be a famous scientist, a great athlete, and an amazing artist. Cookie purred louder as Bernice scratched under her chin. Anyway, I'm kind of worried about all this snow. Our teachers keep saying school might be cancelled again. Bobby thinks so too, because it's not safe for the buses when the roads get icy. Gertrude doesn't mind snow days, but that's probably because she doesn't have an important science experiment like Bobby and I do. How can we do science experiments if there's no school? Cookie flopped onto her back paws, curled up, inviting a belly rub. And how will I get better at swimming if they keep canceling practice? Summer will be here before I know it. I guess I wouldn't mind missing hockey practice so much. Even though it's fun? Bernice added with a shrug. Suddenly her stomach let out a great big gurgle. I think that sounded like Ki Kai's thunder tummy in Papa's Stories. Bernice giggled. I guess that means it's time for a snack with Papa. You can join me if you want, or you can wait until I do my homework and read my book. You're always good at keeping me company, Cookie. Maybe that's why you are my bestest friend. Bernice got up, finished hanging up her jacket, put her boots away neatly, and ran into the kitchen, where she thought some of the best smells in the world always came from. Hi, Papa. I smell something yummy, delicious, and something just a little bit yummy, bernice said as she set down her backpack and went to the sink to wash her hands. Just a little yummy? Papa Bear asked with a chuckle. That doesn't sound as good as usual. Oh, all your treats are super yummy, Papa. It's just that they don't smell as sweet as usual. Except for that hot drink that smells delicious. Okay, I've got some hot vanilla milk on the table for you, and I made us a plate of these new cookies I tried baking this afternoon. Mama said we need to cut back on sweets a bit so these have less sugar than usual. Papa Bear placed the plate of cookies on the table and then sat down with a cup of tea. They look yummy, Papa, Bernice said, grabbing a cookie and taking a bite. Hmm, interesting. Papa, they taste yummy. Delicious. I'm glad you like them. Papa Bear said with a smile. So, Little Bear, why don't you tell me all about your day? I spent the morning shoveling all the snow and I think your mama might be home a little later tonight since the roads are so full of snow. Yeah, she needs to be really careful driving, Bernice said, taking a sip of her vanilla milk. My day was okay, Papa. At least I think so. We started a new experiment in science class and Bobby and I are teaming up. We can do almost anything we want as long as we follow the scientific method. So I guess that's the point of the experiment. But Bobby's super excited because he wants us to build a robot. But. Well, I want to experiment with chemical reactions because that's cooler. Like maybe I could make a super soap that explodes into a cloud of bubbles when you put it in the bathroom. That way baths would be way more fun and maybe the bubbles could even do all the cleaning so I could just sit there and relax. But Bobby doesn't like soap. Just robots and dinosaurs. Papa Bear chuckled. That sounds like an exciting idea. As long as the soap makes your stinky toes less stinky. Because if it doesn't, well, I don't know what might happen. Papa, my toes aren't that stinky. Bernice said, crossing her arms and trying to look serious, but the smile tugging at her lips gave her away. Oh, and at lunch today, Gertrude brought some cool food. She said her mama's been reading a new cookbook or something, so she brought something called ratatouille with a sauce made from goat cheese, I think. I didn't even know you could eat goat cheese. Bobby sniffed it, then started gagging. He said it smelled really bad, but he exaggerates a lot just to make us laugh and we did. Did you try some of her lunch? Papa Bear asked. No. After Bobby made a funny face and stuff, nobody wanted to trade with Gertrude so she had to eat it all by herself. I was a little scared to try it, especially since you made one of my favorite sandwiches today. But I did try some of Ethan's bean salad and that was nice. Bobby had dinosaur shaped pasta and gave me some. It was okay. Bernice took another bite of her cookie and Papa, we had some tests today. The teacher said they want to give us extra tests and homework since school might get cancelled again. She let out a long sigh. Being a student is hard. I wish the snow would stop. Maybe that could be my experiment. I could create a technology that makes all the snow stop and then I'd test it. That way I wouldn't miss school or swimming practice. They keep canceling practice whenever it snows too much. Papa Bear chuckled softly. That might be a tricky invention, Little Bear. And you know, all this snow might seem like a bother when we have to shovel or walk through it, or even when school and practice get canceled, but snow is actually a good thing. It helps keep the ground warm during winter. Then when it melts in spring, it gives the soil the water it needs to help everything grow. Plus, think of all the fun we can have sledding, building snowmen, and having snowball fights. I know, Papa. Our garden and plants need the snow so they can have a big drink in spring. I just don't like all the snowstorms and stuff, bernice said, nibbling on the edge of her cookie. These cookies are still yummy, Papa, even if they're a bit healthier. And they make my tummy feel full, so that's good. Did your hot drink warm you up a bit? Papa Bear asked, taking another sip of his tea. Yeah, I feel all warm now. Thanks for the treats, Papa. I better start my homework and stuff since I have a lot cause of all the snowstorms. You're welcome, Little Bear. While you do your homework, I'll start dinner and check to see how Mama's doing driving home. I'll make a hot drink for her too. She'll need it after being out in all that snow that night. After dinner, Bernice worked on more of her homework and studied for an upcoming science test. Then, after her bedtime routine, which included a bubble bath because she wanted to do research for her soap experiment, she snuggled into bed and called out, papa, it's that time again. Bernice could feel the floorboards creak as Papa Bear made his way up the stairs. Sometimes the whole house seemed to shake when he walked. Is it time for the Yawning Olympics already? Papa Bear asked, his deep voice rumbling as he stepped into her room. It's time for me to go to sleep, I think. But I might yawn too, bernice said with a sleepy smile. Are you ready for bed, Little Bear? Papa Bear asked with a yawn. I think so. I feel tired anyway. It was a long day. I did a lot of studying, but I didn't get all my homework done. I'm worried the teachers won't be happy with me. Papa Bear sat down beside her, his weight making the bed creak. All the homework they gave you was meant to be done over a few days, Little Bear. You didn't have to finish it all in one night. Yeah, but I like getting my work done quickly, Papa. And. And I'm a little worried about missing school and swimming practice. What if we get more snowstorms? How will I become a scientist and stuff if I don't go to school and I need to get better at swimming? Papa Bear gently tucked her blanket a little tighter around her shoulders. Little Bear, I know you're worried about missing school and swimming, but sometimes the weather has its own plans, and since we can't change it, it's best not to let it fill up your thoughts too much. You're already doing so well, working hard in science, improving your swimming, and balancing everything you do. A snowstorm here and there won't change all the great progress you've made. So when the snow falls, try to see it as a chance to rest, recharge, and maybe even have a little fun. Everything else will still be waiting for you when the snow gets cleared. Okay, I guess, bernice said quietly. Are you comfy? Papa Bear asked. Yes, Papa. How about Twigga, Wolfy, and Madeline? Are they comfy, too? I think so. And what about you, Cookie? Papa Bear asked. I think she's ready too, bernice said. Okay, give me a hug and a kiss and I'll put on a story for you to listen to. Thank you, Papa, bernice said, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a big squeeze. Later that night, the wind began to howl loudly, rattling the windows and making the whole house creak. Though Bernice had fallen asleep, the noise woke her up, and now, no matter how much she tossed and turned, she couldn't drift back off. The harder she tried, the more frustrated she felt. Finally, she heard movement in the hallway. Papa Bear must be in the bathroom across from her room. Papa Are you out there? Can you come in for a minute? Bernice called softly. What's wrong, Little Bear? Are you okay? Papa Bear asked as he stepped inside. I can't sleep, bernice whispered, rubbing her eyes. This crazy wind is so loud, and we keep getting more and more snow. What if it covers up our house and we can't get outside the door? Papa Bear sat down gently on the edge of her bed. No, Little Bear, it won't cover up our house. We will be just fine. And you know what? Tomorrow's going to be another wonderful day. I'm even thinking of making some of our favorite cookies in the afternoon. Bernice let out a small sigh. But I still can't get back to sleep. I keep thinking about missing school, my science experiment, hockey, my friends. All kinds of stuff. And if this storm keeps going, I'll have to stay home again. I mean, I like staying home with you and Mama, but there's so much I need to do at school. I really like learning, Papa. It's all too much. And what about swimming? How can I get better if I don't practice? Summer's coming and I have to get better at running, too, or I won't be the fastest anymore. Papa Bear tucked the blanket around Bernice. It sounds like your thoughts are running faster than you can catch them, Little Bear. Bernice nodded. Yeah, like they're all racing around my head and bumping into each other. Well, we all have times when we just have so much on our mind, we find it hard to relax. When my thoughts get too loud, I like to slow them down one by one. Want to try it together? Bernice nodded again. Okay. First, take a deep breath with me. Papa Bear inhaled deeply, and Bernice did the same. Now, let's think about one worry at a time. What's the biggest one? Bernice thought for a moment. Missing school and falling behind on my science experiment. That's a good one to start with. But remember, missing a few days of school won't stop you from being a great scientist. Even scientists take breaks, right? And when you get back, you'll jump right back into your experiment with fresh ideas. Yeah, I guess that's true. Bernice's shoulders relaxed a little. Okay, now, what's next? Swimming. What if I don't get faster before summer? Papa Bear smiled. You're already working so hard. One or two missed practices won't change that. And you know what? Rest is just as important as practice. Your muscles need time to grow stronger, so a little break might help you swim even faster. When you get back. Bernice let out a long breath. I didn't think of it like that. Good. Now what else is bouncing around up there? Bernice giggled softly. Running. I need to stay the fastest so I can beat Bobby. Papa Bear chuckled. I have no doubt you'll be fast, Little Bear. And remember, racing is supposed to be fun whether you win or not. Bernice let her head sink into the pillow as the tension in her chest began to melt away. See, your thoughts are slowing down already, papa Bear whispered. Now let's take a few more deep breaths together. This time just focus on your breathing and nothing else. They breathed together, slow and steady until Bernice's eyes began to flutter closed. And with that, Papa Bear kissed Bernice on the forehead, adjusted her blanket, making sure that her friends were comfy too, turned off her lamp and quietly whispered, I love you Little Bear. And that is the end of our story. Good night. Sleep tight.