Things just happen. They don’t always add up to an entire blog to themselves, but I like to at least remember that it happened. So, here we go…
Early February: We (well, probably mostly the girls!) were invited to Elena’s 5th birthday party. Elena is Greg and Maggie’s daughter and the girls have had a blast getting to play with her when we visit at various times. They were honored to be invited along with Elena’s other age-appropriate friends. Here they are with Nora and Elena opening the gift we got for her.
End of February: We bought tickets for the Leanna Crawford concert at the Thanksgiving Day sale. She is a Christian music artist that the girls like, and after the concert, I liked her more. She was just so heartfelt in her music that you couldn’t help but let it draw you in to worship – the point of Christian music, right?
Early March: I decided I was tired on waiting for some free time in the kids’ schedules, and I was just going to buy a plane ticket and fly to Kansas to see my people. It had been awhile – especially since seeing Sherry and Bruce. I took a personal day on Friday and Monday so I could have a long weekend. My flight was delayed, canceled, rerouted, and moved. I finally made it out and arrive mid-afternoon to Kansas City. It was so good to see Kristin at the airport. Friday night, she, Matthew, and I at some Thai food out, talked, and relaxed. The next day, we went on a walk, did a little shopping, and had the most delicious grilled salmon (Matthew grilled it!) that I have ever had. Sunday, we headed for the morning, lunch (funeral burgers!), and early afternoon to Sherry and Bruce’s place. Sherry was having shoulder surgery about a week after I left and was really in a lot of pain. Bruce showed me his art and his work space; he does great work! Some day, Jeremy and I will need to pick out a barn painting to buy for our house. The evening went quickly by and then I was packing up and heading home. It was exactly what I needed, and really should treat myself more often!
Mid-April: I turned 48 this year. Another year in the books. For the most part, I feel like I am not getting older, but every once and awhile, my body says otherwise or I suddenly realize I could be the new teacher’s mother! But life is good. And so is Mexican food with my parents and family at Que Pasa! Even got the royal treatment with the song and sombrero!!
Shortly after, Jeremy, Madison and I took the recycling to the dumpsters and were greeted with a beautiful full DOUBLE rainbow. It was gorgeous.
On the other side of beautiful, we were headed to the Dariette one night and were stopped by this scene. A fire had started in an apartment above Ambolina’s flower shop in town. With all the connected buildings, it is amazing it didn’t spread quickly. There were over 10 fire departments providing support. It is tragic. That side of the street had been working to gain new businesses, improve the store fronts, and survive. This will be tough to come back from. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
February and May: Madison has worked on an English project each nine weeks this year for Mrs. Augspurger’s (“Augs”) class. She is required to read a book of her choice, but in a variety of genres, write a paper, and create a project that relates to the project. Her first project was a scrapbook that tied to a memoir written by the assistant to Jackie Kennedy. The second project was a old time journal with tea stained pages and a string and button strap that detailed a character’s life tied to a classic, Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. The third project were sketches of the dresses that could have been worn by the main character in Powerless along with a dress she sewed for a Barbie.
The final “wow” project was for the book In the Kitchen with a Knife, a “clue-like” story. She used the game board from Clue along with the book to lay out a floor plan. Then, she built the house with foam board, rugs, wallpaper, furniture, etc that depicted the first floor. It was incredible and tiny and time-consuming and her favorite project.
She ended the year with the Academic Awards Ceremony, earning a 4.o for the second year. This one was a doozy to maintain. She worked her tail off this year, and I am so proud of her – not just of the 4.0, but of the way she learned what worked for her, how to study for tests, how to take notes, how to juggle and prioritize her time. I am hoping those skills carry her through her academic journey.
Pepper… is Pepper.
Late May: Last, but not least, we were invited to celebrate the marriage of Isaac Himes and Courtney Nolt. This made me realize my age (a little) because my classmate’s (Kevin) son was old enough to get married! They make a good couple and seem to support each other well.
