All the Little Things

The past weeks since school started have had a lot of transitions – transition to school responsibilities, transition to a volleyball schedule with games, transition with another kid in the house, and more.  But we are making it, and things have actually gone really well.

The girls have worked to get to know each other – looking at yearbooks, playing volleyball with neighbors and each other, going out for drinks, riding to and from school together, and more.

Pepper has adjusted with the times – sitting nicely with Madison! and eyeing where Angele went… he has his eye on her a lot… in a good way!

    

Angele is not playing a sport this season although she did play volleyball in France!  So, she has done a nice job blending in at home – she takes Pepper out for short walks after school, helps with the chores, and has time to cook a meal during the week.  (The girls will take this on in the winter in their off season!)  She made a pasta dish for us with noodles, parmesan, oil, bacon, and a raw egg on top.  It had a very good flavor – and looked pretty!  She made us crepes two nights ago.  A very French thing I am sure, but it is just a different name for what we eat called flap jacks.  Call them what you will – they are good!

    

We have tried to introduce her to some things here as well.  She had eaten marshmallows before, but never as a s’more.  I think she enjoyed it.  Corn on the cob was a new treat.  We all loved the corn Chuck and Patty gave us – so good!  The Dariette  for ice cream and some photos in the new big chair.  We also made her waffles with white sauce, but it was not our best effort because I used the wrong type of flour for the white sauce (white whole wheat vs all purpose).  She wasn’t necessarily a fan of the white sauce, but it makes sense because she doesn’t like pudding, and it is the same texture.

         

And we had our first HOME football game.  Ellie had some girls over to get ready.  Angele joined in on the fun – USA was the theme and they went all out – body paint, hair stuff, and more!  There was a lot happening, but they managed to take pictures and eat tacos before heading out.

    

These are things that just happen – eating, hanging out, making food, being together.  And while I don’t think everything needs a picture, these remind me that even in the mundane, life happens, relationships grow, and we have opportunity to find joy. 

First Day of School

On Monday, the girls worked to make supper together in the crockpot.  I think it was a good get to know you activity.  They also worked to make sure that Pepper and Angele would hit it off – and surprisingly, Pepper warmed up so fast!  It was actually an answer to prayer because we were really worried about it. 

We went to open house at the high school on Monday night.  It was Ellie’s first venture as a student into the high school.  She seemed to fit right in and did a nice job talking with her new teachers. 

It was also Angele’s first time entering her new school for the year.  She took it like a pro – talking with teachers, smiling, meeting some of Madison and Ellie’s friends. 

Madison … she was a veteran and floated around with friends and by herself to check in with teachers.  That’s what juniors do!

We tried to get to sleep early, but with all the excitement, it was a little hard.

The next day was the first day of ….

Freshmen year:

Sophomore year:

Junior year:

Year #20:

Here’s to a great year ahead!  From two kids to three kids!!!

    

Farewell to Junior High

My kids are officially out of the building I teach in.  Ellie celebrated her final finales in May for 8th grade.  She had her Spring Fling dance.  She invited Kinslee and Bailey over to get ready – hair, dress, a bit of food.  Heather, Bailey’s mom, came over for hair support staff.  It was fun to have her here to chat with as I curled Ellie’s hair and she curled or straightened the other two’s hair.  In the end, they all looked beautiful and ready for a fun evening out. 

    

After the dance, Ellie headed to LincWay with a “few” friends – a large group of 7th graders joined her, Kinslee, and Mary there.  A group of moms sat in the next room chatting and observing the laughter and lightness of the girls.  (I snuck over for a few pictures because I have no shame!)

   

That evening, she invited Marita over for a sleepover to end the night.

Before the last day of school, Ellie worked really hard to bake cookies and create beautiful notes for her friends.  Each note was thoughtfully written; she has a big heart, full of encouragement. 

8th grade Celebration – a finalizing of one phase of life, certificates, one final band performance, a slide show of memories, hugs, tears, and pictures with friends.

Farewell, Teachers: Mrs. Greer, Mrs. Walton, Ms. Aumend, Mr. Dillon, Mr. Crawford, Mr. Johnson

Presentation of certificates by Mr. Jackson:

Final band performance:

Family Farewell… well, really you’re stuck with us!

    

Farewell to 7th grade friends to share the building with – Alaina, Amelie, Maddie, (Ellie), Josie, Janie, Marita

Farewell to 8th grade friends for the summer – Bailey, Maylynn, Harper, Mary

    

I am again so excited for this next step for Ellie – as she spreads her wings in high school, as she discovers new friendships and preserves the ones that matter, as she tries out new experiences, as she accepts new challenges, and as she finds her place in this big world!  I believe she is built for love, for relationship, and for courage.  I am so proud of the way she is growing leadership skills and testing things out – organizing Bible studies, navigating friendships through conflict, embracing hard things, laughing with friends, and sharing stories with family.  Time flies …. First day of kindergarten to the last day of 8th grade

    

We love you, Ellie!

Ellie’s 8th grade Musical

Mrs. Carr always has the 8th grade perform a musical for their final concert.  I think that it is a great idea to help generate interest in persuing that interest in high school.  It does take an exceptional amount of work on her end and for the students – missed classes, altered schedules, after school and evening rehearsals – but it is worth it. 

Ellie’s class had a chance to perform Guys and Dolls.  Ellie was Grandma Abernathy (originally a male role).  She had some speaking parts in a variety of scenes.  She had a ball performing. 

    

The cast did a great job entertaining the audience. 

Ellie had some loyal fans in the audience – Grandma and Grandpa Ediger, her family, and Marianne and Erin Bricker.

         

I believe some of them will go on to perform in high school – even the guys, which we always need!