Back to School

This summer has been one of many changes in our local school district. A lot of these changes have had adverse effects on Addie. 2 of her FFA officer team left the district, 3 ASB officers left as well. These people were friends and indicators that somethings are wrong at the high school. We believe in working to lift where you stand. With all the changes and sadness of loosing friends and good teachers we realized the need to put more effort into the remaining friends. Thus when the young women went roller skating we encouraged Addie to go so she and this friend could spend some time together.

 Addie quickly found herself in a new situation- very unskilled and unsure. She is usually the one in the know totally in control and helping others. This coupled with her fear of hurting her legs made for a very trying experience. However, Elle the friend, is patient and encouraging. She is super good with animals and has been raised to be patient, gentle, and calm. Thus with her help and knowledge she helped Addie get off the wall and make a few trips around the rink all without serious injury. 

I'm pretty sure Addie isn't going to take up skating as a hobby but this was a good lesson on friendship and trying something different made possible with a friends help. 

The two had started the day early with a 6:16 senior sunrise breakfast devotional for all remaining seniors at our school. This is new. No other kid has attended one of these. Again trying to retain and bolster what is left after the mass exodus that has occured district wide. 

The girls, then the whole class with their new senior shirts. 

Senior year is about memories and while they have already started this was a nice kick off. 

The day of back to school was very exciting. Somehow the kids forget year to year that the first couple days are just what rules to follow and getting to know you not actually learning. But they were anxious to go. 

After her first day of school she told me she was only sad when the day ended because she loved it so much. She looks forward to going back each morning even though she is really tired at night. 

Merle enjoys playing with off limit toys, and playing with Andrea and the dog. He misses his brothers a lot and asks often when they will be home. 

Andrea is a good helper and caretaker of mom and the dog. She is a sweet youngest but I do keep reminding her you are not a baby. Her tendency to whine and baby talk has got to go. I will also be taking her for speech therapy hoping early intervention will help her express more clearly all she wants to say. She talks a lot but I'm having trouble decoding all her stories. 

First week down only a million more to go. We are thankful for the dedicated teachers who make school unique and entertaining. At the end of the day in Aftons class kids get drawn at random to pick a jelly bean from a jar. These are multi flavored. Ear wax, strawberry, burnt toast, marshmallow. Yuck to me. But the kids are delighted to try their luck. 

Reed and Addie are sweating their way through after school workouts. Reed works hard at practice as we've told him games are won and lost in the 3 & 4th quarters depending on which team is in better condition. So thank your coaches for making you be the better conditioned team. Unfortunately as kids and parents get softer so does the effort level and amount asked of the kids. This will be an interesting football season. 

Livy heads to the shop after school to vacuum cars, run parts, do oil changes, and joke with Mark. She's going to miss him a lot. His teasing and teaching are unique. His brain misses the challenge of daily education so he teases even more. 

I think Addie might miss him most. For her entire life he has been pushing her around, helping her discern what is super worth worrying about and what needs to be let go. He has been an anchor to float around. She too has made him better, on time, and more responsible. The separation is always hard. I'm thankful the older ones have had time to work together and go to school together to still support and keep each other in check.