Annie, age 11

I doubt Annie's 11th year looked quite the way she expected when she sat down for her interview last year! It started strong--we had a great summer, she was in the same class as her best friend, she had every school supply and accessory you can imagine. Annie spent her fall rehearsing for and performing in her first musical and running cross country. She participated and sang a solo in the Grand Ledge musical theater workshop. With her friend Chloe, Annie prepared a science fair project on the difference between baking in a conventional and convection oven.

Things took a turn when Nellie broke her leg this winter--Annie ended up taking on a lot of extra responsibility and definitely clinched her position as my right-hand girl. Then school closed; softball, cross country, and the science fair were canceled; and 5th grade came to a quiet close at home. 

But it was a great year nonetheless, and I for one am thankful for all the extra time I got to spend with Annie this spring. We celebrated her birthday with lots of books, baking and video equipment, and hair accessories. Friends and family came for a front-yard-social-distance-Harry-Potter party in the evening, complete with four different desserts and sparklers. Happy birthday, Annie!

What was your favorite memory from the last year?
All the musical theater stuff, and then just everything about being in quarantine--all the new things we learned. It seems like a lot of our memories and things we learned, and all the time we spent together with family, it wouldn't have happened without quarantine. And although some of the memories were bad, a lot of them were really fun, like video chatting and playing games together online and Zooming with my class.

What is one way God's been working in your life this year?
Probably the fact that everyone has come together and has been unified through the quarantine. Families that weren't close before got to spend more time together. It feels like I'm more connected with God, and people in my family and friends because we're all going through the same things.

How do you feel about being eleven?  

I feel more mature and grown-up, but I'm also sad because you're only the same number--like 1, 1-- every 11 years!

What are you most looking forward to in the next year?
Hopefully being able to actually see people again! I'm looking forward to new experiences since I'm more grown-up now. I'll be able to do more things, like babysit, and have more responsibilities. And I got contacts!

Who are your best friends?

My siblings and cousins, Chloe. From LCS, Lael, Bree, Kylie. But I'm kind of friends with everyone. I've definitely gotten closer to my family, though I'm annoyed with DJ.

What are your strengths?

Cooking! I'm good with kids, except for DJ. I'm good at getting Eddie and Mary to get ready for bed and stuff. I get along with most people, I respect people. I'm pretty responsible except for keeping my room clean and doing my laundry. Those are my weaknesses!

What careers are you considering?

Probably a teacher or a pastry chef. Or maybe a doctor or something.

Why are you interested in those fields?
Well because like I said earlier, I am good with kids and I like to show them things. I like it when you can see the lightbulb go on for someone. It's fun when they start to understand it and you can encourage them and stuff. And probably a pastry chef because I really like to bake and cook. I'd like to own a bakery someday. It's fun eating baked goods, but it's even more fun when you have to work for two hours for it! And homemade food is better. I've always liked the idea of being a doctor and taking care of people. You really get to do a lot of things and help people.

What’s your favorite song or type of music?   
Well I really like Hamilton and musicals in general, because they have their own "thing," like Hamilton is hip-hop but can also be mellow. I like Wicked. I like Christian music and old songs from the 80s and 90s.

What's your favorite food?
Chocolate.

Current favorite movie?   
Right now I'm into the Harry Potter series. I don't really have a favorite.

Current book you're reading?

Right now I'm reading multiple books. I just finished Becoming Brianna, but I'm also reading the seventh Harry Potter.

Favorite color?   

Purple. But the shade I like is lavender. Like not dark or light, but in the middle. 

Favorite place to be?

The store. Like Meijer, or Target. But that's just because I haven't been to one in like three months. But I also like to just be at home or run a couple of errands just to have a break.

What are your favorite things to do? 

Read (especially outside), bake, sleep, organize the spice cabinet, ride my bike, learn new skills like do my hair. I like to watch T.V. and stuff.

Is there anything else you want us to know about you?

I think quarantine was a blessing in disguise. It does drive people stir-crazy, but nonetheless, it's bringing people closer together. Even though we have to stay six feet apart.