Nellie, age 13

It has BEEN A YEAR for this girl. So full of hard things--rough start to the school year, two broken legs, school shutting down and worries about the Covid-19 pandemic. And so full of good things--navigating and finally settling in at middle school, getting roles in two musicals, the opportunity to participate in band and choir, making new friends, and doing awesome with online learning.

In all the changes this year, some things stayed the same--Nellie is still our headstrong and tenacious girl. She's creative and clever, and we're looking forward to having her back to 100% mobile! 

We had a full weekend of social distance, outdoor celebrating. We hosted a drop-in front yard gathering with a few friends on Friday (thank you, Lord, that the rain skirted around us) and some family for a bonfire Saturday. Nellie wanted a Hawaiian theme, so we are full of piña coladas and pineapple upside-down cake. Happy birthday, Nellie!

Playing the Game of Life, Nellie's present from DJ

This has been an interesting year. What is your favorite memory from the last year?

It's so different...there's so much difference between this year and last year. It's hard to remember! The musicals--definitely the musicals. Before Willie Wonka shows we'd stand in a big circle and give each other shout-outs.

What is one way God's been working in your life this year?
Keeping us safe during these times...it could have been so much worse but He's protected us and provided for us during quarantine and everything.

This is a big day--first one as a teenager. How do you feel about being thirteen?  

I'm excited, happy to be a teenager. It's what you wait for your whole childhood! But how do I FEEL about it? Exactly the same.

What are you most looking forward to in the next year?

Having more freedom...I mean, you can't be super free during coronavirus, but being able to do what I want. I'm looking forward to Robynne and Leah spending the night tonight. That's all I can be certain is going to happen--everything else is so up in the air!

What is one goal you have for next year?

To see people! Go back to school, see friends and stuff. [What about something you have more control over? Something to improve, work toward...] Maybe become better friends with my siblings, not fight so much.

Who would you say are your best friends?

Avery. Jocelyn. I have a lot of "school friends" when I can see them every day, but it's different now.

What are your strengths?

Playing flute, reading, walking on crutches, "arms" [haha], making an argument, musical theater. Maybe, like, school. 

What careers are you considering?

Maybe be a lawyer, an author, an orthopedic surgeon. Breaking my leg has changed my point of view. I hated blood and didn't think I could be a doctor. But now I feel like I would want to be a doctor and help people through what I went through. Maybe a scientist or ecologist.

You already mentioned medicine, but why are you interested in those fields?
We have a lot of family who are lawyers and like I said, I'm good at arguing. I love writing stories; I've always loved writing.

What’s your favorite song or type of music?   
I've been listening to more pop music. I love 80s and 90s pop because it's so fun and doesn't have as many swear words as current pop music.

What's your favorite food?
Anything with chicken, honestly. Honey mustard chicken, grilled chicken salad...I've always liked carrots and celery--dill dip goes good with anything!

Current favorite movie?   
That's a tough one...I can't say I have a favorite anymore but recently, I loved Monty Python [watched with Kevin] and Just Mercy [watched with me] was really good. I can't say it's a favorite, but it was really good.

Current book(s) you're reading?

First Test, which Aunt Genny gave me, and I just started Twilight. I have a whole list of books to read in my mind.

Favorite color?   
Blue. Although I do love yellow, now, too. It's so bright!

Favorite place to be?

Well, the only place I've been is home...haha...but Robynne and Leah's house and Aunt Pam's house!

What are your favorite things to do? 

Read, bake, cook, watch TV, do crafts, talking to people on FaceTime, listening to music, singing, acting.

If you could describe your year in one line from a musical, what would it be?

I am the one thing in life I can control.

What was your favorite present?

Probably Animal Crossing because that was my big present, but I also got a lot of little things that I really like, like pajamas and the hair crimper.

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

I don't know...I broke my leg, and I'm almost out the boot. I'm 13 now...it's still weird for me to say that I'm 13! But I'm excited about it.