Nellie, age 14

This was a crazy year for everyone, but we could not have predicted how things would turn out for Nellie! While we all went back to school, she stayed home and did remote learning. It was supposed to be for a couple of months, but she ended up staying home through March. No sports or extracurriculars, and when school finally did resume in person a lot of activities were off-limits because of her second surgery this spring. Nellie continued with band and choir, including virtual flute lessons all year. She graduated from middle school without fanfare and didn't have much time to catch her breath before heading to CIT camp at Woldumar, then Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (where she spent her birthday) for 12 days. 

If there's one thing we learned - or at least confirmed - it is that Nellie is fiercely independent and responsible. It was a huge relief to me to know that she was managing her schedule, keeping up with her school work, and often helping around the house even when she was on her own many days. 

The fact that she's heading to high school boggles my mind a little. Mary starting kindergarten? No problem; kids grow up, it's what they do. But high school? That's so close to adulthood! I had a hard time leaving Nellie at camp, and she kindly reminded me that in four years, I'd be taking her to college. I kindly told her to stop talking.

This stage is new and busy and I have a lot to learn. But it's also fun and exciting in a different way, and I'm ready to see what the next year holds for this funny, smart, musical girl. We're glad to hold on to our activities coordinator as long as we can! We were so bored without her this summer! Happy birthday, Nellie, we love you (so much that we're hoping you choose community college and live at home forever. Just kidding.) 

I feel like a broken record, but...this has been another interesting year. What is your favorite memory from the last year?

That's tough...I guess all the family trips. Going to Papa John's house, especially that one day we went to Dancing Crane Coffee House and then to Lake Superior. Lots of home time and family time. It seems like we laughed a lot this year. 

What is one way God's been working in your life this year?

I've been so much more aware of all the blessings we have this year with everything that's happened. I find myself being amazed by the smallest things. Like we went for a bike ride the other day and was so thankful that the roundabout was finished. And I saw trees, and flowers, and the sun, and even, like, the turkey vultures, all in the middle of this busy intersection... and it all seemed so beautiful. Being closer to lots of awesome people like my friends. We were brought together in unexpected ways.

It was strange not to see you on your birthday. How do you feel about being fourteen?

It was so weird! I wasn't as vamped up and excited for my birthday this year. It was the first year I didn't feel so much like a little kid. But I feel so old. I'm in high school, marching band, I'm going to be learning how to drive...when I was five, those were the things I associated with being an adult or at least an intimidating high schooler!

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

Some of those same things I said. Marching band, starting high school, drivers ed. I'm excited to be doing in-person school for the whole year!

What is one goal you have for next year?

I want to try to read all the Jane Austen books by the time I turn 16. Maybe go somewhere out of state? That's more of a wish than a goal.

Who would you say are your best friends?

Oh, that's hard. I have a friend group now and I'm close with all of them. Ava, Keira, Harmony, Kate, Jocelyn, Faith, Katelyn, Avery obviously, Lacy...there's so many of us.

What are your strengths?

I'm good at math. At least I was before the summer hahaha it's been awhile. I'm good at playing flute, swimming, reading, obsessively fan-girling over TV shows and books...

What careers are you considering?

I know I want to do something with biology or ecology...something with nature science. I still kind of want to be an author, I love writing. I tend to be better at doing things if I like doing it, and I really like nature and wildlife and all that stuff.

What’s your favorite song or type of music?   

I like Bon Jovi; I like rock. I like sad breakup music. Favorite song is hard. I guess maybe A Thousand Years, that has a lot of good memories with it.

What's your favorite food?

Carrots and dill dip. Or pesto pasta. Or tacos!

Current favorite movie?   

Probably Titanic, or Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Current book(s) you're reading?

It's called City of Heavenly Fire, book 6 in The Mortal Instruments series. Hahaha I only know that because it's sitting right next to me. It's already made me cry several times.

Favorite color?   

Blue. 

Favorite place to be?

Aunt Pam's house or home or school when my friends are there.

What are your favorite things to do? 
Read, play flute and guitar, swim. Write.

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

If you're falling in a forest and no one is around, do you ever really crash, or even make a sound?       Kind of depressing but.....

What was your favorite present?

My Bon Jovi album. 

Is there anything else you want us to know about you? I mean, DJ said you could have a boyfriend now, are you going for it?

Well, let's just put it this way, if you're a 14-year-old boy out there and you're reading this...