Annie turns 14!

A great joy in my life the past several years is working at the same school my kids go to. They might not always love it, I guess! But it means I get a little extra time with them, they can wave to me through my office window (or pretend to ignore me, as the case may be), and I get the inside scoop on their friendships and what they're learning and how they're doing in school.

That's especially true with Annie as she wrapped up middle school and prepares to start high school. I love that she stops by my office at lunch and that as I work with her class on academic planning, I already know most of them. I got to catch snippets of musical rehearsals and chaperone her 8th-grade trip. 

Annie has grown a lot this year and she's definitely ready for 9th grade. (I'm more ready than I was with Nellie, that's for sure!) She's had some great opportunities this year, running cross country, playing basketball and softball, performing in two musicals, leading middle school chapel worship, working on yearbook - she likes to be involved! She also took her first trip to Florida and Disney World. She is maybe a little obsessed with Taylor Swift. In the best possible way, of course. Through it all, Annie has remained good-natured, hard-working, and committed to her friends and family

On the 8th-grade trip

At a Tigers game

Headed to a Taylor Swift watch party - Photo credit Mrs. Sabins!

We did sort of forget to get Annie a cake. We stopped at Meijer on our way home well after 10pm for a chocolate scoop cake. Love you, Annie!

It seems like this was a pretty good year for you. What is one of your favorite memories from the last year?

Our Florida trip was pretty fun! There's not really a favorite memory - just all of it I guess. It was split into categories - like Disney was super fun with rides and us having fun together, eating good food. The resort was sort of its own thing and that was great. Then there was relaxing and having family time and beach time. I loved all of it.

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

I was just thinking about how He's surrounded me with people I love and who love me; I have a good community.

How do you feel about being fourteen?

I don't know, I guess older kind of, but it's not like a big year. I mean, I am starting high school. But it's fun!

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

I think trying new things and spending more time with people, seeing new places.

What is one goal you have for next year?

Don't fail high school! [Do you really think you're going to fail high school?] I don't know, maybe! That's why it's my goal! I guess find a good balance to where I'm comfortable saying "no," manage my time well and not try to cram too much into my life.

Who would you say are your best friends?

My cousins, Lydia, Hudson, Sophia, Juliet...I have a lot of people I'm good friends with!

What do you say are some of your strengths?

I think, um, hmm, I guess I just do so many things and I try to be optimistic and...I'm not afraid to try new things but also know when not to add new things. I think I'm good at having routines but then also going out and trying new things. I think I'm sensible most of the time and I'm good at...well...I'm good at making decisions but not making them quickly. [Kevin: You're good at deliberating.] Yeah, I'm good at both thinking through decisions but knowing when I just need to go for it. I'm good at adapting. [Like when you had to pick a cake last night at Meijer.]

What careers are you considering?

Cosmetologist or dermatologist, interior designer, lawyer...I don't know, it changes every doctor. Teacher, doctor.

What’s your favorite song or type of music?   

I definitely don't have a favorite song. I just have songs that I like more than others and listen to over and over again. [So what's your favorite right now? What do you play a lot?] Well, Taylor Swift, but that's a given. I like Reputation today. I like Tour the States!

What's your favorite food?

Mac and cheese - Grandma's, Panera's, McAlister's and Bob Evans are tied. At the same time, that's just one of my favorite foods. Pesto pasta, buttered noodles, that pizza from Wagon Wheel with pesto and chicken, anything from Tim Hortons, anything with sugar and chocolate. Chai tea lattes and coffee drinks. There's never not a time for a chai tea latte or coffee.

Current favorite movie or TV show?

I mean, Gilmore Girls, but there are some good movies, too. Back to the Future, The Hunger Games, 13 Going on 30, 10 Things I Hate About You, Legally Blonde. The Princess Bride, Get Smart - there are so many good ones.

Current book(s) you're reading?

Pride and Prejudice. Recently, I read Firekeeper's Daughter, Warrior Girl Unearthed, All Fudged Up series, The Summer I Turned Pretty series, To All the Boys I've Loved Before.

Favorite color?   

Purple!

Favorite place to be?

In my lifetime, Buzz's Lakeside Inn and Aunt Pam's house. Now, Petoskey or Papas' houses. Home...really anywhere that I go with my family and cousins. Tennessee was so pretty; I'd go there again if I had a chance.

What are your favorite things to do? 

Read, bake, sports - running, basketball, softball - musical theater. I like going places and seeing new things, but I also like being at home.

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

Let's come back to that one. Okay, "Unusually and exceedingly peculiar and altogether quite impossible to describe."

What was a favorite present?

I had a lot of good ones this year. I didn't have a major one except for getting to hang out with my friends. I liked all of them. They were good all around.

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

[Kevin: You're 14.] In the past, I don't know how long ago it was, maybe when I was 12...anywhere, I said I was still single. And I still am. [Kevin: Also you were born with a monkey tail and we had it surgically removed.]