Nellie, age 16

Just one question, how is it possible Nellie is 16? It's had me thinking a lot of about 16 years of parenting - I remember those early days when every single task felt like climbing a mountain. I miss the baby and toddler stages much less than I'm enjoying our current stages. To me, 16 feels significant - maybe it's working with high schoolers for so long, but it seems awfully close to adulthood. But I have been loving having teenagers and it's just so exciting seeing who they're becoming, hearing their thoughts, and watching them grow into their gifts.

It was a very full year for Nellie. Marching band, PALs, German Club, Spartan Youth Wind Symphony, first jobs at the Sun Theater and being a STEM intern at Woldumar, getting ready to be a drum major, playing JV tennis, and now driving! That part I love - Nellie has already picked up Annie from softball, run to Meijer for milk and TP, and driven herself to work. It's a whole new world! 

Nellie is so hard-working and diligent in everything she does. She likes to stay busy (her words) but loves and is committed to her family and friends. She continues to be a major source of entertainment at our house and we missed her a whole lot when she was gone for camp this summer. She has a gift for music and "re-gifts" it to the community through band. Junior year can be a bit of a beast, but I have no doubt Nellie will be alright, and I'm genuinely looking forward to each day of new growth and experience. 

The coolest birch-bark cake!

Nellie's first trip to Woldumar in August, 2007

Trying to recreate the picture...she's not heavy, I'm just not that strong.

Nellie had her 16th birthday party with some family and friends at Woldumar. It was a perfect Nellie party!

We - and you especially - did a lot this year! What is one of your favorite memories from the last year?

The whole Florida trip, first of all. And just spending time as a family in general. There were a lot of funny moments and we have a lot of inside jokes made this year. Disney was really fun, especially Epcot. Oh, the Biergarten restaurant. That was just really fun and I've never eaten so much in my life. And being in the ocean!

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

I think two or three big things. He's giving me lots of opportunities to be a light for Him and spread his love. Being in positions of leadership, new activities, meeting lots of different people. I've been more committed to my relationship with God this year, more deliberate, which helps me be more intentional about seeing his work in my life.

How do you feel about being sixteen?

Very excited, it doesn't feel that different than being 15 except for being able to drive! That feels different, but even that I'm getting used to. I have a lot more responsibility and more independence. One step closer to adulthood!

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

Marching band, being a junior or upperclassman, which is kind of scary but I'm also excited. They call it "hell year." I guess reconnecting with friends after the summer and getting to see them more.

What is one goal you have for next year?

Really trying to stay organized and not get too overwhelmed by all the commitments I have. Keeping a good balance and staying intentional about staying close to God and relying on Him for help.

Who would you say are your best friends?

Jocelyn, Ava, Kate are my best "fluties", Alyssa and Lacy, Annie and Robynne. Those are my best friends, and technically Ethan, too. Caden and Akshath are going to be drum majors, so I'm excited to get to know them better. 

What would you say are some of your strengths?

Music is the biggest one - flute, guitar. Leadership, reading, school. I think I'm a good listener and give pretty good advice. I try to be empathetic and try to see the good in people.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year?

I think getting a 5 on the AP World History exam. It was an all year commitment, a lot of work, not easy, the hardest class I've ever taken, but it paid off. That's probably what I'm proudest of.

What careers are you considering?

[It's weird, I've been asking this since you were two! This seems so much more real now!] The two that I'm basically going to pick between are music education or some kind of environmental science, specifically forestry and freshwater biology. But also, if I went into music performance Uncle Dave said I could do a double major.

What’s your favorite song or type of music?   

Oooh, Taylor Swift [laughing]! I don't know if I have a favorite song. I really like Speak Now Taylor's Version. I really just like a lot of music you guys listen to, like the Florida Trip playlist! Bon Jovi, Matchbox 20, Coldplay, Green Day. Tour the States is one of my favorite songs, if you know, you know! Oh, The Devil Went Down to Georgia is one of my favorites because of the fiddle, haha! My musical taste is pretty varied. I will also just listen to band music a lot. I guess that's kind of weird. Especially Be Thou My Vision, David Gillingham's version. I just listen to that on loop; it's so good.

What's your favorite food?

Honestly? Can't go wrong with ants on a log. Pesto pasta is probably my favorite meal. I love those Nature Valley granola bars, too.

Current favorite movie or TV show?

Right now I'm watching Bob's Burgers on Aunt Genny's recommendation, and I really like that. Of course Miraculous Ladybug. I just finished Season 5 and it broke my heart, ripped it out, and stomped on it. 

Current book(s) you're reading?

The Shadowhunters Series, but I have a huge reading list. I love Jane Austen and Annie and I just watched Pride and Prejudice after she finished reading it, so I think I'll get back into a Jane Austen phase.

Favorite color?   

Light blue, but honestly light yellow, too. Not together, though, those are U of M colors!

Favorite place to be?

Sault Ste. Marie, home.

What are your favorite things to do? 

Read, play flute, just chill or have spa day with Annie and Mary. Ride my bike, bake, hiking.

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

"It's okay, life is a tough crowd, 32 and still growing up now, who you are is not what you did, you're still an innocent." (from Innocent) Just because there have been ups and downs, there are things I regret and things I'm proud of. And now I'm 16, people might think that's basically an adult but there's always time to change, and you're not defined by individual things you do or say. 

What was a favorite present?

Probably my Snoopy planner! That thing is amazing! But I'm also loving my Garmin watch. 

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

It's been an eventful year. I'm working two jobs now, I'm a drum major in the marching band. I'm 16 now, baby! I can drive! Also I'm looking for a car, so if you're selling one for cheap, hit me up. :)