Annie, age 16

Annie's sixteen! When Nellie turned sixteen I could hardly believe it, it just seemed so old. For Annie, it's like, "finally!" She passed her driving test the day before her birthday and we couldn't be happier to have another driver in the house. Though all of a sudden, three cars somehow feels like too few with working teenagers. Sixteen suits Annie just fine. She'll get a little independence and she can finally listen to whatever she wants in the car without DJ and Eddie complaining (or singing different music loudly in the backseat. It's getting old for all of us.) She's a busy girl, and is going to be an upper classman, so we're looking forward to everything that's to come this year.

It's been a year of ups and downs for all of us, but there were lots of highlights! I'm curious to hear her favorite memories, but mine include: Another awesome cross country season, with great friends, PRs, and a trip to states; learning she loves studying literature with Mrs. Chadwick in American Lit; the regional choir weekend at WMU; the Taylor Swift concert in Indianapolis!; attending the Worship Symposium at Calvin; a strong basketball season; playing Annie in Annie; getting her first job; and trying out track this spring!

Annie is just as delightful as ever - a good friend, sister, and daughter, and endlessly encouraging and helpful. We're lucky she's ours and are happy to celebrate her!

Early morning birthday run

Maiden voyage to get milk at QD!

Pepper spray for solo trail runs

Thanks Cousin Connie for the awesome hot air balloon cake! 💜

What is a favorite memory from the last year?

Running cross country states AND watching Taylor Swift perform in the same 12 hours!

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

I feel like I've been able to love Him more, and early on in my relationship with God, when I was first becoming a Christian, I wasn't really sure what that meant. I'm learning to love Him more. This has very much been a year of loss, but that's helped me learn what prioritize and let go of some things.

How do you feel about being sixteen?

I definitely thought that 16-year-olds were so mature and old, but I feel like I'm still little! And I can drive, which I feel good about. I like driving myself around a lot more than (some) others driving me. [I think that might be a dig on a big sister.]

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

Driving myself around, another cross country season, Gettysburg [the spring junior trip], AP US History, coming back to the U.P., hanging out with family and friends. If that can even happen in junior year.

What is one goal you have for next year?

Find more clarity when it comes to college and career paths. And just survive - get through the school year while prioritizing my relationships with God and others. And be willing to say "no" to things.

Who would you say are your best friends?

Lydia, Makenna, Adrienne, Robynne, Hudson

What would you say are some of your strengths?

I'm determined and hard working. I have mental toughness. I hope people think I'm nice and Christ-centered.

What was your biggest accomplishment this year?

Probably being in the musical or qualifying for states individually for cross country and track, even though I only did track for half a season because of cross country.

What careers are you considering?

Dear me. Right now, nothing is jumping out to me as much as in the past. But for a long time I've considered something law related. I've considered pursuing something medical for awhile but now I'm leaning away from that.

What’s your favorite song or type of music?   

Usually - well, it's almost always something Taylor Swift. But it changes regularly! Recently, as in the last two weeks, it's been Innocent by TS and Smoke Slow by Joshua Bassett.

What's your favorite food?

Pesto pasta, and pretty much anything chocolatey. And toast from Dairy Queen.

Current favorite movie or TV show?

Probably Gilmore Girls and I don't watch a lot of movies!

Current book(s) you're reading?

Well I just finished Firekeeper's Daughter for the eighth time, and now for my in-between books I'm reading the To All the Boys I've Loved Before series.

Favorite color? 

Purple  

Favorite place to be?

Probably Gull Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, Petoskey.

What are your favorite things to do? 

Read, be with my friends, run, bake, listen to and play music, go swimming.

What was a favorite present?

Oh, for my birthday? I have to run an inventory...maybe that squishy duck from the Meyers.

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

I've never been a natural, all I do is try, try, try.

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

I think that's it for now!

Wernet Fall Round-up 2024: Annie

Sophomore year is the kind and gentle year of high school, in my opinion. You know the ropes but the workload isn't as intense as junior and senior year. Annie is transitioned into 10th grade pretty smoothly this fall! There was no fall musical for her this year so she could focus on cross country. It was another great season; her teammates and coach are amazing, Annie improved significantly, and they went to states for the second year in a row! 

The biggest day of Annie's year involved running in the state meet in the morning, then zooming to Indy for the Taylor Swift concert that night. It was a little overwhelming but a lot of amazing. I will treasure that time with her forever, and I'm thankful for all her patience with my worrying about driving and parking navigating our way around an unfamiliar city.

Annie also continued with Chorale and made it into the regional honors choir again. Last year we were in Florida, so we were excited to make it this time!

In between all that, Annie enjoyed spending time with Robynne when she visited from college and hanging out more with friends. Now on to basketball and auditions for the spring musical, Annie!

Honors Choir at WMU - Annie is in the back row on the left

Hanging out at Impression 5

The concert of a lifetime!

Okay I took this because it was funny to see urinals in the women's bathroom at Lucas Oil Stadium but Annie is also adorable.

The big day - taking down the last link in the countdown chain!

Papa John made it to a choir concert!

This one is bitter (the night of Pam's funeral) sweet (falling asleep over her homework)

The first cross country meet. Her teammate-besties are wonderful friends.

Annie, age 15

The official Tigers photographer captured this picture and sent it to Kevin!

Annie and her birthday present

My new normal view of Annie

A great moment this year!

We kicked off Annie's birthday with a trail run!

What a year it's been for Annie as she started high school! She learned the ropes of high school coursework, ran cross country, played basketball, made new friends and deepened old friendships, was in two musicals, and successfully completed drivers training. I love spending time with her, and for better or worse (for her), there's a lot of that! We have long car rides to and from school made longer by construction are the best time to chat and debrief. And now she can drive us around...which may be the first major source of conflict in our mother/daughter relationship. Annie is a girl who stops in to see me between classes or at lunch just to say 'hi.' She continues to be my "right-hand girl" in helping keep life more organized and running more smoothly.

We're excited to see what the next year holds as Annie moves on to sophomore year!

Full life, full heart

I heard somewhere that we should reframe "being busy" as life being "full." Well, life has been full this year. But my heart has been full as well! January and February were full of new experiences for our kids and it's been very cool to spend time with them as they do what they love.

It's concert season for Nellie, with solo and ensemble, District Band Festival, SYWS rehearsals, lessons, and auditions. She's going to have an opportunity to play in with the Lansing Concert Band in April and we couldn't be more excited for her!

Nellie and Alyssa after their flute/clarinet duet

Just a good reminder :)

Annie got to go to her first homecoming dance, and was honored to be a freshman homecoming representative! We had several friends over for dinner before the dance because it was held in GL this year and it was fun getting to know them better outside of school.

Post dress shopping smoothies, because let me tell you, dress shopping is hard work!

Such a great night!

Lots of pasta, garlic bread, salad, and fun was had by all

DJ loves all things sports, but he's also getting into the competitive math scene. He participated in the middle school math club and had an opportunity to compete with the LCS team at MathCounts at MSU. I joined the group for lunch and the afternoon competition and loved every minute I got to spend with this group of middle schoolers!

Figuring out some systems of linear equations patterns together at lunch.

The whole crew

Meanwhile, we started a math enrichment program for 3rd-5th grades called Math Challenge on Fridays. So I also get to spend time teaching and learning with Eddie and several of his buddies each week. It's been a learning experience mostly for me. :) My first time teaching an elementary class! Eddie also had a chance to participate (last minute) in the Grand Ledge Musical Theater Workshop. It was totally new for him and we weren't sure how he'd like it. It was a long, tiring weekend for him, but he loved it and wants to go again!

Math Challenge

Big stage, bright lights!

And finally, Mary started piano lessons last summer and got to play in her first recital! She takes it very seriously and really likes playing piano. I was a little nervous for her...but she was confident and excited.

The Incident

2024 started with a bang! That is, a curtain rod banged into Annie and broke her front tooth. 

Before

It was not my finest mom moment...I basically panicked. I mean, breaking and losing teeth are my MOST recurring nightmare! Luckily:

• Kevin was there to take charge and keep the mood light.
• We signed up for dental insurance for the first time in our adult lives at the 11th hour before the deadline. It went into effect on January 1, and Annie had the good sense to get injured on January 2.
• After a long night without a lot of sleep, we were able to get in with a great new dentist office first thing in the morning.
• It was fixed up good as new!

Though we liked her "Dumb and Dumber" look, as Kevin called it, I think she's happy to have her old look back.

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.]

Hand-me-downs

Clothes in a big family are an interesting thing - essential items and a shared commodity. Nellie and Annie, then DJ and Eddie, were close enough in age that I generally just shifted the clothes the older ones outgrow directly into the drawers and closet space of the younger ones. Now that the big girls and I can wear the same size, clothes kind of shift from one room and closet and laundry basket to another without much fanfare.

With seven years between Annie and Mary, we didn't save as many clothes because we didn't really think about the possibility of another girl for a good five years there. But we recently uncovered a big bin of clothes in the crawlspace that held a lot of things in Mary's size. When Annie and Mary went through it this weekend it felt like a weird time warp. Annie would pull out a dress of Nellie's (or was it Annie's, or maybe both?) and it would bring back memories of some of our favorite moments and photos from years past that can feel like another life. Bathing suits - beaches, lakes, swimming lessons, and splashpads. Pajamas - early bedtimes and Annie wearing the same PJs until the pants barely made it past her knees. Jeans, fancy dresses, jumpers, and so many leggings.

It's been fun to see the different combinations Mary puts together and what her favorites are. It's also fun to remember how different Nellie and Annie's preferred styles were! Nellie was very particular about fabrics and fit, but our "Little Miss-match" had no qualms about mixing colors and patterns. Annie, on the other hand, liked to dress up and everything had to go together just so - she's still my daily fashion advisor. Mary doesn't seem to care much one way or the other but likes the idea of hand-me-downs. Lucky girl, we will have lots!

Rocking a Dora shirt while she eats her "magic brother breakfast" from Eddie - a bagel with Nutella and sprinkles

We found the outfit to match Bitty Baby!

'Tis the season (for concert halls, sanctuaries, and gymnasiums)

This year, we attended a whopping ten Wernet-kid concerts and performances in the span of three weeks. It's always lovely to see them on stage after all their hard work, but it's also nice to have some free evenings again. We can pretty much summarize our Christmas season in photos from auditoriums, churches, and school gyms! Here they are, in order:

1) Nellie's Chamber Ensemble recital for the Spartan Youth Wind Symphony

2) Annie in Elf Jr. with the Midway Theater Company

This was such a fun show; I saw it three times! Annie played Shawanda the elf and a Macy's saleswoman.

3) Spartan Youth Wind Symphony winter concert - It was pretty awesome to see Nellie play at the Wharton Center! We were glad we didn't bring the other kids, though - it was a 2.5 hour concert with the MSU Wind Symphony playing as well.

4) Grand Ledge Bands winter concert

The kids didn't get off so easily this time, but it was a fun concert with lots of good Christmas music. Mary's favorite was Minor Alterations, which "sounds like Christmas music, but scary!"

5) K-3 Christmas show at LCS

Eddie was a shepherd this year

After a three-year hiatus, it was great to see this LCS staple again

6) Church Christmas kids' show: Psalty's Christmas Calamity! I waited about 36 years for this show...I used to listen to it nonstop on vinyl as a kid. 

After months of rehearsals, DJ, Eddie, and Mary finally got to share their singing and dancing with us. DJ's come a long way in his church performance career, playing Joseph this year! 😅

7) 4-12 concert at LCS - I missed DJ's first-ever concert (he's playing saxophone in band) when I was out with Covid, so this was especially cool to get to see. Annie did great on a percussion-heavy piece.

8) Grand Ledge Collage Concert - It was my first time seeing this unique annual show, and it was amazing! Nellie played flute in several "acts," and it was great to see her friends sing solos and sing with the choirs.

Oh, and we had the opportunity to do the advent reading at church. Everyone took part!

And finally, a bonus  picture of our annual Cracker Barrel trip: