Mary Cate-isms

• T-ball and baseball games got boring, so Kevin made up a game where he would throw something--like a hat or mitt--and Mary would run and get it. Yes, he basically played fetch with her. Before she started running each time, Mary would gear up by yelling, "Super-try-out-what-to-do!"
• Mary Cate likes to put on her sunglasses and walk around, saying, "I'm a rock star, movie star, anything you got!"
• One of my favorite parts of summer was all the kayaking I was able to do, mostly with Mary sitting at the bow. When we finally pulled the kayaks up after our last time at Pam's, we found her practicing her rowing. Before she noticed Kevin watching, he heard her chanting, "My arms can't do it but I'll get through it!" It's a good mantra as we start the school year.
  
  
  
• Mary has started using the expression "as ____ as a pickle" to describe all kinds of situations. Every day, it's "I'm as hot as a pickle in a pie," or, "I'm as tired as a pickle!" We think it comes from a particular character on Doc McStuffins, and it's a good way to get a laugh. Pickle is a funny word no matter how old you are. 
• Mary: I'm tired. Me: I'm tired, too. Mary, hugging me: WE'RE TIRED BUDDIES!
• Me: My tummy is so big from all that food I ate today. Mary: And from all those babies you had in there. 

Summer fun, slightly revised

For the first few weeks of summer, when anyone asked how it was going, the best I could come with was, "weird." After 12 weeks at home, transitioning to summer didn't have quite the same feeling as usual. I'm still working a lot more than in a typical summer. We can't do most of the things that usually keep us busy, like trips to the zoo, museum, and playgrounds or long weekends at the lake. We thought about a camping trip and had it pretty much planned before Nellie reminded us that she was in no state to sleep on the ground or move around a campsite.

But then Sarah and Alex invited us for a camping weekend in their backyard! It was doable because Nellie could sleep indoors, and the creek and pond provided all the summer fun we could need. We waded, swam, kayaked, floated, had a bonfire, made s'mores, lighted sparklers, ate every meal outdoors--it certainly felt like real camping!

Over the 4th of July, we finally had our first overnight at Gull Lake. We were able to manage social distancing by staying outdoors most of the time and only going into and sleeping in the basement. Other than the parade, we got to do all the things we love on the 4th, including watching the fireworks from the boat. And we participated in the sign decorating for a virtual parade and actually won the prize for "best family photo." 

Now, the boys have started baseball and t-ball with some modified rules to keep the kids healthy, and the girls are doing virtual camps through the Wharton Center for acting and dance. With everything else going on in the world and the looming uncertainties of the next school year, we've appreciated these nice little spaces for familiar summer fun. And I think we've started some new traditions in the process!

The kids found a clay deposit in the creek and hauled up a sled full of it to play with. They spent hours making clay pots and bowls.

I never thought I'd see all the kids swimming in a pond, but they sure had fun. Nellie discovered she could still kayak in her boot.

The award-winning photo :)

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.

Annie, age 11

I doubt Annie's 11th year looked quite the way she expected when she sat down for her interview last year! It started strong--we had a great summer, she was in the same class as her best friend, she had every school supply and accessory you can imagine. Annie spent her fall rehearsing for and performing in her first musical and running cross country. She participated and sang a solo in the Grand Ledge musical theater workshop. With her friend Chloe, Annie prepared a science fair project on the difference between baking in a conventional and convection oven.

Things took a turn when Nellie broke her leg this winter--Annie ended up taking on a lot of extra responsibility and definitely clinched her position as my right-hand girl. Then school closed; softball, cross country, and the science fair were canceled; and 5th grade came to a quiet close at home. 

But it was a great year nonetheless, and I for one am thankful for all the extra time I got to spend with Annie this spring. We celebrated her birthday with lots of books, baking and video equipment, and hair accessories. Friends and family came for a front-yard-social-distance-Harry-Potter party in the evening, complete with four different desserts and sparklers. Happy birthday, Annie!

What was your favorite memory from the last year?
All the musical theater stuff, and then just everything about being in quarantine--all the new things we learned. It seems like a lot of our memories and things we learned, and all the time we spent together with family, it wouldn't have happened without quarantine. And although some of the memories were bad, a lot of them were really fun, like video chatting and playing games together online and Zooming with my class.

What is one way God's been working in your life this year?
Probably the fact that everyone has come together and has been unified through the quarantine. Families that weren't close before got to spend more time together. It feels like I'm more connected with God, and people in my family and friends because we're all going through the same things.

How do you feel about being eleven?  

I feel more mature and grown-up, but I'm also sad because you're only the same number--like 1, 1-- every 11 years!

What are you most looking forward to in the next year?
Hopefully being able to actually see people again! I'm looking forward to new experiences since I'm more grown-up now. I'll be able to do more things, like babysit, and have more responsibilities. And I got contacts!

Who are your best friends?

My siblings and cousins, Chloe. From LCS, Lael, Bree, Kylie. But I'm kind of friends with everyone. I've definitely gotten closer to my family, though I'm annoyed with DJ.

What are your strengths?

Cooking! I'm good with kids, except for DJ. I'm good at getting Eddie and Mary to get ready for bed and stuff. I get along with most people, I respect people. I'm pretty responsible except for keeping my room clean and doing my laundry. Those are my weaknesses!

What careers are you considering?

Probably a teacher or a pastry chef. Or maybe a doctor or something.

Why are you interested in those fields?
Well because like I said earlier, I am good with kids and I like to show them things. I like it when you can see the lightbulb go on for someone. It's fun when they start to understand it and you can encourage them and stuff. And probably a pastry chef because I really like to bake and cook. I'd like to own a bakery someday. It's fun eating baked goods, but it's even more fun when you have to work for two hours for it! And homemade food is better. I've always liked the idea of being a doctor and taking care of people. You really get to do a lot of things and help people.

What’s your favorite song or type of music?   
Well I really like Hamilton and musicals in general, because they have their own "thing," like Hamilton is hip-hop but can also be mellow. I like Wicked. I like Christian music and old songs from the 80s and 90s.

What's your favorite food?
Chocolate.

Current favorite movie?   
Right now I'm into the Harry Potter series. I don't really have a favorite.

Current book you're reading?

Right now I'm reading multiple books. I just finished Becoming Brianna, but I'm also reading the seventh Harry Potter.

Favorite color?   

Purple. But the shade I like is lavender. Like not dark or light, but in the middle. 

Favorite place to be?

The store. Like Meijer, or Target. But that's just because I haven't been to one in like three months. But I also like to just be at home or run a couple of errands just to have a break.

What are your favorite things to do? 

Read (especially outside), bake, sleep, organize the spice cabinet, ride my bike, learn new skills like do my hair. I like to watch T.V. and stuff.

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

I think quarantine was a blessing in disguise. It does drive people stir-crazy, but nonetheless, it's bringing people closer together. Even though we have to stay six feet apart. 

Eddie age "Stupendous 6"

Six years of being awesome!

I taught Eddie the word stupendous, which he defines as "really, really, really, really awesome," and now he refers to himself as Stupendous 6! He counted down the days to his birthday for months, and it finally came. We had a day filled with Nintendo (God blessed him with the perfect stormy day to stay inside and play Mario Maker 2), sugar cookies, McDonald's Happy Meals, a social-distance front yard party, and lots of other things he loves. We're so happy and thankful to have another year with this fun-loving and happy-go-lucky guy.

How do you feel about being six?  

I feel awesome. 

What kinds of new things do six-year-olds do?   
I don't think I've ever been stupendous before! Maybe swim?

What are you most excited about for the next year?
I think I'm going to be in a great grade and stuff. [Can I go get my blankie?] Hmm...what am I most excited about...I think just being in first grade.

Who are your best friends?

Aidrick and Ben and Otto.

Who are your favorite people to play with?
I mostly still played with Aidrick and Ben when I was in kindergarten. I usually play with DJ and Nellie. I do play with Annie and Mary sometimes.

What kinds of things are you good at?

Super Smash Bros. Going across the whole obstacle course [two swingsets in our backyard] in 29 seconds. Really all my video games. At school, I'm good at being good.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A video game designer!

Why are you interested in being a video game designer?
Because I'm pretty good at video games. I bet when I'm in college I'm going to be super good at video games.

What’s your favorite song?   
The Super Smash Bros theme song. [He just bought the game two days ago...]

What's your favorite food?
Spaghetti. That's what Mario and Luigi eat.

Favorite movie?   
Ninjago.

Favorite book?   

It would be a Mario book if I had one.

Favorite color?   
Green and gold.

Favorite place to be?

At the place where Otto goes bowling.

What are your favorite things to do?   
I like being with my family. I like to play video games. Everybody knows that.

Is there anything else you want us to know about you?   
I don't think anyone knows who my favorite video game character is. Hmm...let's make it be...Captain Falcon.

What was your favorite birthday present?
Mario Maker 2.

Covid-19 Social Distancing, Week 12: That's a wrap

The final week of school included an intense but cool reconceptualization of a "final exam" with my Algebra 2 students, our 4th annual PLT Jamboree, and final class meetings for Nellie, Annie, and DJ. It didn't have quite the same "hard stop" as a typical end of the school year. There are still meetings to participate in, lessons and professional development to be designed, and hard decisions to be made for 2020-2021. It might not be the end of remote learning. But there were sighs of relief and no small amount of joy reclaiming the dining room table for dining. Here are a few artifacts from our spring "home break."

Our art and schoolwork collection

 

One of our family verses

Eddie and Mary Cate's artwork left on our desk at school as of March 13

My favorite of DJ's assignments. "The milk is chewable." 😆

Covid-19 Social Distancing, Week 11: My quarantine crew

We are nearing the end! We think. This was the last week of school for Eddie and Mary Cate, so we had final Zoom meetings and celebrations. The big kids just have a few more days of wrap-up. I thought this would be a good time to share what it was like to be on "home break" with each kid. I learned some things.

Mary Cate

Let's start with a few fun Mary Cate-isms. She loved to play and learn "plan" (piano) as part of "mommy school." She also became sort of fixated on pretending to go to Hawaii, or as she called it, "Ha-wa-wi." 

Early in the quarantine, she started watching Doc McStuffins after being a diehard Daniel Tiger fan for years. This ushered in a whole new era of playing doctor endlessly. Mary Cate can often be found talking and singing to her toys with her doctor coat on. It's provided many, many hours of entertainment for her. And us. It's very cute.

Mary took well to preschool at home. It was a little weird, though, when playing school equated to recording herself reading books on the iPad.

Eddie

Because Eddie was technically the only kid for whom remote learning actually counted and was required, his school day was often longer than the older kids'. He did not love that. Luckily, he's easy-going enough that until the end, he's plowed through and been a pretty compliant student. I've learned that he is extremely quiet with his classmates but is also very silly in Zoom meetings. One of Eddie's favorite things about home school--and one of mine--was his learning to play piano. I don't know much, but between the girls and me, we could teach him some basics about form and reading music. He's pretty decent--it might be time for lessons! His favorite song he's learning to play is Ode to Joy.

Somehow, Eddie fell through the cracks when it came to actually telling him that school was closed for the rest of the year. It was mid-May before I slipped it into conversation at bedtime, and he ended up crying himself to sleep. I felt like a terrible parent...until a few days later, when I realized that he thought it meant he'd have to stay in kindergarten next year. When he learned he'd still go to first grade because of all the learning he was doing at home, he was just fine. 

Throughout this time, Eddie has maintained that his favorite part is how short the school day is. It's given him time to become, as he says, "a video game master." I'll roll with it.

DJ

From day one, I've enjoyed almost all the time we've had as a family during quarantine. But the time with DJ and Annie has been an extra blessing. Eddie and Mary Cate come to school with me every day. I got to have car rides with Nellie, and after she broke her leg, we had hours every day together after school. It was always a tiny bit sad to leave DJ and Annie behind every morning--not to mention the serious mom-guilt when I would forget or wouldn't have time to wake them up to say goodbye in the morning as requested and one of them would call me crying. Neither brought home much homework, so I was never really in touch with what or how they were learning. Remote learning was especially gratifying with them for that reason.

I quickly learned that DJ doesn't like writing but he loves math. He says he doesn't like reading, but once he gets going, it's hard to get him to stop. He's been devouring Who Was and Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. He's ridiculously good at memorizing facts and Bible verses. Like, better than all the rest of us combined. He wrote a whole report on Derek Jeter with facts he remembered from reading a biography last year. I had to read the book myself to check! DJ's favorite remote learning activities are playing Prodigy (still not even sure what that is) and learning French online.

Annie

Annie took the quarantine and remote learning in stride, though she says again and again how much better she liked it when I was making up learning activities for her than her actual classwork. Ever the fashionista, Annie dressed for success every day. Like, carefully selected her outfit the night before and got dressed before coming downstairs every single day, even though she hasn't seen a friend in over two months. Her glasses broke right at the beginning of all this, after the vision centers closed, so she's been wearing taped-up glasses but never complains. 

Annie used some of this time "off" to start a cooking club for her siblings that eventually morphed into her own Youtube channel for baking. She's had fun and learned a lot about filming and managing a channel.

Nellie

Even without a broken leg, staying at home and learning all day every day with her family was probably most challenging for Nellie. She did fine with remote learning; the issue was the togetherness. But she hung in there and created some amazing products, especially with flute, choir, and her "genius hour" projects. Nellie is super self-reliant, which wasn't news to me but definitely stood out in our surprise home-schooling. I have no doubt Nellie could learn successfully online forever, but I'm not sure anyone is more ready to go back to school than she is!