In what feels like a former life, I taught Middle School English. And I truly did love that age of the kids…they were funny, imaginative, and clever. But, I also remember the drama of MS…especially with girls.
I am so thankful that E has a group of girls that she has been friends with since elementary school. The six of them have such a strong connection and offer support, humor, love, and endless (and I mean ENDLESS) text messages. And this group of girls has helped as typical middle school drama has popped up here and there. This support network is her lifeline and I’m so grateful that she has them…and I have their moms.
E’s network expanded a bit this year as she joined the HS synchronized swimming team. She is the youngest on the team but has gotten to know the HS girls and felt their support, too. The older girls take care of the younger girls…they encourage them, get them little gifts, are available for any questions (another never-ending group chat), and even give rides to and from practices as needed…which has been a huge bonus for me. And I love that once E reaches the HS, she’ll have some connections there.
Beyond her incredible friends, this has been a year of E really shining. Her accomplishments and memorable moments include (but are not limited to)…
Performing on “the big stage” with her dad during his band’s 4th of July gig
‘A’ honor roll…consistently. Like every quarter since the beginning of 6th grade. The one ‘A-’ she received still bothers her even though I am most proud of the effort she puts into her school work. What she creates is honestly amazing. A or no A.
One of the leads in her Musical Theater performance of “Into the Woods,” which included a solo.
Being asked to perform with the HS orchestra — twice! Here’s a snippet from the best song she and the HS orchestra performed at the December concert.
Joining the HS synchro team and having a phenomenal season including placing 1st in 4 categories (Figures {like a technical competition}, Solo, Trio, and Team) at the Section Meet, helping SLP WIN Sections AND qualifying for the State competition in all her routines!
A few other quotes/memories from the year…
I love the way the kids still play together. Their “playing” may involve more video games than toys these days, but they still actually like spending time together. The other day this gem was uttered by E when B pulled one over her during a video game…
“The woman was too stunned to speak.”
E is always quick with a response when her brother asks a random question.
B: What does ATM stand for?
E: Always Time for Money ?
And sometimes she’s a little too quick with her responses…
E informed us she played jeopardy during advisory. I asked what it was on.
E: Oh, like a big screen in the auditorium.
Me …
Her …
Me … I mean what topics were there?
When B asked if E missed him while she was gone for a week at camp E said:
“Yes I missed you. I missed arguing with you because I always win. I don’t always win with my friends.”
After watching “Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret” E comes home and says:
“6th grade boys are not like that at all. They don’t care about breasts. They care about Fortnite and Steph Curry.”
She always has a way with pictures…
And E has a way of giving the best compliments when you’re least expecting it. Last year I got one (about how she always wants to talk to me and tell me everything) that I still think about all the time and this year Marc got one.
“I’m so excited to hear your band play again! Honestly it’s one the reasons 4th of July is my favorite holiday.”
Plus, one of my favorite memories from the past year was the time I got to spend with E when we went on a girls’ trip to Cannon Beach, Oregon. That one-on-one time is something I’ll forever cherish. When the only competition I had for her attention was her phone…and our cell service wasn’t that great.
I know that I’m biased but I am constantly impressed with this 7th grader. She is accomplishing things I’ve never done. I cannot put into words how proud I am of her and the beautiful, kind, determined, talented teenager that she is. Her future looks so bright and I’m so excited to be along for the ride, being her loudest cheerleader every step of the way. GO E!