You're gonna hear me roar!

Lily has had a secret talent for about a year or so now....it is her roar!  She loves to roar like a lion to get attention, be cute, and freak people (especially boys) out.  Yesterday she informed me that after completing her work with her teacher Ms. Curtin, she showed Ms. Curtin her roar!  LOL

An unexpected growing up milestone

So we had been talking about how Lily was at the age where we might consider leaving her home alone for short periods such as if we go for a walk or run down to Dollar General.  Well, today she got her first taste of it unexpectedly...poor child was very distraught...Olav got caught in a meeting at work and couldn't get to the house on time to meet Lily's carpool drop-off.  Just for the record, he has been a constant in her after-school life since she was in pre-k.  The carpool waited for 10 minutes when Olav finally instructed Melissa (the carpool mom) to simply leave Lily there...he had left the door unlocked.  When daddy came home 30 minutes later poor Lily burst into tears....talk about a memorable first time home alone.  Anyway, at least we are more motivated to get her that phone for the house should that ever happen again.

Back to School

First day of 4th grade at Carroll Creek Montessori

Well, yesterday marked a big life change for Lily.  She attended a brand new school.  Earlier this summer, we got word that she had been accepted into the Frederick County Public Carroll Creek Montessori Charter School.  It was a really hard decision on whether or not to send her there.  We liked her home school very much and she even got the teacher I pseudo suggested, but this new school offers daily Spanish classes and goes up to 8th grade, which means if it goes well, she will avoid the traditional "middle school" environment.  Needless to say some big pluses.  However, like every change, it also has its negatives.  The school is located on the other side of the county, so it's a least a 20-25 drive daily.  Also, the school meets in a business park, so their playground is not ALL that, and they don't have media classes.  We told her we would try it...if it is horrible we can always go back to her home school.  Anyway, the night before she was a mess.  She was crying tears of grief and loss.  My heart was so broken for her.  There was nothing I could do but hold her and hug her.  On the day of I think she was a bit apprehensive, but I think overall she had a good day.  She came home and spoke Spanish to me, told me she made a new friend, and that the substitute assistant in her classroom was strict.

Anyway, I was feeling so guilty about her tears Sunday night, but a Facebook friend encouraged me with this statement!

Consider that you are giving your daughter the gift of adaptation and change resiliency skills. These are necessary skills and she'll take the lead with them. You are a brave mom.

Here's to hoping for an amazing year!

BIG changes ahead!

Can't believe school will start in about a week!  Lily has some big changes happening this fall.  She was recently accepted into our local Montessori Charter School which has a bilingual program.  This is a huge change for everyone!  Hopefully, it will be a good experience for her!

Also Lily has been such a great kid this summer!  Of course, she has her moments where she has driven me crazy, but overall she has been amazing!  I am really proud of the young woman she is becoming!  She has been polite, helpful, godly, well-mannered, etc.  This is so awesome, especially thinking two years ago that she was really struggling!  I keep praying that it sticks!!!!

Summer fun!

First of all, Lily has a wonderful time at sleepaway camp!  She said she cried a tiny bit when Abigail left, but she bounced back quickly.  So proud of her.  I was totally expecting her to run up to me with wide open arms shouting "Mommy".  Oh well, only in my fantasy.  She actually was quite aloof.  Oh well.  Glad to know she felt so independent!

The following week we headed to North Carolina for Grandma Ginger's 75th birthday.  Olav put Lily in the 3rd row of the truck so she and Ashton wouldn't fight as much!  Of course, Lily's first question was, "If I sit in the back, how will I get the Kindle?"  Can you say ONE TRACK MIND!!!!!  Lucky for her each child got their own Kindle tablet for the ride.  She had a fabulous time playing with her cousins!  On the way down we stopped at Natural Bridge.  Lily really enjoyed the Native American reenactment that was there.  On the way back we stopped at the Johnson City Children's Museum.

Natural Bridge

 

Upon our return, she went to VBS and Sewing Camp.  She was soooo excited about sewing camp.  She made a long maxi skirt, a dress, a craft bag, and a unicorn head!

 

Dress and Unicorn Head

 

 

Today we had a new family experience because Ashton always seems to enjoy Blaze and the Monster Machines and Paw Patrol. So we went to a Monster Truck Jam.  At first, Lily was a little skeptical, but I think she really enjoyed it!  There was even a female monster truck driver who drove a pink monster truck named Madusa!

 

 Monster Truck Show

 

Growing up milestones

Well, Lily is officially a 4th grader!  Hard to believe!  Today we delivered her to her first sleep-away camp at Mountain View Bible Camp.  I was really nervous for her because we had planned for her to go with her friend Abigail Cagle.  Unfortunately, Abigail was going to have another commitment so she was going to come to camp a few hours later and Lily didn't know anyone.  Lily actually seemed quite calm, compared to how I felt inside.  Lily and I walked over to the children playing and we started speaking with a camp counselor who introduced Lily to some other girls.  I slowly pulled myself away.  As I was walking slowly away I saw Abigail joyfully bounding toward the playground toward Lily and me!  I felt the tears of relief flooding my eyes behind my sunglasses!  What an unexpected blessing.  Lily was pleased as well and had absolutely no trouble saying goodbye to us!  I am very proud of her.  I hope she has a wonderful and memorable time!

 

Lil' mama

Lily is our little mama!  She definitely has a mother's spirit.  She's a mama to Ashton, Samara, and so many others.

She loves her bible!  I love watching her thirst for God's word.  I pray her thirst for HIS word will continue.

Can't believe how grown up she is getting! In just 3 short weeks we will officially have a 4th grader in the house. 

She finished her first Lacrosse season.  Two weeks ago she got an award for being "as tough as nails".  I think she really enjoyed her lacrosse experience.  Olav and I have really enjoyed watching her!

We just went camping with our fellow adoptee Guate friends.  Lily, Rudy and Liliana had a blast as always.