Dance Recital 2017

June 2017

Megan and Bridget, my hardworking talented kids got on stage to show us their skills. I was again impressed by their increased physical achievements as well as the artistry that has grown over the years. It is a pleasure to watch them.

The recital theme this year was dance studio in honor of Ms. Carol's studio's 30th Anniversary. Bridget's ballet class represented Ballet Slippers and her tap was Hair Spray. Megan's ballet class was Mirrors, contemporary was Inspiration, and her junior pointe class was Jr. Corpes. This studio and recital is always fun for us as an audience because we have so many nieces and friends dancing. We are interested in every performance and it makes the long event a lot of fun. 

Despite an attempt Rachael wasn't able to come, but Emma and the rest of the family were there. Our family then went to Matthew's afterward for dinner, and we picked up Rachael on the way.

Bridget and Megan did a beautiful job. And we are very proud of them.

Bridget's Ballet

Megan and Bridget

Megan's Ballet

Megan, Sarah and Sophia's contemporary

Megan contemporary

Bridget and Sarah's tap

Bridget's tap

Dancing Cousins
Sophia, Katherine, Megan
Bridget, Sarah
Claudia and Teresa

Cousins

Katherine, Megan, my Dad
Sarah and Bridget

Megan's pointe

Bridget

Art Exhibition - Rachael

In the midst of Rachael's difficult year, her talent and skill continued to be noticed.

One project the was given some intensive attention was a realistic animal drawing. Rachael's art class had a live animal exhibition visit her class and they spent time drawing textures and animal detail. The class then had a do a project in which they had to pick one of the many animals and do a realistic pencil drawing. Rachael took pictures of the animals and then used a reference photo of a snake to meticulously recreate it on paper. Rachael spent hours and hours focusing in on different sections of the snake photo and using a grid method to draw it by hand.

Her effort was obvious in her final work. So much so that her teacher asked to have her piece displayed in the high school annual showcase.

The whole family went to the showcase, even Emma, who was home from school. It was fun to walk around the show and recognize so many of the students whose work was on display.

Back to School 2017

Aug -Sept 2017

At the end of August we shifted toward the approach of school.
Johanna was starting in the TK (transitional kindergarten) program at St. Paul Lutheran. they had a welcome back day so we got to visit and meet her new teacher Ms. June. Her first day was a few days later and she was excited to play with friends and get back on the playground.

Emma packed up last minute but quite efficiently and we helped her move back to Towson University campus. She was starting her sophomore year and was again living in the Glen Towers on the same floor. MaryEllen, one of her good friends from last year, would be her roommate. Emma is double majoring in Art and Psychology.

Rachael started Catonsville High School in her Junior Year and was also starting at CCBC (Community College of Baltimore County). She is participating in the Dual Enrollment program that lets her get high school and college credits simultaneously. She is taking 4 AP courses, including AP Spanish, AP Physics, AP Calc, and AP US History. She is also continuing to play the flute in the band. They have a 4 period day and Rachael's high school classes are all during the first 3 periods, after which she walks across to the CCBC campus. At CCBC she is taking Health and English 101. 

Megan started the 8th grade at Catonsville Middle School. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and is playing the Bass in the orchestra. This year is full of big projects including her History Day project and a lot of celebration.

Bridget Rose is in her last year at Westchester Elementary in the 5th grade. She continues this year with an IEP to help her excel in advanced classes while getting the reading support that she needs. She gets to pick an instrument and join the school music groups. The 5th grade is full of great trips and celebrations.

 The public school systems condensed the school calendar this year and for the first time in my girl's schooling, the first day of school was after labor day. This shift really did make the summer feel longer even if labor day was chilly. And we were all ready to get started when classes began.

God Bless you girls. May you grow in wisdom and virtue. Amen

Emma turns 19

Sept 2017

     Our sweet baby girl turned 19. Emma had already moved back to school but came home Labor Day weekend for a night, so we could soak up a little more time with her and wish her a "Happy Birthday" in person.
    She was training that weekend for her new waitressing job. It is a small Persian restaurant, named Vellagio, a few blocks down from the college and she had a friend who worked there and got her connected.
    We took her out to dinner and shopping for a few things that she wanted, before she was off again. She was ready to go back this year, to see all of  her friends and school family. Emma has made connections and really enjoys what she is studying. She has stepped into leadership as a member of the Queer Student Union Executive board and I have no doubt that she is a valuable contributor. She is a gifted woman and she is learning and honing many of her gifts as she progresses through her art program. I love to see her creations. She works hard and is passionate and she can debate. I love her.

    I miss her more this year, she is growing and moving beyond my world. I trust her to God's care and I pray for her daily.

Happy Birthday Emma!