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| The Jr. Jazz team in Myrtle Beach |
Kennedy began her second year as a Center Stage Dance team member on TWO teams this time! She made the Junior Jazz team as a full member, and the Junior Clogging team as an alternate and started off the year very psyched to do both. Unfortunately, a series of disappointments at the studio colored her experience to the point where she began to consider leaving at the end of the year. She had been approved to try a duet for the first time, which became a trio, and then was cancelled when one of the other girls had to drop out because of foot surgery. On top of that, the age difference between her and the other girls on the team became a big issue. There is a huge difference in maturity between 14 and 11, and it became very obvious this year. Kennedy has learned a LOT this year about being a professional and sticking with something even when you don't enjoy it as much anymore. She's done a GREAT job managing the "girl drama" and figuring out that she loves dance more than she hates the drama. She has tried out for (and looks like she's made) the dance company at school, and seems to have a future in dance if she wants it. Life is worth dancing through as long as you keep your eye on the prize and the prize moves you forward not backward!
Cassie moved in with Cole in the Fall and then they surprised us in December with news that they were expecting a baby in August! Surprise was the operative word! Even though she's now six months pregnant, I'm still not sure I feel much like a grandmother (whatever that's supposed to feel like), but I'm so excited for them and to meet "Jaxson Lee!" He will be the first boy born in my immediate family since my brother in 1963, so that makes it even more exciting!
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| Cassie at 27 weeks |
It's definitely an exciting time, and its a real trip watching your own child go through this process instead of you... they keep asking me what I want to be called, and I have no idea! :) They have moved into a three-bedroom house in Fuquay-Varina, not far from where I work, and are busy painting and decorating and settling in. We'll be sure to keep people posted on their progress!
Christmas was a great time for all of us -- Sammy and Colleen were still here, and Serena & Charlie flew in the day after Christmas, so we had everyone here again, even though they weren't all here for Christmas Day. We are learning how to share, since we've had Serena here for Christmas for 26 years!! We were happy to include Cole this year as well, even though I think we are a bit overwhelming for him sometimes! But, he is a member of the family now and family gatherings are part and parcel of all that...
Danny decided not to go back to Florida after Christmas this time. He has decided that it is time to create a life for himself and the first step was getting a job. A friend of mine hired him at Subway, and he's been doing a great job there! He's making more money than he's ever made and saving a ton of it for a new car. He got his permit in April and has been driving every weekend since. He's about ready to take his driver's test, so he put a deposit down on his first car this week!
Its a Hyundai Elantra, and he's very excited about that. Once he has his license and car, he'll look for a second job, and then the next step is applying to Wake Tech to start his college career. He's torn between culinary technology and the gaming industry, but either is fine with us... we're just thrilled that he's excited about becoming self-sufficient. :)
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| Danny's new car!! |
Sam and Colleen broke up in February and Sam moved back to Massachusetts. He's living with his grandmother again, has gotten a job at Home Depot up there, and is winging his way toward a resumption of his health benefits. We just heard from him this week and although he is working hard to pay off the debts he created while he was in NC, he told us he is going to the local community college to get started on a criminal justice program. That's very exciting news for us!! Its the first time we've seen him excited about getting started on a career path of his own. Seems like all our kids finally have goals and are looking toward the future. It's very cool!
Serena and Charlie's wedding plans are moving along slowly but surely. The date has been set for Labor Day weekend 2014, but it will be next month before the location is finalized. It will either be in Moncure at a beautiful camp retreat or in Willow Spring at a Greek revival mansion. Serena invited Cassie to be her maid of honor and Kennedy to be a bridesmaid in her wedding by sending them big boxes of balloons with a poem enclosed that asked them to be in her wedding party! It was soooo sweet! Cassie is hoping to plan a bachelorette party in Vegas next summer -- boy, how things have changed! :)
And although it seems like I always focus on the kids (there are so darn many of them!), Mark and I have continued on our path toward a healthier lifestyle this year. I started fitness challenges at a small, local gym in November and have been steadily feeling better about myself and my fitness level. I lost 30 pounds just by changing the way I eat over the last couple of years, but it was obvious that without adding exercise on a regular basis, I wasn't going to lose any more. In February, I decided to start running again. I had done it a few years ago to train for a 5K when I turned 45, but didn't stick with it because it was so painful (shin splints, foot and knee problems, etc.). This time, however, I joined a run club and have been enjoying amazing results without any foot or leg issues. I've lost almost 7 inches in just over a month -- between kickboxing, core workouts with a coach, and the running, its really starting to show! I love it!
Mark had hernia surgery in March, so he has had to take it slower, but he is running 3x/week, too, and is making slow but steady progress. Even Danny is running these days -- he started all by himself and is doing great, too! The only one not running in our household is Kennedy, who says dancers can't run because it hurts their legs [grin].
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| Post-braces smile! |
This spring has been a busy one with dance and work and Rotary. Kennedy has been to four competitions with her one dance and has enjoyed them so far. We are done for this year, but still have recital on June 8th and a trip to Disney for dance training later in June. Her braces came off in early May, and I think she instantly looked about three years older! She's very excited about that and is doing a great job of wearing her retainer. We expect to have to beat the boys away very soon!
School ends for the year in about three weeks, but she has a weekend trip to Washington D.C. over Memorial Day weekend -- just before final exams. It will include a trip to the Holocaust Museum -- something she has wanted to see for several years. Wonder what the summer has in store for us? :)
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