16 years ago today

Sixteen years ago today, we were surprised with the arrival of a dimpled redhead. Andy was so surprised by his fair skinned, redheaded daughter that he jokingly asked what he had to do with that. I was surprised that we had a girl. We never learned the gender in advance of the births of our birth children. Savannah had been the girl name we chose before Zach's birth. One hour or so into her life, Andy said, "She does not look like a Savannah. She's a Rachel or a Maggie." While I agreed, we had been calling her Savannah for an hour, so I felt it too late to change her name. We have seen her grow from a sassy preschooler to a disciplined teenager following closely after her savior and inspiring her family with her selflessness. We love you, Savvy!! Happy, happy birthday to you!

I laughed when I came across this photo.  This was Savannah's fourth birthday cake, and she took it upon herself to put the topper right in the middle of the writing.  I was probably frustrated at the time, but it sure makes for a great memory.

Happy Birthday "Sweet Sixteen"

We do friend birthday parties every other year around here.  That stops when the kids reach their 10th or 11th birthday.  We throw in a 13th birthday party and a 16th and then it stops.  Last night Savannah celebrated her 16th birthday with friends.  We wrestled with a theme and what to do. In the end we played up the "sweet" and enjoyed a low key sleepover - perfect for Savannah.

the sweet bar

friends - the deck was a huge hit on such a beautiful night

The girls enjoyed peeps s'mores by the fire.

Savannah actually started the day by taking the ACT.  How's that for a celebration?

Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen!

Sweet 16

In keeping with a tradition started with Zach, I placed a sign outside the school today to announce Savannah's upcoming birthday.  Zach even reminded me himself to do this for her, but he is on his senior trip and did not get to see it for himself.  My second-born has not been neglected:)  I am glad, however, that after I snuck out of the house early this morning to place the sign, I texted her with a picture of it.  Otherwise, she would have missed it.

She has two special and important tests facing her in the next week.  Will you pray for her? Please pray also for Julia.  She has been sick the last two days.  Julia really tried to fight through a special event she wanted to see tonight, but it was really rough for her.  We left the program often and at one point, she fell sound asleep.  She is better than yesterday but definitely not well.

Tomorrow we will begin celebrating.  Savannah is having a few friends over to stay the night.  We really tried to come up with a  worthy theme and finally decided to play on "sweet" sixteen with a sweet bar.   Now I am wondering if we have enough sweets while stressing over housecleaning and preparations. Hopefully, in the end, we will all have a fabulous time celebrating a girl who really shines.

4/22/2013 - update on Savannah's tests

She took the ACT just days after this original post.  We learned just yesterday that she earned a 28.  We are thrilled!  I teased her a bit and said I would come up with a fitting punishment for not making a 30, but she is a sophomore, and she has time to raise that score.  Even so, she met every benchmark and is on track for a successful college experience.

Just under a week after completing the ACT, Savannah took her test for her learner's permit.  She passed and started driving lessons with Andy that very day.  

This week at our house

Zach left for his senior trip.  We have heard from him once when he let us know that he found Bruce Lee's star on the Hollywood walk of fame.  Zach has an amazing opportunity to visit China this summer - a two week trip that only requires that he pay for his flight and Visa.  We cannot help him out on this, so I texted him to see if he wants to commit.  It would require him to pick up at least two more shifts a week starting now, but he has not responded.  We are getting a taste of what it will be like if he goes away to college.

Wyatt brought this home today.  I quit buying school pictures a while back, and Wyatt brought the forms for this one after it had already been taken.  I thought I had missed the opportunity to purchase the photos, and I am so glad I did not. How stinkin' cute is this?!  I had to splurge on the digital file so that I would have the rights to share.  This is another reminder that this year is one of endings and beginnings for our boys.  Wyatt leaves elementary school behind him in June, and Zach leaves high school behind.  The years pass so very quickly.

She likes a challenge

Savannah disappeared for hours today.  When she resurfaced, she shared this piece of art which she completed with her left hand.  Savannah is right-handed.

Since I lack any artistic ability, I find the clear bottle and cup most impressive.

Spring Break fun continues

I am not sure I will be returning to work rested, and my first week back will be consumed with sweet sixteen birthday plans for a very special girl.  However, I am having a mostly fun spring break.  I regret that painting that should be done is not getting done and a light fixture that needs to be replaced  is not being addressed. The taxes are almost finished, hoping to polish those off tomorrow.   Between babysitting and visiting a college campus and enjoying a day trip today, we are tired.  It has been a big help to have Andy home.  I just hope the next few weeks do not completely drain us.

In the meantime, today was fun, not too tiring, and a terrific reunion again with Lorenna and her family.

Enjoy a peek at our adventure.

Continuing the college decision process

We spent a long, but hopefully productive day on a college campus today.  Both Zach and Savannah registered for the tour.  Our tour guide was just okay, but in spite of her, we really enjoyed the campus.

The day started with a football tour.  I happened to meet a lawyer from this small town while I was working at a track meet.  He was gracious enough to arrange a football meeting for Zach.  Zach has options to possibly walk on with this team which gives us much to consider.

Wyatt was bored, but he was a trooper.  He admitted to boredom when asked but lodged no complaints otherwise.  He deserves a special treat.  We watched two little guys over night earlier this week, and Wyatt made it his personal responsibility to entertain them and keep them in line.  He showed great patience with them as they are much younger and can be challenging.  

We have lots to consider on the college front.

I spoke with someone in the financial aid office and found that we may be able to do this.  The other school on the table said they may match the package from this one.  I still think the private school is more suitable for Zach, but the decision rests with him.  He really liked a lot about this school, and it is more in line with the size he prefers.  Either way we are down to two schools, but we are in crunch time.

pros for this school: He has friends going there.  In fact, a possible roommate plans to attend.

It is actually affordable.

The football team does require mandatory study hall, and missing class is not optional.

They offer an ROTC program.

Free tutoring

unlimited meal plan

decent size city with stores and restaurants in walking distance of campus

very pretty campus

cons: The other school on the table puts Andy's mom and one of his sisters half way between us and the school, so Zach has some support not too far away.

The drive is pretty long.

There were some concerning events promoted on campus.

Football is a maybe rather than a sure thing.

The GPA required to stay in good standing for football is 1.8 --much too low in this mom's opinion. 

Zach met with a professor in his program, and the professor was brutally honest.  He said he does not care about freshmen.  Freshmen better let someone know when they are struggling.  They have to seek out the help they need.  They have to prove themselves before they are on the radar of program professors.  There's the rub with a public university.  They will take your money and show no concern about your progress.

While we were out gathering information for important life changing decisions.  Julia was doing this.  It is Wednesday, and I have not seen her since Monday.  She spent the night with a friend, and then they visited a resort the second night.  We are blessed by Julia's sweet friends and their families as she is regularly included in this type of fun, something we are incapable of repaying at this point.  L is a sweetheart, and we always enjoy having her around.