Hearts in China

Whew! So busy that I haven't had time to post. We've been busy with end of the year school activities and getting prepared for another round of surgery.

Randy's eye surgery (vitrectomy) was Friday. We had to leave for the hospital at 4:30 a.m., so mom came to wake the kids up and get them off to school. I took along a few scrapbook supplies, thinking I could keep myself entertained in the waiting room. Didn't work out as I had planned. I ended up just sitting there, people watching, and talking to a few other "loners" (note to self...next time bring along a companion for the waiting room!). After being there for 5-1/2 hours, the doctor came out, plopped down into a chair next to me and began drawing a picture of Randy's eye. (This doctor always brings along his colored pencils and is always drawing.) We are thankful that the surgery went well, and the doctor thinks the Randy's retina will flatten back down with time.

Monday was our last day of school...yippee!!!!!! We are SO proud of the girls. Em made the A honor roll again. Unfortunately, we missed the awards ceremony as we were at the hospital. Ally's award ceremony was in the afternoon, so I was able to make it there in time for that. She made the A/B honor roll (was only 2 points from all A's). I know she worked hard for those grades, so we're very happy for her. Ally also received a "president's award". She cracked us up though when she rushed home to tell daddy that her certificate was signed by George Washington!!! (Instead, it was George W. Bush) Claire made all A's...but they didn't have any type of program for her grade. She was disappointed, and told us that we shouldn't have made her work so hard since it wasn't "necessary" (meaning since she didn't get an award). :-)

In other school news, Emily was nominated by all four of her core teachers to participate in pre-AP classes for next year....way to go Emily!!!

Emily also tried out for next year's band. The band director told the students that there are only 5 flute chairs, but there seems to be at least 50 kids who want to play flute so he HIGHLY suggested they play a different instrument. That was challenge enough for Emily, so she immediately signed up for flute tryouts. The director required a written report from the students stating why they wanted to play the flute, and what their approach to practicing would be. On tryout day, Emily blew into the flute, but didn't make a sound....disappointed, she returned to her classroom thinking she'd play the clarinet instead. When the announcement was made over the intercom, she received the good news that she had nabbed one of the 5 flute seats! WOOHOO kiddo!!