Scheduling for 8th grade

Recently, Mackenna went through the process of scheduling classes for next year, eighth grade. (How could she possibly be going into 8th grade already?!?) She sought out an elective course for next year called PAL (Peer Assistant Leadership). She had to complete an application, write an essay, get three teachers recommendations, and then go through an interview. She was told she would find out the week after Spring Break (which was mid-March). 

March came and went and with no news about PALs. If she didn't get in, she'd be stuck taking cooking and sewing (not that there's anything wrong with that...except it’s the year 2012 and do we really still need this in the curriculum?!? I'm getting off my soapbox now...). The only bright spot is some of her friends had not yet heard either. So we continued to wait.

On April 10, she received an envelope that contained a letter that began like this:

"Thank you for your interest in the PAL program for this year. It is wonderful to see students who are interested in giving and helping others. The applications and interviews were impressive, and the committee had a very difficult task in trying to select next year's class."

So, at this point she said her stomach sank and she immediately thought she didn't get into the program.

However, the letter continued and the next paragraph began with this sentence: "I am pleased to tell you that you have been selected to be a PAL for the 2012-2013 school year."

HOORAY!!! She was so excited and so am I. They only take eighth graders and only 20 students. What a proud accomplishment!!

Her schedule for next year will consist of the core subjects (Pre-AP math, Pre-AP US history, Pre-AP science, Pre-AP ELA...that's English/Language Arts), Phys. Ed., Spanish (for high school credit) and PALs. 

Eighth grade...the last year before high school. Make time slow down!!!!!

The Washing Machine

It's amazing how busy life can get and you take for granted the little things. 

Yesterday, I had my day all planned out and then one thing can make it all change. Looking back, it's not a big deal. It's just a washing machine...ugh. I am grateful I have a washer and dryer in my house and don't have to lug clothes to the Laundromat. I am grateful I don't have to take the clothes to the river and beat them on the rocks to wash them. I like the convenience of having the ability to do the laundry here while I am doing other things. I like multi-tasking! 

Here's what happened...as I was thinking I was going to put the clothes in the dryer I noticed the clothes still seemed wet and were not against the side of the tub. I thought I would just send them through the spin cycle again. It seemed like a simple solution. Not so fast...the tub didn't spin and the clothes didn't move. Well, that's not good. Now what?!? 

I called Matt to get his advice. The washer and dryer are now 13 years old. What to do? He said (heavy sigh) we should just replace them and I should start looking online. So, I searched. ($$$) I also searched for "washing machine tub not spinning." The new washers and dryers are pretty pricey if you want one with all the bells and whistles (and really, who wouldn't want that?!?) Apparently this is a common problem and there are video tutorials on how to fix it. I started to think I could do this! I just need the right tools to remove the back panel so I could access the inside. (Thinking back about this, I must have had a moment of insanity. I have absolutely no clue how to do this but the tutorial made it sound so easy!)

Thinking ahead, if I were to try to fix this myself, I was going to need a part. So I searched for an appliance part store in the area. Luckily, I found a place that not only sold the parts, they also came out and fixed them. Well, I did the smart thing and called them to fix the washer. The technician came the same day and fixed it for way less than purchasing a new washer and dryer. I was thrilled and I was back in business!!

Even though I didn't get everything on my list done for the day, I still felt a sense of accomplishment. I had the washer fixed and saved us from a big purchase. I am grateful for that. 

I am grateful for my washer working today. 

I am grateful to be doing laundry while I am doing other things.

Now, if I would have just remembered to plug in the crockpot so dinner would have cooked all day...but that's other story....

A Proud Mama

I am so proud of my girls! They are doing such a great job in school. They recently received their report cards and both of them had straight As...again! This is the third time. Their cards are proudly displayed on our refrigerator. Love it!

In addition, Mackenna was just nominated for National Junior Honor Society. We filled out her nomination form together and had to list all of her accomplishments for the last three years. When you put it on paper (the sheet said this was not the time to be modest!), it's amazing what she has done. From playing all kinds of sports to volunteering to help younger students to having two poems published, she has done some pretty special things. Recently, she told me when she grows up she'd like to be an actress (she's already a drama queen!) and a philanthropist. My response to her was she doesn't have to wait to be an adult to be a philanthropist. I am hoping she is accepted into NJHS and that it will provide more ways for her to volunteer.