Anna Rose

Anna turned 7 on February 5. Amazing! I can't believe how fast she is growing up. Anna has accomplished a lot this year. She has been taking piano and is getting quite good. I rarely have to ask her to practise. When she learns new songs she sometimes will burst into tears if it isn't easy right away. I have to remind her that that is why it called pracitising, not "perfecting". Anna is in first grade and has quite a few friends. Lately though she has become a bit boy crazy. She tells me daily of a new crush. I told her it is fine to have crushes because you don't ever tell the boy of a crush (unlike a boyfriend). That way she can change her mind every day if she wants to. I found a note the other day that she had written to a boy in her class signed: "sweetheart (long hair)". What will I do? She is growing up too fast! Our biggest challenge has been her diabetes. She was diagnosed in December 2006 and it turned our lives upside down. We got her "pumping" in June. She has a pump that gives her insulin. It is a lot better than the 6-7 shots we were doing but no matter what way you do it...diabetes is just tough. It absolutely breaks my heart to see what Anna has to deal with daily. No child should have to. At the same time, I am blown away by her incredible strength. Anna is smart, kind, and sensitive. She has a wonderful spiritual strength. The things I learn from her! She is a great big sister and is a huge help for me. I even love it when she is dramatic and emotional. It gives some balance to this house full of boys. I often wonder why I was chosen to be the mother of this amazing girl.

I gave in...

and started a blog. I have really enjoyed reading my friend's blogs and decided it was time to start my own. What a great way to stay in touch and record my memories! I am by no means a computer wiz so this will definitely be a work in progress.
Life has been exciting around here lately. We got the news on February 6 that we were accepted into a great charter school: Renaissance Academy. I couldn't belive we got in. They use a lottery to fill available places and there were 53 applicants for 7 places in second grade. We got one! I have applied three years in a row for quite a few schools but this was one of my top two choices. I was quite discouraged that I couldn't somehow get us in. It all came down to luck and faith that if it was supposed to happen it would. Anna has been attending a private school (Kid's Village) for the last two years. It has been a good school for us, especially when Anna was diagnosed with diabetes December 2006. They have helped us during the adjustment time and have kept her challenged academically. However, we were really hopeful that at some point we would get into a good charter school. We went and toured her new school on Friday and it is amazing. We are so thankful. Now, the boys will automatically get in when they start kindergarten. Renaissance is a charter school which falls under the public school system. It is free. Yeah! They wear uniforms. The class sizes are limited to 25. They have a great curriculum including foreign language starting in Kindergarten. This school requires 40 hours of volunteer time per child a year by the parents. As a result there are always parents working to make it an excellent school. I could go on and on. I am just so thankful for this blessing!