April 2025

 April 5th - General Conference weekend!!!!!  Between sessions of conference we got the Grandpa Garden planted and part of the pavers laid on the right side of the driveway.  We were exhausted by the end of the day.  Val was also able to get her taxes done.  It was a good day.  .

This was also the day of the nation-wide "Hands Off!" rallies all over the US and the world to demonstrate against Trump and Musk and their overstepping grab for power.  

April 6th - Avian called to let us know that two more pieces had been accepted as finalists in another contest.  They are having fun entering contests and seeing how their art does against their peers.  It is good for them to challenge themselves.  

Steve is continuing to have fun creating amazing things from wood.  

April 8th - I have been getting more business from the LNC staff services booklet.  This time I am doing a prom dress and sun dress alteration.  It is fun to see the students in a different environment.  I am enjoying reconnecting with some of the students I had when I was a long-term sub for Ms. Locke back in 2019.  

After reminding her all month long to get all her papers in for benefits Val forgot to sign up for health insurance insurance.  Thank goodness I know a guy who can help her find something until open enrollment comes around in November.  

April 9th - Steve got a bonus/dividend payout.  The company he works for is doing really well and rewarded the employees with a bonus.  Not expected and very much appreciated.  Once again, into the Avian college fund.  

April 12th - Val met with Christopher Landis to sign up for medical insurance.  I worked with his wife in the Relief Society presidency in the UC ward.  He is amazing and helped Val get everything she needed.  Her insurance coverage starts on May 1st. 

April 13th - I got an emergency call from a friend who has an Air BnB.  They are out of town and found out that someone had booked their rental for the weekend.  Steve and I dropped what we were doing and went to help them out.  

April 14th - Linda Arrieta is such an amazing teacher.  She loves to help history come to life for her students.  Last year she did a poetry slam with poetry they had written about colonial times.  It was a huge success and she did it again this year.  I was privileged to get to be a judge for the second half of the day.  These students were amazing.  They composed, memorized and performed their poetry.  It was really hard to pick winners.  

Val is on spring break and enjoying some down time.  

Avian's projects so far this quarter

Ending - Option 1

Ending Option2

Ending Option 3 - my favorite and the most realistic knowing the personalities of Avian's roommates.  They love to play frisbee in Forsythe Park.  

Art finalist

4/18/2025 was a remote day.  Val and I went clothes shopping.  She is still working on her wardrobe and it is coming together nicely.  We also went shopping for Easter dinner ingredients and put the raised bed garden kits together.  

That night, Steve and I joined the O'Briens at Hawthorne's for pizza followed by an Anthem rugby game.  It was fun to be with Jerry, Holly and their family.  We cheered very loud for our team and had a great night.  

April 19th I started the day with a morning walk with Sandra.  Steve picked me up at Sandra's house and we went to get the soil for the gardens.  Val and I worked on getting the sod cut out where we wanted the gardens to go.  We moved the sod next to the two air conditioning units so we wouldn't have to weed as much over there.  We got the gardens filled and ready to plant.  

That evening I go to help with a good friend's surprise party.  The kids were all with their mom distracting her and I was part of the set up committee.  She was very surprised and showered with much deserved love that evening.  

April 24th I left work as soon as the bell rang so I could get to US Foods to pick up with eggs and hashbrowns for the women's conference.  Val was a life saver in telling me a better way to get home since the school where she works is just around the corner.  

That night I baked the homemade Oreos (with red velvet cake this time) for Avian and the roommates.  Val was not feeling well and went to bed early.  Steve was done with work before 5 for the first time in weeks.  It has been really busy.  

April 25th  we did a day trip to Savannah to see Avian's exhibit.  This time they did not tell us what they had won and wanted to surprise us.  Out of almost 1,000 entries they had two pieces in the exhibit and one of them got third place.  The exhibit was filled with incredible talent.   

I love this piece

Piece #2 

After looking at all the items in the exhibit, we went to Starlandia because a visit to Savannah would not be complete without one.  We did a Target run to stock up on essentials, went to lunch at Chipotle, drove back to historic Savannah and found a parking spot.  We walked all over and found some cool antique shops.  The second highlight of the day was going to the sidewalk chalk competition and seeing Maggie's creation.  Maggie is one of Avian's friends who is going to be a roommate next year.  It was an amazing display of talent.  I liked Maggie's the best!!

One of my favorite finds in the shops this trip. 

The sidewalks in Forsythe Park were covered with chalk art.  

This is Maggie's. 

Her mom came down from Atlanta to spend the day.  It was fun getting to meet another parent.  

Forsythe Park was crowded and it was fun to be there.  

Val started not not feeling great so we walked back to the truck and brought it closer to Chatham.  This gave us a chance to say goodbye to Avian and her friends.  For the first time in all the visits we have made to Savannah, the bridge leaving Savannah was completely backed up.  It took us an hour to get to Hardeesville which is usually a 15 minute drive.  

An extended view from the bridge this time.  

April 30th was dress like a student day.  I had a fun time with this one.   I actually had a teacher stop me in the hall and tell me to take my hood off.  They were surprised it was me.  I did my job well.  I wore my hood on, and my Crocs were in "sport" mode.  I also had a late pass and a big attitude.  

Me, Marianne and Cindy

Here it is big so you can see the detail.  

February 2025

 February 1 - We took Avian's car back up to the shop.  Steve is worried about the brakes - they feel like they are catching again.  After dropping off the car, we went to the Restore (next to Hilbish Ford) and found a shoe rack/bench to keep the shoes more organized as well as provide a place to sit while putting on shoes and a wheelchair for the ward house.  The gentleman who was helping us would not let us pay for the wheelchair when he found out we were donating to the church.  There are still good people in the world.  We did a little grocery shopping as well on the way home.  That night, Steve went to an Elder's Quorum party at the church.  Val came home from work surprisingly upbeat and then told me he had been let go from Earthbound.  Val and the manager had been having some very different opinions about healthy levels of productivity and this was causing severe angst with Val.  So, I guess this is a good thing.  Avian's gold medal from the Scholastic competition finally arrived as well.  .  

February 2 - Nick stopped by so we could help him with his taxes. He had an appointment in a couple of days and needed help uploading all his documents to help speed up with process of having his taxes done.  

February 8 - I went on a morning walk with Sandra, which is always an invigorating way to start the day.  Steve went to a garage sale and then to Woodcrafters to get his shield helmet for protection while doing lathe work.  He used the gift card the boys had gotten him for Christmas.  In the afternoon, Nick drove up to go on a bike ride and then out to lunch at Outback to celebrate his birthday.  I cannot believe he is 23!!!

February 9 - Val came to church with us.  Everyone was very nice and made her feel welcome. I am so grateful for our ward family.  That evening was the Super Bowl and the Eagles blew out the Chiefs.  

February 11 - Nick is officially 23!  Val had an interview with Hornet's Nest Elementary School for a TA position and came back excited about possibly working for CMS.  My midyear review went well. Dr. Graham is the master of giving praise and constructive feedback so you want to do better.  She is an inspiration as a boss.  That evening Steve and I took Val to Kohl's to try on some different styles of pants now that she was possibly going to be working in a school.  I was very proud of her for trying on new things.  The pants she had been wearing were ill fitting and cropped at the wrong length for her height.  I handed her a pair of full length flare pants and she tried them on reluctantly.  When she came out of the dressing room she was smiling and liked the way they fit and made her legs seem longer.  I then pointed out how they made her butt look.  That sold her on the pants.  

Nick's new profile picture.  I love the mustache!

February 13 - Nancy and I got to attend the Galentine's activity with the Hilliard Ward.  We had food and fun activities and got to know the sisters in the YSA ward.  

February 14th - I cleaned bathroom (which is always worthy of making it in the family history as I really do not like cleaning the bathroom and will avoid it.).  I also did laundry as well as shopped with Val for her birthday.  We went to Goodwill and Primark to continue her quest for a more professional wardrobe.  While we were looking at show options Val got a call from CMS to fill out paperwork and schedule the drug test - very excited!!!

Wearing the fuzzy heart pin my dad gave me year's ago for Valentine's Day. 

Our PTO is the BEST.  They always do such fun things for us.  This a gnome made from a bottle filled with Skittles and a pair of Valentine's socks.  

February 15 - We set out early in the morning to visit Avian.  Val, Leah and Anthony all wanted to come with us.  It was a really fun day.  We picked up Avian and Syd and headed to the mall to find some shorts for Avian.  This plan was perfect because it was raining all day and we couldn't do the usual walking around Savannah thing. 

I think we wore them out!

 

February 17-18 - The Middle School drama club performances had their performances.  As it always is with these theater productions, they miraculously pulled it off.  We made it through all our performances with very little chaos.  

Val went in for her fingerprinting and drug test and to fill out the necessary forms for employment.  

February 18th - I fixed a Cafe Rio dinner for Val for her birthday.  Nick drove up after work and joined us.  We had to move the dinner up one day because an ice storm/snow storm was forecast for the 19th and I didn't want Nick driving in that, if the roads were even driveable at all.  

February 19th - We woke up to snow and a remote learning day for school.  YAY!!  Val is officially 26!!!

Val and I braved the weather and went for a walk.  I love walking in a snowstorm.  It is so peaceful and beautiful.  

February 21 - We got our taxes done.  Our entire refund goes into Avian's school savings account.  It is totally worth it!!  

February 24 - Val found out she got the job at Eastway Middle working as a TA in a classroom for students with severe handicaps.  She is very excited.  Nick flew to New Jersey to take some classes towards his Master Mechanic.  My babies are growing up!! 

February 26 - Val's first day went really well.  She said she fit right in and enjoyed the students.  Up in Jersey, Nick's class got out early so he was able to make it to the airport with time to spare.  I am grateful for this as he would only have had an hour and change to get to the airport if the class had ended at the scheduled time.  Nick had time to get the rental car back, get through security and grab some food before boarding his flight.   He is back in Charlotte.    That night we had the sister missionaries over for dinner.  Sisters Grey and Jasper are so much fun.  After dinner Steve drove to Mooresville to get a router table he found on Facebook Marketplace.  It was a very productive day.  

February 28th - As part of an assignment Dr. Graham gave me to find out how other charter schools are handling their MTSS process, I had the opportunity to meet with the MTSS team from Bradford Prep.  I learned so much and feel more confident about Infinite Campus and how to use it effectively for MTSS documentation.  I also made a good connection for bouncing ideas back and forth.  Back at school we had a PTO luncheon.

It was also secret spirit week for the teachers.  

Remote Learning Day

Superheroes

Twin Day

Beach Day!

Must wear elephant pants and OBX attire.  

Anything But A Cup

Picture from the PTO luncheon - Brandon, me, Marianne and Rose (who is a teacher cadet in the media center this quarter)

Avian's anatomy shirt is still being displayed as an example of how to get an A on this project.  

Avian called to let us know that they had won the Foundation's Award!!!  Video of Awards Ceremony - you will have to log in to your Instagram account to see the whole thing.  The pictures below are screenshots of the video.  

Some of the best students in the world at one of the best schools in the world and then you have to pick the best of that - ummm - That is challenging.  There were 195 entries that were submitted to exemplify what they do in Foundation Studies."  They had a guest judge who looked at each portfolio.  Ben Ward is a SCAD graduate who is the associate chair for illustration.  He was also the winner of this award 25 years ago.  He said that all the work was unbelievable and it was a difficult choice.  He looked for a high level of skill with a range of that skill across mediums and storytelling.  

Screenshot of Avian accepting the award

They asked Avian several questions about the portfolio - mini interview.  

This is what Avian sent us to tell us they had won the award.  

March 2025

March 1 - Steve and I drove to Savannah to see Avian's award-winning art on display.  I love seeing them in their element doing what they love.  After seeing the art display, we went to lunch at a burger place on Broughton.  It is always fun to visit this part of town.  It is in the more touristy part of town, but has the best places to eat.  After lunch we walked around Savannah exploring new places and visiting favorites.  Avian needed a few items from Target so we did a Target run and then explored a thrift shop by Forsyth Park.  Back at Avian's dorm we talked with Ari and V for a bit before heading back home.  

Back at home, Val had a party and cooked a homemade meal for her friends.  They were all amazed and called it "magic".  Val had to laugh about that.  

Posing like the characters in the picture.  

The characters in the picture - close up. 

March 3 - I got to go with the BOB team to their first competition.  The kids did a great job and stayed cool under pressure.  I was there mostly as the emotional support animal to give them some love them they needed it.  The other two coaches were completely focused on winning.  At the end of 9 rounds, Lake Norman Charter was pronounced the winner and will be going to regionals in April.   

We competed against three other teams to earn our spot at regionals.  

Meanwhile, Val came home from work with stories of middle school snark directed at her and her students.  She is learning very quickly how to be the adult in a middle school setting and loving it.  I am proud of her because middle school is not for the faint of heart.  

March 6 - Lake Norman Charter decided to put together a directory of skills that the LNC community has to help others out in the community. I decided to put in a sewing alterations and lesson ad in the directory.  I am already getting jobs for hemming and taking in items.  This is going to be fun!!

March 7  - Avian called to tell us that they got an offer from SCAD to buy the Chimera picture.  SCAD is offering $250 and Avian can make a copy of the print before handing it over.  It will be part of their permanent, rotating collection.  Avian will also get to retain all the rights to the picture content and characters.   They are very excited!!    

The daffodils are up!  Spring is here!!

The high school is cleaning up all their stuff from last year and this appeared on my desk.   So many memories.  

Avian's roommate, Syd, submitted Avian's name to a local newspaper as a candidate for an interview about their art.  The link to the article is below.  It is always interesting and exciting to me to read an interview with Avian because they are incredibly insightful.  I learn something new with each interview.  

Avian Canvas Rebel Interview

March 8th - Steve and John Latham went on their annual fieldtrip to the ham radio show in Concord.  They always have such a good time and Steve comes home with some new information and fun stuff every time.  This year Steve won the big raffle prize - the most current radio manual.  John said it was the best prize of the day.  

While Steve was with John, Val and I went shopping to find pants that were more flattering for her figure.  She is losing weight and her current pants are baggy.  I am proud of her.  She is owning her femininity and having fun.  

March 13th - Val is really liking her job.  It is the right balance of hard work and rewarding.  She is getting the hang of school policies and the pecking order and how to fit in.   The pinched nerve in her arm is back and it is painful and swollen.  We are watching it closely.  Last time it went away on its own.  

March 14th - Avian is home!!  Steve drove down to pick them up.  I didn't go this time as this is the busy season at work and Steve really needed some alone time driving.  He also needed to have a day with just him and Avian.  They had a great day just the two of them.  

Avian's mask from one of their classes.  

I made this one extra large so you can see all the detail.  I LOVE this one!!

March 15 - Steve and I worked on pulling out the gardens, as they were not producing where they were located.  We made two dump runs to get rid of all the wood and weeds.  On the second run there, we found a really nice mirror.  Why do people take nice things to the dump when there is a Goodwill just down the street?!!?!!?  We replanted the blackberry and raspberry plants in a more sunny location which should increase their productivity.  

Avian went hiking with friends. Val and I found me a new sewing machine -  a Brother Heavy Duty so I can hem denim without having to borrow Avian's machine.   

That night was the leadership and adult sessions of stake conference.  They were both very good.  We had a linger longer afterwards and I enjoyed the social time, but paid with an upset stomach later that night.  I need to just socialize and not eat at these things. 

March 16th - General session of Stake Conference.  Nick came and sat with us and then came to the house a little later to see Avian.  Those two crack me up!  They genuinely miss each other and love spending time together.  I was talking to Mom and Kathy when he arrived.  Mom and Kathy got to see the happy reunion that involved lots of hugging.  Nick couldn't stay because he was going out to dinner with his friends from high school.  Avian took off shortly after the Zoom call to watch a move with their friends at Leah's house.   Val and her boyfriend, Mo, had dinner with us and then ran a few errands.  

March 17th - Dad's birthday.  I really miss him.  

Avian had scheduled several appointments while they were home for spring break.  I spent some time catching up on the blog.  I got all the pictures in!  Steve took the xTerra in for its oil, lube, filter and inspection.  

Happy birthday, Dad!

March 18th - Avian and I went in for haircuts with Kelsey.   That night I got to go to the Concord ward RS activity.  We shared what books we were all reading.  I now have a list of books I would like to read.  

March 19th - Avian and I were on the road early so we could spend the day at Holden Beach visiting the Licastri's.  We explored for a bit and I sat on the beach talking with Jill.  Avian and Rose were having such a good time, it was hard to leave when the time came.  I will go on record that this was my favorite day during spring break.   

Avian, Rose and me from the porch of their rental.  I love the ocean!!

These two have been friends since 6th grade when Rose invited Avian to Holden Beach for spring break.  

It is not a beach trip without finding a "penis" rock.  They just find us.  

In their happy place with their bestie!

The sunset on the way home.  

March 20th - This was a laundry day and hang with friends kind of day with sushi for dinner.  

March 21st - We finished all Avian's laundry.  Steve and Avian went to Cheap Jo's Art to find supplies for the coming quarter.  Back at home, we made homemade Oreos (red velvet this time - a request from Ezra).  We had to make a quick run to Target to find a birthday present for Keegan (whose party was that night).  We found a really fun Dutch card game Avian had played before and bought it for them to take back down to school.  Back at home, we ate pizza and tried out the new game (which was really fun!! - it was a variation of solitaire).  Avian then went to Keegan's party at Top Golf.  They had a 10 p.m. reservation.  It was a fun way for Avian to end their spring break.  

March 22 - We took Avian back to Savannah. When we stopped for gas in Hardeesville, Avian got a call from Ezra that they had just landed at the Savannah Airport and were waiting for their Uber.  We told them to cancel the Uber and we would pick them up.  It was fun meeting Ezra.  Back at the dorms, there was a very happy reunion of friends.  We all piled into the truck and went to Starlandia so they could all pick up some needed items for classes.  Back to dorm they all decided they wanted to go play frisbee in Forsythe Park.  There was an art fair going on and Steve bought a new wallet.  Since Avian was so happy with their friends, we left a little early and took a side trip out to Tybee to say hello to the ocean.  We had lunch at a place called Spanky's Beachside Grill.  The food was really good.  It was a good way to end spring break.  

Heading to the park to play frisbee

Moss and blossoms at the same time.  I love Savannah!

Tybee Island.  

Spanky's!

March 26th - Back from spring break and ready for new ideas, Joanne Wilson and I attended an MTSS conference in Wilkesboro.  It was an incredibly fun and informative day.  For lunch we found a local restaurant, Dooley's Bar and Grill.  The food and ambiance was the perfect relaxing break from the conference classes.  We both learned so much.  My favorite thing was a high school English teacher (9th grade) demonstrating how she teaches reading and comprehension to her students.  There was a lot of reading aloud and discussing content.  We desperately need this at LNC for our 8th and 9th graders.  Good stuff!!

March 29th - Eden hosted a breakfast at her house for all the sisters she and Ana minister to.  It was a great time getting to know them all better.  

Afterwards, Steve and I did a Goodwill drop and went in to find some spring shirts for Val.  We hit the jackpot and now Val has some short sleeved options for work.  We also helped Val set up the web accounts for her benefits.  

March 31 - Val and Mo planted seeds for the garden.  Mo is really interested as he has never had a garden before. It is good to see Val so happy.