Gage County Fair

This year's Gage County Fair might not have been what we all expected or wanted because of COVID-19.  Very much missed was all the spectacles that come with the fair including the midway, funnel cakes, and games.  Open class was also canceled leaving Micah and Victoria out of fair entries given their age.  After much debate we all agreed that a few entries could be entered under Izzy's name as 4-H projects were the only part of the fair that occurred.

A few days before the fair there was many a baking project that was completed.  We worked as a team to create Micah's monster cupcake eyes.  A few might have found their way to our mouths during this process.

A special cupcake was made for Opa with the left over icing and eyes.

Victoria created Christmas tree decorated cookies.  We made these out of pre-made sugar cookie dough in an effort to shorten how long it took to make them.  We learned the tough way that Oma's sugar cookie dough recipe would have been better and saved us time given the issues we encountered. 

Izzy's decorated cookies were entered under the category "cookies on a stick".  These might not have been what the judges were looking for but loved by the judges.  This just might be something we make for another special occasion given how cute they turned out.

Micah asked to make "triple chocolate cookies".  Not knowing what he meant exactly, I found a recipe that included milk, dark, and white chocolate chips.  Everyone in the family agreed these were amazing cookies and a recipe worth keeping.

Victoria wanted to make red velvet cake and so we entered this under the King Arthur Flour class.  Unfortunately we didn't take her cake out of the pan soon enough which led to her cake falling apart.  Because none of these entries were tasted due to COVID-19, we used frosting and put it back together as best as possible.  Much to our surprise, she won 1st place despite this piecemealed cake!  

Izzy's sewing did quite well.  She's becoming quite a seamstress over time.  I'm hoping she continues to enjoy this activity as I can't wait to see what she creates in the future.

Victoria wiped up a Dresses for Africa pillowcase dress.  She sewed this with Oma and was very proud of her accomplishment.

Rather than sewing Micah choose to create a tie-dye shirt.

Izzy worked on a can project originally for her school's environmental fair which was cancelled due to COVID-19.  However, we were able to find an entry under Citizenship and Leadership.  This was a such a rewarding project to give back to our community especially when the demand at the Food Bank has increased from COVID-19.

Gage County 4-H Fashion Show

This year was special as the cousins participated in the Gage county 4-H Fashion Show together.  Oma worked with Amelia and Audrey to sew their dresses making this a multigenerational activity.  There were certainly nerves that creeped in that day for all three.  Once each of them heard they had been called back, tensions eased and goofiness emerged.

We are ready!

This was Izzy's fun outfit.  Neither of had sewn with sequins and so sticking with a simple pattern was a must.  The sequins was flippy changing from iridescent to silver.  

Izzy's shirdress was a labor of love with frustration sprinkled in at times.  I'm exceptionally glad we started this in December given the amount of time needed to line up the patter.  But the final product was striking and flattering to Izzy's figure.

Always a fun entry is Shopping in Style.  Members learn how to shop finding the best bang for their buck while learning fabric care, construction, and fit.

At intermission, younger audience members can join on the stage to practice modeling.  Impromptu outfit descriptions are provided.  Micah, Victoria, and Aggie all participated each giving us a show of their personalities.

The conclusion of the evening is presentation of awards.  All the nerves from the morning returned while the participants awaited to hear if their name was called.  Izzy was tickled pink to learn she was selected as one of three to represent Gage county at the State Fair.  This was one of her goals this year and had been talking about it often as time drew nearer.  Audrey was named alternate to the State Fair.

The icing on the cake was when Izzy was named Reserve Champion.  It will be hard to top this in years moving forward.

This was certainly a special experience that girls will remember for a long time!

COVID Remote Learning

 Learning remotely from home took work from both students, parents, and teachers to figure out the best approach. The first 2 weeks there was not much happening for any of the kids. However once a curriculum was developed, we were in full school mode at home. Sometimes school was what you would expect with reading, writing, and math. At other times it was a lot more playful. Teachers went above and beyond to make this as exciting and fun as they could. The school was amazing and allowed us to loan two chromebooks so that none of the children were without a device to connect with her classes during their meeting scattered throughout the week. Though we do not know what next year will bring, there is talk of a hybrid model. Barring a more deadly second wave of COVID, this will remain a unique experience for is all.

Towards the end of school, Izzy's class had themes for their weekly class check ins. This theme was weird hair. Other themes included favorite sports or a day at the beach.  She was happy to don her fencing gear and created a beach oasis on the floor complete with an umbrella.  I love her creativity.

  One of the new learning units that occurred during remote school was measuring. Every day Micah and Victoria would have numerous objects to measure. This was one of our more favorites. We were asked to measure gummy candy. Off to Walgreens we went for each of them to pick out their Gummies. The goal was to measure the gummy and then stretch it out as far as possible to see what was the difference. Many worms sacrificed their life during this lesson.

 Most of the favorite lessons were science based. The kids learned how to turn a regular egg into a "bouncy" egg by soaking an egg in vinegar over a week. We learned very quickly that you had to be gentle as these eggs easily burst. 

 In another experiment, the kids were asked to create their own many iceburgs by fishing in cold water with salt.   

 Another measurement exercise was to see how far you could jump. We went outside for this lesson. Our neighbors creeped out of their homes as well and joined in the learning. It was fun to watch how a competition amongst friends can increase the distance of jumping.

 Another science experiment was creating your own xylophone. This was a lesson on sound. 

 This lesson was a combination between measurements and science. The school provided a ramp and a marble for the kids to see how far their marble could roll if they change the angle of the ramp. The cats were equally as interested in this activity.  

 The final project of school was creating a Ruben Goldberg machine. Izzy quickly joined in the creation of this one which fed the cats treats.

 Micah and Victoria learning about water tension. 

 There were a few 90 degree days while we were still in school. This lined up perfectly with the science lesson was how to create your own ice cream at home using Ziploc bags and ice. 

 

 Though all teachers worked hard during this unprecedented time, one teacher will always stand out amongst all of them for how much she went above and beyond. This was Micah's teacher, Ms. Leipman. It was evident that many parents recognized her contributions. The end of the year school gift was one of the largest monetary amounts I have seen a class donate.  Micah's class also decided to do a parade by her house to acknowledge what she did. Classmates who have not seen each other for over 2 months were ecstatic. There were tears when she came out and saw all of us.  

Micah and Ms. Leipman

 After nearly 3 months of remote learning from home, the last day of school came! There was some sadness and that the traditional celebration with teachers and classmates did not occur. There was also happiness in closure of the chapter in our lives.

 As we traditionally take a picture of the kids on her last day of school, I thought it only fitting to have my own picture. I never would have guessed that I would have to be a full-time teacher, mother, and physician.

Quarantine school.... WE DID IT!

Izzy's 11th Birthday

The challenge with having a birthday during COVID is how to incorporate family and friends.  I've had a chance to see how other friends and neighbors found creative ways.  Since all of our friends and family don't live within driving distance (drive by celebrations have been popular here), I took to creating this collage.  This was set up to greet Izzy when she woke up on her birthday.  The collage did it's trick starting out her day special despite social distancing.

 Izzy has taken over my desk for her school work.  Victoria had a great idea of buying a boy squishmallow since Izzy has been talking about wanting one.  She wanted to create a family of squishmallow's and has the "mom" and "child" already.  We stuffed it inside her desk so that when "school" started, she had a second birthday surprise waiting.  By the look on her face, it was definitely a surprise.

Meet Kennethy... Izzy's dragon squishmallow.

 For a cake, I create a donut cake in honor of one of Izzy's favorite breakfast treats.  Victoria was my super helper in creating the frosting and sprinkles.

 One of Izzy's best friends, Michael made her this special soap.  It was very touching to know she has this strong friendship.

 Izzy was ecstatic that the gifts she received had her written all over them.  One item she has been asking for is "oversized candy".  Micah and Victoria were happy to oblige with this one.  I wonder how long it will take her to eat this lollipop. 

The final gift of the night was from me.  Months prior I had waited 6 hours in an on-line virtual room for my chance to purchase Taylor Swift tickets.  Though I was one of the last people to get the chance to buy tickets, I was able to secure tickets 7 rows from the top.  Regardless, this was going to be a great experience.  Unfortunately the concert was postponed due to COVID-19.  However, I pointed out that this was better than being cancelled.  Now we are waiting to hear when the new date is set.

Things that I was to remember about my 11-year-old Izzy

1.  This past year you have found your perfect pet in a guinea pig named Snickers.  She joins you while reading in your bed or doing school work from home.  Hanging out with her all day while social distancing has been a silver lining to our being at home.

2.  Puberty has been the name of the game this past year.  It is so hard to not giggle when your emotional mood swings take you from being sassy to crying.  My favorite thus far has been slamming the bedroom door only to be followed by building a tower of stuffed animals as a wall to block me when I entered your room.

3.  Your peer group is becoming more and more important.  Your core group of friends remains solid.  You sometimes struggle with sorting out feelings of your peer group finding their way this past year.  I've heard stories of who is going out with who, who broke up with who, and who are not longer speaking with who.  Most of the time you try to avoid this drama which makes you feel sometimes as the outsider.

4.  You have matured beyond what I could imagine.  You have been such a help at home and with your siblings.  You are becoming more aware of dysfunctional relationships and behaviors though do not know yet how best to approach them.  Baby steps my love.

5.  You love to read!  On weekends, I've caught you up till 11pm reading in your bed.  You still use Learning Ally to read grade level books and likely will be doing so for awhile.

6.  You underwent your 3-year re-evaluation through Pierce School.  Though you will always have dyslexia, you have worked tremendously hard this past three years and it shows.  You are at the beginning of grade level in reading.  You no longer qualify for IEP services!  You've founds ways to work through reading challenges and will have those skill sets with you for life.  While learning at home with school closed, I see there are times that are more taxing.  You have no problem advocating for yourself when needing assistance.