Small Town Couple: Letter Home

Dear Mom and Dad,

Hope this letter finds you both happy and doing well. Well we survived the dreaded first week of school. It looks like this is going to be another great year. Jacob felt a little discouraged the first day when he failed to find anyone familiar in any of his classes. However, he has since connected with some other guys so he has someone to sit with at lunch and things seem to be going well. Charlotte had the same issue on the first day but was able to connect with a girl in her class and they are turning into good friends. Laurel says she doesn’t have any friends in her classroom but you can’t really tell since she never acted worried and Mary has lots of friends from last year in her classroom. I am pleased with all of the teachers.

Jacob’s math experience is unique this year in that the teacher records his lecture online every day. Jacob listens to the lesson each night and does the homework the next day during class where the instructor can give tips and help if needed. We like the switch. Charlotte found out she made the school’s broadcasting team AND the writing team which mean she gets to be ‘on TV’ at her school as well as write script for the other kids on the team. She couldn’t be happier. Laurel has already had her first oral presentation. She told 5 cool facts about herself on Friday. When asked how it went she said, “Oh, I did good. I’m sure I’ll get the best grade because the other kids talked about their props instead of using them to talk about themselves like Mrs. Tannuzzo told us to do. I did it right.” I’m sure she did – just another blessing from being an LDS kid who has given talks in primary for years. And Mary went from having me walk her to the classroom to being dropped off at the curb. After dropping her at the curb, I parked and walked over to make sure she found the first-grade line. She wouldn’t look at me when I approached. Finally, I clued in that I was embarrassing her (she confirmed this in a stage whisper) and left. How quickly they fly the coop.

In addition to school starting, most of our weekly activities also began. Laurel & Mary had gymnastics on Wednesday and Charlotte did dance on Thursday. I’m still very nervous about dance – there were only two girls in the class and one is clearly not at Charlotte’s level. Charlotte says it is fine, but it simply can’t be as fun as dancing with the old group. I almost think she’s just doing it because she can’t think of what else to do. Hopefully this week will be better. We start piano for all 4 kids this week.

Saturday night I went to my first Demolition Derby. David has taken the kids every year, but I typically beg off with some tired excuse. I was unimpressed the first round but things picked up a little when the vans came out followed by the trucks and then compact cars. It was kind of fun so I might agree to attend again next year.

I called and spoke with Max today for his birthday and actually caught him in the country for once. And I called Neil & Lois as well since I hadn’t heard from them. It was fun to chat with all three. Other than that, life has been pretty routine. Jacob gets 3 planters warts removed from his big toe on his right foot tomorrow. Hope it goes well and recovery is quick!

I’d better run. Have a wonderful week. We love you!

David, Ella, Jacob, Charlotte, Laurel, & Mary

First day of School

Jacob - 8th Grade