I finished up all of my semester exams and projects early. I finished a social studies project, wrote an essay in English, did great on a math test, and gave a science presentation. It felt so good to be finished! I truly love Mr. Settles, my science teacher and Mr. Freitag, my math teacher. They are so passionate about their subject, explain things well, and care about my learning.
We did a lot of Christmas preparations. We wrapped presents as a family for the first time and decorated gingerbread houses while watching a Christmas movie. We also had a Christmas dinner at church and I ate at the table next to my family with all my youth group friends.
We had a short birthday party for Nana Arden at Papa Rodney's office. The day after we got out of school, Mom and I painted my downstairs bedroom. At first, it looked like the gray color was the same white as the ceiling and I wanted to repaint it, but it looked perfect after it dried. Mom was relieved when I said that!
The youth group had a Christmas party at Michael's house. We played a unique game of Rob Your Neighbor. I was the last one to go and wasn't quite sure what to do in the meantime. I also didn't want to steal from anyone, and I tried to win back a gift for someone else and couldn't. I'm not sure why, but I almost had a panic attack before leaving his house. It just was all so overwhelming to me.
Mom took Emily and me to Washington a day early for Christmas to see Grandma Rose. We had such a good visit. She laughed a lot and told funny stories. She gave me a bible, which she signed for me. After that, we went to Papa Ron's house and celebrated Christmas with him and Linda. He gave me another volleyball charm for my bracelet and some money. Mark and Chase came for a visit too. We even spent the night at Papa Ron's before going to Grandma Kathy's the next morning.
It was so much fun as always at Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Tom's. I love seeing all my family, especially since we couldn't get together last year. Dad came to celebrate with us. I got a lot of stuff for my new room, which I am excited about. It was really hard to leave.
We woke up Christmas morning in our house, which I requested. It was so nice to take our time enjoying the day. Dad told me to check out my room downstairs, and I couldn't believe it but my new furniture was there! I was so excited and it looks so great. I couldn't wait to start decorating! We were supposed to go to Aunt Lisa's house in the afternoon but found out that Camille had tested positive for Covid, so our plans were cancelled very quickly. It was a warm day so we sat out on the back porch at Nana Arden and Papa Rodney's while they opened their gifts. We opened ours from them at home. It was kind of a disappointing ending to the day. But, I am enjoying time in my new room!
I got to go ice skating with Lila and her aunt and had a lot of fun. I didn't get hurt, and I get to go again with youth group next month! Our family did thank you notes together and Mom took me to visit Mrs. Mantle. It was so good to see her!
We had big plans at home on New Year's Eve with Lila to decorate cookies and hang out all night. Unfortunately, she ended up getting sick and went home. Luckily, she did not have Covid. We all ended up going to bed before midnight. I love to sleep!
We have gotten in as many volleyball practices as we could before our next tournament, which was not many. Lila and her mom went with Mom and me to our second tournament in Lee's Summit. We were one of 4 teams. The top three teams (including us) tied for first in pool play and it came down to points. We were ranked 2nd and played the 3rd place team and lost. It was really disappointing but that team went to win the tournament. I think all three of us were very evenly matched. It was a very long day! We have since had regular practices, and some added ones. We scrimmaged Club CoMo and Bob's team and won all of the sets!
I was not looking forward to going back to school, especially since they took the mask mandate away, but I want back anyway. Within a week, one of my friends tested positive for Covid and I was a close contact because I eat lunch with her. I made it through eating in my room and masking all the time without getting sick! I was able to get my Covid booster yesterday. I didn't feel great, but I'm getting better. Go immunity!
I was able to try out for the school play "Bedtime Stories" because one of our volleyball tournaments was cancelled. I got the part of the daughter and I can't wait to rehearse! I'm looking forward to more volleyball too!
Go Covid immunity!
Dancing for my fans at the volleyball tournament
Game point!
