Tri-Dac Showcase Festival

Last Saturday, we went to Alyssa's Tri-Dac Showcase Festival. She had so much fun these last three weeks. Each week they covered a different form of art. For her first week, she took Digital Photography where she not only learned about photography itself, but also how to manipulate photos in photoshop. They all had to design a Time Magazine cover:

This is another project they all did:

They even went on a field trip downtown to the State Capitol to take pictures. She really enjoyed this class.

The second week she took pencil sketching which was actually her 3rd choice but she enjoyed it. She started out frustrated. They were practicing shading techniques. She does not have the patience for this. (Wonder where she got that from???) But throughout the week she started telling me her project was looking better and by the end of the week she was happy with it: I think she did a great job! Even though this class wasn't her first choice, I think it's good that she had this opportunity to brush up on these skills.

The third week was her favorite, I think. She took metal sculpting. The students were not allowed to do the actual cutting or welding, but they design the project, chose the pieces, and directed where to cut and weld. They were told they could make anything they want but one good idea was to make one animal turning into another. Alyssa has done this before with papier mache' and loves animals so she went with it. Anytime you give Alyssa free hand in subject matter, her subject is bound to involve a dragon. So, she decided to make a bird turning into a dragon. She had a lot of fun with this class. She even made her name out of scrap metal.

At the end of Tri-Dac we went to the Showcase Festival. First we went to the auditorium to see the dance portion. Afterwards, before dismissing everybody to the Art Exhibit they announce the awards. There were 100 students in the Visual Arts portion of Tri-Dac. Each student had at least 3 projects. In many cases 4 or five projects. Out of all of these they gave 8 awards for outstanding achievement. The prize was a gift certificate for art supplies. Alyssa recieved one of these awards for her dragon sculpture!We were so happily surprised! Even Alyssa had no idea! After being dismissed from the auditorium we all made our way to the Atrium for the Art Exibit.

Do you see the size of that thing? Where are we going to put it? ;) Great job, Alyssa! We're proud of you!

Roan Quote: “Daddy, I don’t want to finish my snow cone. I want to eat it forever.”

Question # 23

What family gathering brings you the most joy or refreshment?

Journaling: As a child, my family went to Roan Mt. Tennesee every summer with our church. These vacations were so special that years later, our extended family decided to start a new tradition by returning to Roan Mountain every other Christmas. We always cut down a real tree and make our own decorations. We hang out, do puzzles, go sledding, shopping, hiking, and take turns cooking. We have such a wonderful holiday every time.

Question # 22

What piece of advice would you pass on that meant a lot to you when you recieved it?

Journaling: When I was a relatively new mother, I went to a Mother's Day breakfast with my mom & sisters. My mother was the guest speaker. She gave one of the most memorable pieces of advice I have ever heard. She said that as a om, you do your very best, then pray that where you fail, God will fill in the gaps.

Question # 21

What is my greatest fear?

Journaling: I am afraid of suffocating, I am claustrophobic. I am afraid of somehow 'missing' God, of being one of the ones who think they're saved, but aren't. I'm afraid of losing my husband or my children. But my greatest fear is of failing as a mother in the stewardship of my children. I want so desperately to teach them to make the right choices. I want them to have a lasting and living relationship with God. I know that ultimately they will be responsible for their own choices. But I can't help holding myself responsible if they walk away from God. In the end, all I can do is place them in His hands and trust that he has everything under control and won't let them go.

Last week, while Kai was at camp, Alyssa turned 13!!!!!! I can't believe I'm the mother of a teenager! On Friday, her birthday, Roan went to work with daddy, which he loves to do, so Alyssa and I could spend the day with each other. We went shopping, bought some new clothes, a new bed set and curtains for her room, and opened her first bank account. For dinner, we went to the Melting Pot. She loved it! We went there for her birthday last year, and she wanted to do it again. The restaurant even gave her a birthday card that everybody had signed. She was impressed. Sunday, we went to see the movie '17 Again'. We both enjoyed it. We had a great weekend with lots of Mother/daughter time. Now, she's at camp and I miss her! Happy Birthday, babe!

Time for Camp!

Last week, Kai went to camp. He LOVES Bethel Camp and was very excited to go back. He’s been going since he was seven! Also, two of his friends were there. He took Riflery and Outdoor survival. In Riflery he hit the center of a one dollar bill! Since he was the first one to hit it, he got to keep it. He says he got a "hole in one"! :) In Outdoor Survival he learned how to start a fire. He had a great time! This week, Alyssa is at camp. Next week will be Roan's turn. Ah, summer!