Swim Banquet- Varsity Letter!

Kerstin had her swim banquet last night. She was so excited- she received her Varsity letter! She couldnt wait to tell everyone! It was a great night and I was glad Poppie could share it with her!

She's 16!!!

I can't believe my baby is 16 yrs old! She only has 1.5 years left until college. Where did the time go??? She is studying for her permit- which she thinks will allow her to drive EVERYWHERE. For me, it only means she can know practice with her Poppie (and not me :))

She is anxious to get a job, but I am trying to get her to wait as long as possible...I want my little girl back!!

Homecoming

I can't believe I forgot to post a pic of Kerstin's homecoming! It was on October 18th and she had a fabulous time. She went with her friend Devyn and Alex and Devyn's friend. She looked beautiful. Kathy Craddock did a super job on her hair.

ECC's and States!

Kerstin qualified for ECC's this year. Her breaststroke time was 1:28.37 and that was enough for her to race. So we sat through 4.5 hours of swimming until finally she swam at the end. She was so nervous and didnt do very well, but I am so proud of her just the same! Then on Monday, we found out her times qualified her for States! Unbelievable. She ended up not swimming because there were entries from other schools with better times and that knocks her place in the race down, but she made it just the same! I am so proud of her!!

First Place!

She did it! Kerstin came in first place in the 100 Breast and the 100 Free Medley relay! She's a star :) (the meet was against Windham on Friday, October 17th)

Apple Picking!

We had a great time on Saturday, picking apples at Holmberg Orchard's. It was packed! We had a good time taking a (SHORT) hayride and walking around. It took us longer to pay for the apples then to pick them. But everyone had a great time and the weather was beautiful!
Here is the talented Kerstin, attempting to improve her juggling skills!

Finally getting into a routine!

Things finally seem to be getting easier. Kerstin knows what has to get done on a daily basis and seems to be managing well. Swim is slow going- she doesnt seem to be enjoying it as much this year, but she's still plugging away!

In the thick of it!

We are only 3 weeks into the school year and already I feel out of control! Kerstin get's up at 5:30, eats, showers and goes off to school for 6:30. She's home at 3:00, does homework until 4:15, gets picked up for swim. She swims until 7:00, home by 7:45, eats, finishes homework and goes to bed. This is my life. I am up at 4:30 each morning, just to start something for dinner that night. It's crazy! She seems to love school this year, but swimming not so much. Two of her friends have moved into a faster lane and I think that's bothering her. I am not the easiest on her as well, so I have to remember to back off. She'll get there soon enough!

Kerstin is doing great in her classes so far, so let's hope it keeps up! Today is her first swim meet, so I am keeping my fingers crossed. I'll report back how many first place spots she took :)

She works hard for the money!

Kerstin is still working! She hasnt stopped in the past few weeks. A family friend, Charles, works for 107.7, a local radio station. He has given Kerstin the job of the mascot, Miss Peanuts the Elephant. (Which is fitting because she LOVES elepants!) She goes with him to dealerships or station events and dances around and hands out prizes in her elephant costume. She is working this week at Charles Toyota in Norwich. This pic is from a July 4th parade in Groton, but atleast you can see her "uniform"! She loves it! Who could ask for any better job??

Make a Smilebox slideshow

She's a JUNIOR!

Only one more week until school starts! I can't believe she's a junior! Where has the time gone? Swimming starts on Saturday-she's looking foward to it! I enjoy it because it keeps us busy. She is hoping to make varsity this year. I am hoping as well, but I have to remember to stop nagging her about it. It doesnt matter if she get's varsity or not, as long as she is enjoying herself, right? I have to keep telling myself that :)
Her schedule will be tough this year-Spanish 3 and 4, one right after the other as well as biology, earth science, history and english. She is also taking a creative writing class somewhere in there! I hope she can do it-I have faith in her!

Kerstin has finished working at Preston Parks and Rec. She had a great time-it was the perfect first job for her. She had fun and earned a little cash at the same time. Here she is playing on the beach with one of the campers. Tough work if you can get it!!

Summer's here!

I cant belive it's the second week of July already! My sister got married last week-it was beautiful! Kerstin looked amazing, very grown-up. She looks more like 18 than 15. She started her first "real" job on the 7th. She is a camp counseler at a summer rec program. (in charge of 5-6 year olds, her favorite). She loves it, but is exhausted by the day's end. She cant wait to get her first check-little does she know, the goverment cant wait for her to get her first check as well!

I cried

Last night I cried for my little girl.

She is 15 now and getting ready to choose a college. She is beautiful smart and outgoing. She is ready to go and I’m just in the way.

I cried for the 3 year old who looked up at me like I was the most beautiful Mommy in the world.

I cried for the 7 year old who trusted me to do her hair.

I cried for all the hugs and kisses and adoration that you can only get from a child.

I cried for the Jr. High student who trusted me with all of her secrets.

I am crying for the child who is no longer a child.

I am crying because I long for the chance to do it all over again and hold on tighter this time.

But I am proud of the person she has become and happy for her as well.

But, still I cry. It hurts to let go.