Remote Learning Option

Our home internet went out on Monday morning.  Well, technically, it was just glitchy and slow during school, but went out totally at some point on Monday.  Camden was having trouble staying in her online connection and hearing her teacher/completing assignments.  We decided to take advantage of an option at a nearby church.

New Hope Church has opened their doors to any student 6-12th grade to use their internet.  We rushed over between two classes and they welcomed us, showed us upstairs to the high school youth rooms, and left us to work.  

She loved being able to get comfy on a couch and love the idea of playing a few games in her down time between classes or when her work was done and she was waiting on the next one to start.  We also have the option to turn on the TV to enjoy Netflix, etc.

When we came in, they also told us they had snacks/drinks for students and just to let them know if we needed anything.  When I ran an errand at lunchtime, Camden stayed and did her classes.  The staff checked on her once and gave her a Dari-licious ice cream cup for a snack.  Such kindness!

This church is just down the road from us, probably 3 minutes.  It's a perfect solution for us...and Camden plans to come here on her remote learning days from now on (except Fridays when they are not open). 

Back At 'Em

Camden has been back in physical therapy for two weeks now.  There is still so much weakness and lots of work to be done if we are going to avoid long-term issues and/or surgery in the next few years.  We will do 2 more weeks and then have to keep up exercises from home for a LONG time.  

She really likes the machines and gladly does the requested reps on them.  She actually does really good on anything her therapist, Tressia, asks of her, but she does the equipment with a lot less whining!  She was doing 100 lbs on her leg presses at today's session.  Going to be a strong young lady if she keeps it up!

E-Learning Days

Every other day, Camden is at home and working remotely, along with the in-person teacher.  She has a workspace at the table and is there from log in at first bell (8:15am) until dismissal (2:15pm).  She has 5 minute breaks between classes (passing periods), at lunch, and if a class finishes early.

She works independently and we just check-in periodically to see if she needs any help, food, etc.

First Day of 7th Grade

Because of COVID, Southmont is on a hybrid model of school for the Jr. High and High School students.  Camden goes to school one day and the next day stays home and does e-learning.  On e-learning days, she has to be on the zoom call at the start of each class and participate through the entire day.  

Since only half of her class is there each day, she only has about 11 kids she is around.  She mainly stays in  her 1st period classroom and her teachers rotate.  However, her last two classes of the day are gym and Ag, so she goes to those classrooms since they have unique opportunities that are only in those rooms.  They must wear a mask anytime they are between classes, but can take it off at their desks and at lunch.  At lunch, they can sit with however they like, but only 3 kids at a table.

I can't wait until her hair grows another inch and that strip of hair stays behind her ears.  She would be "so embarrassed" to have a clip in her hair (yes, we are at that stage!),

Birthday Cakes

Rachel's outdid herself!  I had her business, The Day Bakery, make the cakes and we did them as decorate your own.  Another success for the kiddos on this birthday!

The not only turned out so adorable, they were absolute delicious.  Her chocolate is one of the best I have ever had, and the funfetti had a pinata filling too.

Birthday Egg Hunt

Rachel gathered the kids to begin the birthday egg hunt.  She and Destin had hidden several eggs around the yard each with a few coins in them.

They had also made goodie bags for each of the kids with bubbles, playdoh, and more treats.

All of these little touches made this a very fun party for the 12 year old and her cousins.

Birthday Pinata

Uncle Ric, Joseph, and Kevin quickly put together the arbor from Rachel and Destin's wedding from which to hang the adorable rainbow piñata.

  

The kids each took turns hitting the piñata starting with the youngest.  Lincoln was about the cutest thing ever!

Camden was the first to draw candy, but all the kids got a few pieces out. But after several attempts, it was simply time for me to give it a few good whacks and end the game.  The candy went flying and everyone got a good handful.

Birthday Peeps

Rachel and Destin hosted Camden birthday party for that side of the family.  They were so sweet to insist that COVID not delay the celebration.  We walked into their backyard to multiple surprises.  The decorated birthday canopy helped keep some of the glorious sun at bay, although we also had to find shade near the fence or beside a small bush at times.

Birthday Sleepover

Despite the loss of Brian on Sunday (her birthday) and dealing with making arrangements, we decided to go ahead and do Camden's friend birthday party.  She chose her 5 closest friends (clockwise around the circle - Jaysa, Bella, Nataly, Emma, and Sophia).  We started at the Crawfordsville Milligan Park pool for a few hours of swimming, then came back to our house.  

We didn't like the selection of cupcakes at the store, so we picked up a white cake mix and decided to do tie-dye cupcakes with store bought whipped frosting.  The girls helped mix the colors and put in the pans.  While the treats baked, they ate the Pizza Hut pizza we had delivered.

The cupcakes came out so cute!  And were so moist and flavorful.  I couldn't believe it was all from a box and a can.  

I hung out with the girls and we played spoons and Uno before presents.

Two of the girls (Jaysa & Nataly) spent the night, but before each of them left, Camden gave them their party favor.  We ordered decorate-your-own cookies from Day Bakery.  The cookies were the girl's names.  As usual, they were spectacular!