March is the month that would not end. Our schedule was packed, and it just seemed soooo long!!! Of course, snow storms right up until March 30 didn't help much, either. I thought it was supposed to go out like a lamb!
Lyn continued to rehearse Willy Wonka. She is excited for opening night! Of course, she also had ballet to squeeze in, as well as an assessment for chorus. The assessment is a big deal, and they ended up getting an "Excellent" rating from the judges. Lyn also attended a fun workshop for all the youth in the surrounding area (John didn't go because he was busy that weekend). It included sessions on self esteem, etiquette, and line dancing, as well as dinner and an a cappella concert. She had a great time!
Lyn also went on a field trip to "Finance Park", which is kind of like the game of Life, only actual size. Each child is assigned a "life situation", which includes annual income and marriage and family status. They then have to come up with a budget, and visit the various storefronts to shop and pay bills. It's a really amazing program that all county 8th graders get to participate in. Margie went as a volunteer and loved it so much that she asked one of the employees, "How can I be here forever?" They signed her up as a permanent volunteer, and she already has 5 more dates scheduled.
Margie and Lyn also attended a special, world-wide Women's Conference broadcast at church. Usually reserved for women 18 and older, it was the first time that daughters 8 and up were invited to attend as well. It was so touching to be with so many mothers and daughters actually and virtually and to witness the strength and solidarity of righteous women around the world.
John was the busiest of all of us this month, as everything seemed to happen all at once for him. He continued with electronics club and finished his circuit project. He made a little decision device--you ask a yes or no question and it will randomly pick an answer for you. He also participated in Piano Festival, performing two pieces to be rated by the judges. He earned a Superior, the highest rating, and was particularly praised for his "musicality."
John's Odyssey of the Mind team went to their competition, as well. John did a great job and really enjoyed working on the technical aspects of the project. Unfortunately, his team mates didn't put as much effort into their assignments, and they ended up in last place in the long problem. In the spontaneous competition, however, they received second place. This shows that they are all smart kids and think well on their feet!
John also went on a field trip this month, heading with his class to Monticello, the former home of Thomas Jefferson. Margie went as a chaperone (she's lived here for over 20 years and had never been!), and they had a fun time, despite the cold, windy weather.
John and Margie also attended Twain Night at the Middle School (Lyn had ballet and couldn't join us). This is an annual, fun, community event and fundraiser. It was a BLAST. Why haven't we been going all these years? We started with pizza, then watched a teaser for Willy Wonka, participated in a raffle (we won a free pizza and two tickets to the high school production of Wizard of Oz). Then we headed over to the International Feast, where we sampled free food from around the world (we should have started there!). We finished up in the board game room, where we played an epic battle of Battleship.
And on the last day of the month, John started track season! He is in a different club this year, and we are really excited about it. The group is smaller and the coaches are more hands on. Already he is getting more individual attention and structure--which is exactly the environment in which he thrives.
This month also saw the opening and closing of Dan's show, Proof. It was fantastic--every bit as good as Dan built it up to be. Even the kids enjoyed it opening night. Mid-way through the run, we attended a cast and crew party, and Margie mentioned John's interest in sound to the Sound Designer. He invited John to come sit in the booth on closing night, learn more about it, and even wear a headset. Cool! Dan took him to that, as well as the closing night party, and they had a great time. (By the way, at Finance Park, Margie also ran into the teacher that does sound for the productions at the middle school and mentioned John's excitement to help out next year. The teacher said he needed someone like John and asked if he would be willing to do news crew as well. Looks like John is going to be super busy next year as well!)
I am sad to say that Dan and Margie mourned the loss of two theatre friends this month. First, we said goodbye to the incredibly talented Pat Rohrer, who, in addition to playing the piano for Margie in various theatrical endeavors over the years, played for us at our East Coast wedding reception. Next we lost the delightful Bill Rinehuls, who was a talent both on and off stage, and who always made us laugh with his quick wit and humorous perspective.
To end on a brighter note, March brought a fun holiday that Margie thought she made up, but seems to be taking over the world: Pi Day.
Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 (3.14) in many math and geek circles and consists of nothing other than eating--you guessed it--PIE. We open our doors, provide whipped cream and ice cream, and friends bring any kid of pie (vegetarian, of course) to share and enjoy. We had a packed house this year, and are especially looking forward to next year's celebration which will carry the digits out even further: 3.1415. We plan to have New Year's even style noise makers and make a big ruckus at 9:26pm (3.1415926).
We hope you'll join us!
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