Go Gabby!

Gabby in action a few weeks ago during a basketball game against cousins, aunts and uncles

There are days I wish I could clone the initiative and drive in Gabby and give it out in doses to the rest of us.

(Probably starting with myself.)

Her Activities:  In a few short months she's taken a round of ice skating lessons, started piano lessons, stopped piano lessons, started again, and will be starting soccer in a few weeks.  We limit kid activities to one music and one sporting activity at a time.  If we didn't, she'd sign up for everything.  Last night when she was falling asleep she asked me when basketball season starts.  The seasons in Utah are now:  soccer, baseball, swimming, soccer, and basketball.  Oh yeah...and depending on her mood she might throw ice skating back in there too.

Homework:  Gabby takes homework very seriously.  Self-motivation is one of her strengths.  Last week a 10 page extra-credit math packet came home with her.  She pushed her way through, and even impressed herself.  She wakes up in the morning and does her daily reading then so she can get through homework faster in the afternoon (i.e. to play with friends).

It turns out she is just as serious about her work at school.

Reading:  She's gone from 18 words per minute in January to 98 words per minute just last week.  At this rate she'll be at her grade level before the end of the year.  The people who work with her on reading say she can't wait to set her new goal each week and always reaches or surpasses it.

(Thank you, thank you, thank you to her reading volunteers.  Sometimes it really does take a village.)

Math:  She's still working on some foundation skills, but somehow also managing to keep up with grade level math, and pulling high scores.

Friends:  She's everyone's friend.  Every adult in the school loves her, and she is sensitive and willing to help other kids who need help.

(I think her comfort level in helping others came from her foster mom in Omaha.  Thanks Jan!)

Chores:  Not a favorite for any kid, but Gabby pulls out her list without a lot of reminding and gets it done quickly (again, so she can play with friends).  She figures out how to do new jobs easily, and doesn't let anything distract her once she starts working.

I tell people all the time that anyone who gets to know Gabby in this lifetime is blessed.  We are so, so, so blessed.