Post about Abbey, or Abburt, if you're in the inner circle.

Abbey turned 12 in July and to be honest, I don't remember what we did. It was on a Sunday, we had cake, she requested a certain kind of dinner, and we had presents. I'm a bad mom, I know. I should have pictures and a clear memory of what happened. I do know that that was shortly before we packed up a bunch of clothes and abruptly moved to Kennewick to be closer to Jeff. I'll have to ask Abbey when she gets home from school if she remembers if we did anything else.

She did start a new school this year. It was a very rocky beginning. She had a very difficult time making friends. For the first month of school she was so depressed about her life. I didn't know what to do for her, I was depressed myself. I comforted her and tried to brainstorm with her on what to do. I asked her who she ate lunch with, it made me sad to think of her sitting by herself at a table all alone. She then informed me that everyday she would eat her lunch with the Life Skills kids. They are the kids with mental disabilities by the way. Abbey has always had a soft spot for anyone with a handicap. She told me that sometimes it was the best part of her day. Aww, I love her.

Soon after that I would start to hear certain girl's names mentioned. I would inquire as to the friendship status and it was looking good. Abbey was slowly, but surely, gaining friends. She started to eat lunch with these girls at their table. She made sure to let them know though, that two days a week were still devoted to the LS kids. She also let it be known that they were free to join her.

Since Abbey is in the 7th grade this year, she was able to participate in school sports. First up, volleyball! She was very excited about this. Her previous volleyball venture was cut short due to a broken thumb. Volleyball was a good experience for her. The most important thing she needed to learn was teamwork, supporting your teammates, and really being open to constructive criticism and learning from it. She made progress in all areas so I think it was well worth her time.

She became closer with some of the girls on her team, which in turn made her happy. Yay. She also looked cute in her uniform. I went to most of the home games as did Jeff's mom and his sister. Lindsay would come to support her, but bring the DS for backup.

Just to do a quick round up on Abbey now. She's getting really good grades, almost made the Principal's List. Next time. She's got a good group of friends at school. They genuinely like her and are excited to see her in the morning. She's part of the Buddy Club at school. Buddy Club is the official club for the LS kids. She didn't want to do dance. That was the sport option after volleyball. She is going to go out for basketball in January though.

Abbey is still sad with leaving our home and having to move to a new place. She is happy too. She's learning that it's possible and OK to be happy and sad about the same thing at the same time. Feelings and emotions are complex. She's my daughter, she needs to learn the term "I'm complicated". I'm proud and relieved that she's making the best of her situation. I am so lucky to have an Abbey. She is certainly cream of the crop. Oh, the purple and teal are the colors of Horse Heaven Hills. Just thought it would bring a nice theme to the post.