He flew the coop

The time has finally come and Jake has flown the coop.  I can write without trepidation, only happiness and excitement.

We left home around 11:00 a.m.

That's the kids, following us.

After a quick stop at the gas station, Jake lead the way to the dorm.

I forgot to take a before pic but it was basically this...

on the other side of the room.

We raised his bed as much as we could.

It was enough for his fridge, microwave, dresser 

and some miscellaneous items.

And he didn't waste any time getting unpacked and settled.

All he wanted on the walls was a couple Command hooks.

And a few last pictures  

Annie, Jake and Deacon

They insisted on this.

No, I don't understand it.

A family pic.

Yep, all smiles!

His bike was the first on the rack.

In front of his dorm, Scanlon Hall.

His address is:

MWSU

Jacob Diemer, Scanlon Hall, Rm 311A

4525 Downs Dr

St. Joseph MO  64507

We weren't able to stay long.  We grabbed a quick lunch with Jake then we took our exit. Annie and Deacon had to work at 4:00. 

I was thankful we didn't have a long, awkward, drawn out goodbye.  This was short and sweet. He gave each of us a hug then we went one way and we went the other.

I'm so proud of my brave boy!

xo

In the blink of an eye...

Yesterday was Annie's 17th birthday.  Her "Golden" birthday - 17 on the 17th.

I blinked and she went from 12 to 17.  How does that happen.  She blows me away with her talent, humor and kindness.

xo

Already making the newspaper

When we were in St. Joe, Jake and Taylor got their picture taken and somewhat reluctantly talked to a reporter from the newspaper.  I just looked and found the article and this unflattering picture of the kids.

/textbooks-remain-while-digital-tools-improve  (double click on it, Dad)

Of course, this was not the first digital device Jake will have ever used.  He's used different pieces of technology in the classroom since Kindergarten.  The way the woman approached them kind of threw him for a loop.

Happy Sunday!

xo

Time for SCHOOL! ?

At first glance I thought Jake was sad his sister is a senior... growing up...

but then I realized he was just sad because he would be at work 

longer than she would be at school.

Ha ha ha ha!

Welcome to adulthood, Jake.

Yep, these are the best I got.

These two hams had it all planned out, too.

Thanks, guys.

(Can you believe how tall Jake is? When did that happen?)

----

Annie started school yesterday.  I can hardly believe it's already time.  And it's by far the earliest they've ever started.  Personally, I feel they should wait until after the Olympics are over, every four years.  

Here is Annie's schedule and I've included some explanation for some classes that you may not be familiar with.

Field Biology

Advanced Repertory Theatre - is more than just set design and construction. It's a year long course made up of Juniors and Seniors who are leaders in the department.  Each crew head, Annie is the crew head of sound for all productions, oversees a crew in accomplishing tasks that help prepare the department's productions.  During this class student leaders have a chance to meet, discuss, and plan events and activities for the rep theatre student and the theatre department as a whole. 

Photography II - we're talking old school black and white / darkroom and all.

Portfolio Seminar - this portfolio preparation class is designed for students interested in post-high school study of art.  Students will work mostly in two-dimensional form.  This class is designed for the highly motivated student.  October 22 is Portfolio Day - the day she will meet with art schools.  December 1 is when college applications are due.

AP English Literature

Painting II

Textile Design & Fibers - this course includes both the creation of woven and meshed materials and the surface decoration of pre-woven fabrics. The elements of art and principles of design are stressed as they apply to form and surface decoration. Annie has taken this class before, this time she will be working off a list of projects the teacher has never done before.  Annie is very excited.

Yes, that's seven classes.

When she got home yesterday I asked, "How was your day?"  She said, "It's frustrating when I got use to being around students that actually wanted to learn."  She was referring to her time at Kansas City Art Institute.  I had a feeling this might happen.  I can say with certainty her attention right now is to focus on building a strong portfolio.  But after that she will probably be counting the number of days she has left in high school.

All I know is it's going to go WAY too fast.

Jake and I, and his girlfriend, Taylor, drove up to St. Joseph this morning.  We stopped at Panera and he talked to the manager about transferring.  The store is a lot bigger than the one he currently works at and the manager scared him a little.  She's going to call his current manager. 

Then we went to Mo West (Missouri Western) where Jake got his books, student ID, and parking pass.  He wanted to talk to one of his music instructors but he wasn't in.  And he wasnted to check out the dorm, but guess what!?  We couldn't because there were still Chiefs players living there.  That was a surprise.

None the less it was a fruitful trip and we were back home by 12:30.

I think Jake is excited.  He moves in a week from tomorrow.

Jack is still plugging away.  Please keep him in your prayers.

I am not getting as many hours at work, so decided to add something totally different.  I applied for a part-time position at The Container Store at 119th and Roe.  I had a group interview on Wednesday evening.  There were 7 applicants and 2 managers.  We were given a homework assignment and each took turns presenting... thankfully that did NOT mean standing in front of the group.  It went really well and I left excited about the company and prospect of working there.  Today, I got an email asking my availability to come back in for a one-on-one interview.  I will hopefully go back sometime early next week.

Pilot just came running in like his tail is on fire - super excited - doing victory laps.

He is such a weirdo but we sure love him.

xo

Kites Wings & Roots

A friend told me about this poem.  Wow, how appropriate... but I prefer to think one.  

Yesterday morning Jake had to work at 7:00 and Jack wandered down to make sure he was up.  Jake was in the bathroom.  I can't remember his exact words but Jake said he didn't think it was necessary for Jack to do it anymore.  This morning Jake had to work at 7:00 again.  At 6:30 Jack didn't hear any movement and went down to Jake's room and woke him up.  

It's almost poetic.  

There's no reason to tell him we aren't done with our job yet.  

xo

Annie's Art Exhibition

First, I'm happy to say, my girl is HOME!

Last night was pretty exciting. At 6:00 p.m. we gathered at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) for the Pre-College Art Lab Exhibition.  We started out in the same large room where orientation took place almost three weeks ago but this time friends and extended family joined students and parents.  The room was practically overflowing.  There were not enough chairs and even after additional chairs here added many still stood in the back and along the walls.  The director said a few words and many thank you's.  A couple students won goody bags for their Instagram challenge participation.  (If you have Instagram you can find Annie's artwork at jdartjazz.)  There were more than a dozen people there to support our girl.  Friends from school and church and a couple teachers join us and followed Annie to her first classroom.  

Each student is asked to choose one area of focus and Annie chose illustration.  Annie was also given the opportunity to try some graphic design and really enjoyed typography.

  

Illustration projects

Standing proudly with her work.

Next, it was on to her life drawing classroom.  All student, no matter their focus were required to spend time on their figure drawing.

Annie's figure drawing works.

This was Annie's favorite and received many compliments from her teachers and peers.

Annie and some of her friends that came to support her.

Yesterday afternoon, each student had a portfolio review with an admissions counselor. Annie was given some very good information, both constructive criticism and complementary.  Annie really utilized her time well, and gained as much insight as she could.  During time on campus she also spoke to several RA's and TA's and was given guidelines on how she should focus her time and ways to make her portfolio stronger.  

I know every parent goes through this but it was so interesting to listen to her talk about aspects of art that leave me baffled.  There is so much I know nothing about.  She patiently answered all my questions and I am in awe of her knowledge.  This program gave her the opportunity to completely immerse herself in art school for 10+ hours per day, Monday - Friday for 3 weeks.  What she gained is so much more than I ever expected.    

Portfolio Day is October 22.  This event is when 38 colleges from across the nation have representatives at KCAI available for four short hours to review high students work.  It is crazy! There are LONG lines and last year I was used as a place holder, so she could better utilize her time. Jack is going with us this year, as another place holder.

Annie would like to have 10-12 new pieces to add to her portfolio.  She is taking 3 art classes in school, in addition to Portfolio Seminar which is a class dedicated to getting her works and commentary in order before presenting them for review.  

More moments of awe for this Momma.  Annie has grown so much as an artist and as a person in 3 weeks.       

This is an exciting time.  I'll keep you posted!  

xo

Annie girl

As you are aware, Annie is at Kansas City Art Institute for another two weeks of Pre-College ArtLab classes.  She says it's intense but really good.  Her focus is Illustration.


If you'd like to send her a letter here is the address:

                                                         Kansas City Art Institute 
                                                        4421 Warwick Boulevard 
                                                         Kansas City, MO. 64111 
                                    c/o PCAL Julianne Diemer, Pre-College ArtLab, Living Center

xo