New Week, New Start

I've gotten a few smiles this week.  Looks like week #2 is going much better than week #1 in middle school.

That doesn't mean she is trading in her opinion on the whole 6th grade ordeal, but we are finding some smiles in all the tears.

Monday, she told me that she had made 2 new friends from her classes. She didn't elaborate about their names or backgrounds, but there was a slight smile, and I knew that making a new friend would be a great help--so I will be extra thankful for 2 new friends.

And, today, the biggest smile of all.

She came home with her new violin.

Gracie had been excited to do orchestra since she heard it was an option in 5th grade.  She has ZERO experience, but is absolutely gung-ho about learning.

Today the students were assigned (and by assigned I mean I had to pay $40 to rent the sucker) their instruments. I was hoping she would choose the cello. That sound is so beautiful. But, she took one look at how huge it was, and went with the violin--probably a wise choice to start with.

$40 is a small price to pay for that smile. Of course, by the time we get the book, shoulder rest, cleaning accessories, rosin, and the required concert attire we will be well over $100--but look at how happy she is.  Still a very small price to pay to make middle school tolerable. (Especially since I can ban gym ;)

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