Updates: What are they up to now?

PART 2: CORINA

*I already said in Akayla's update that Corina has been playing with the ISC youth symphony. She was so scared to audition, but the conductor told me she was a sure-in. She is a fantastic cellist and she practices hard. She has mastered vibrato this year that makes her playing really stand out! Her cello teacher comes to our house because she lives very far away. It's very helpful for us, and she is really fun!

*Corina cut all her hair off during Christmas break. I am sad because her long hair was so beautiful, but she looks so cute with short hair!

*She has started wearing makeup this year when she started YW, and she looks so grown up! She loves jewelry, especially earrings, and she loves getting new clothes. She saves all her babysitting money to buy clothes.

*Corina is extremely responsible and hard working. She gets straight A's easily, and has even helped tutor Akayla in science. Her teachers at school love her because she's such a good student. She has read hundreds of books and is always searching for a good read. She enjoys school because she likes to learn, but she also loves being with her friends.

*She is so happy to finally be in YW. It's hard to be only a year younger than your sister. You always have to be 2nd! Her very best friend is in YW, and they are crazy girls! Alyssa always brings out the hyper Corina that many don't ever see.

*Corina has several very close friends. They talk on the phone every day, e-mail back and forth and get together often. They take turns having parties and planning get-togethers. She also has some guys that really like her,and she likes e-mailing them, but she doesn't get as crazy about boys as Akayla. (Thank Heavens!! I don't think my heart could take it!!)

*She is still playing the piano, but it's time for her to move on to another teacher. I practice daily with my younger children, but I'm not as dedicated a teacher when my kids get advanced. She doesn't feel like she's progressing as fast as she would like. She is learning the hymns and she enjoys playing in piano quartets with my other advanced students.

*Corina has officially passed up Akayla in height. Akayla is about 5'1", and Corina is now 5'3" and still growing. They are both tiny & petite, not even 100 pounds yet.

*She loves to play the wii and listen to her mp3 player when she's not reading. She's a neat-freak and she does the best job on any chore in the house so if I need something really well done I always ask Corina.

*Corina has really blossomed this year. She is growing up so much in many ways. She has a great desire to do good things in her life and help people. She and her 2 best friends planned a service project at the school without help from any adults. They printed up a flyer and went into each classroom to invite everyone to do a coat swap. They had tons of coats for people to trade with or come and take if they didn't have a coat. When it was over they brought all the coats to a shelter. It was a very impressive thing for 3 twelve year olds to do. I'm so proud of her and I'm so lucky to get to be her mom and best friend!!!

good things:
growing up
12- year- olds
gorgeous red hair!