Belle & The Bee, 2013

At the beginning of the summer, Belle's friend Rachel asked if she would like to participate in the National Bible Bee contest.  Belle thought it was a splendid idea, especially since it provided justification for lots of time spent together...all in the name of "studying for the Bee".

Though she didn't pour her heart and soul into it as promised and intended (she takes after her mom...ugh), she threw her shoulders back and made her best attempt in both the written and oral rounds.  I sort of knew how this would play out...seeing as it was summer break, and I said I was not willing to play a role in enforcing study time...I let her make her own decision in getting involved.  Bringing her to the Bee was one of the hardest things we've done in a long time, simply because we knew she wouldn't succeed (in a typical definition of success, anyway).  None of us are used to that.  And yet, we were pleasantly surprised at how good it turned out despite her unpreparedness.  She was well aware of how unprepared she was because of lack of study and practice, but she handled it with poise and good humor.

This is a congratulatory hug from her big sister.  Belle was so very relieved when it was all over.

Weeks before the Bee, she kept saying "Oh, I'll NEVER do this again...I've learned my lesson...aaaarrgh...". We shall see.  I think between liking a challenge and loving her friend Rachel, who will continue to participate (she did great, by the way)...she may have a change of heart around June of 2014.  I'll keep you posted.