Finishing Up

Even though it’s been a while since I’ve journaled this school year happenings, it doesn’t mean it’s been uneventful by any means.

There have been so many “things” we have had to navigate this school year, it just seems impossible to recall every detail along the way, but I will do my best to capture the highlights.

Allie graduated high school, and this is a huge win! We had been struggling the last few months in classes, and missing a day here and there, which was getting to be concerning for teachers, and school staff. Of course, I was worried too, but knew that if we could just finish this year, then things would be better. Stress would be relieved, and we would move on to our next goal in starting the next milestone; transitioning into adult life.

Well, Allie was having such high anxiety about school, and they finally communicated the struggles in particular classes. The headmaster of the school made a very rare exception for them to drop the 2 courses that were most challenging, if they agreed to NOT miss another day of school the remainder of the year, which was only 8 weeks. They agreed, and kept their end of their end of the bargain all the way through. I was so grateful for the staff at their school. They didn’t put too much pressure or make me feel like I’m not pushing hard enough on Allie. I really do know that this anxiety and panic that they’re going through is REAL. I can’t relate in any way, but try to see it from their eyes, and they hate it. I hate it for them. Family hates it for them too. We are just here to support and love. It’s been difficult. painful at times, to watch them struggle through basic, everyday tasks in this life. These are supposed to be the best years of your young life, before the real life, of demands, responsibilities, and true independence begin.

We had a family graduation party at our house, and Allie was doing great until the focus became on them. I approached Allie and asked if they wanted to do cake / ice cream first, or presents. That sent them into panic mode, and they ran downstairs, and put a blanket over them. They stayed downstairs for the remainder of the party. I felt like wow.. that is not how this day is supposed to go. It was really heartbreaking. All of the close family was surrounding Allie on this special, supposed to be joyous occasion, and it was all but that for them.

They also started working for their Grandpa at his company. The first day on the job, there was a situation that sent them into panic mode, also. High anxiety, and they had to go home for the remainder of the day, and haven’t gone back to do the job they were initially hired to do. We keep trying to encourage them to go back and try again, where they would be put into a position where they work alone, and don’t have to talk to people all day long. They just can’t get the courage or anxiety low enough to try again. We’re not giving up though!

The next thing on the list, is getting that driver’s license. With community college in the fall, at least that’s the plan, we need to get that license b/c no one can drive them everyday to classes. They know this is needed, but it’s another thing that gives anxiety. sigh.. we will get there, just don’t know when, and that is the frustrating part. I’m not the most patient person.

Autumn has her permit, and is loving to drive most of the time. Some days more than others, but is doing pretty well with that. They are finishing up 8th grade, so next year is the beginning of the big high school career. They are already at the high school campus, so that’s a good thing. They actually started at this school (arts academy) mid-year of 7th grade, so they have friends established, and have connected with a few teachers along the way too. She did find out that 2 of her favorite teachers left mid-year this year. She really took that news hard, but still likes her school, and doesn’t want to change. I think this is the perfect school for her to flourish with her art skills. She’s a true artist, and has actually sold pieces of her art to both students and teachers this year. Everyone compliments her talents, and so we want to continue to encourage her.

We had to put her bird, Snowy down at the vet yesterday morning. It was a very difficult decision, but with the loss of both of her legs, and her labored breathing, it just wasn’t good for her to be suffering that way. We collected her remains from the vet last evening, and buried her in our flower bed. Autumn is heartbroken and grieving hard, but knows it was really the best decision.

Autumn will have a good summer, as she has re-joined Pathfinders, so they have a few activities throughout the time, as well as volunteering at Vacation Bible School with the crafts, attending summer camp at Camp War Eagle in early August, going to Boys & Girls Club while I work during the day, and honing in on those driving skills.

Austin is finishing up 6th grade, and his graduation is next week!! He says he needs to dress up, so we must go shopping for a suit this weekend. ok, I said.. wow! I can only imagine how sharp this guy will look in a suit!! He wanted me to order it online, but I told him, no, we must go into the store to try it on.. lol He’s grown quite a bit, both physically and mentally this year. The maturity is nice to see, especially as he is about to move on to the high school campus. I believe this is just the beginning of these changes, as he will be exposed to older kids next year, and see some good examples.. at least let’s hope he focuses on the good ones. haha

I did go ahead an request summer school for him, since he ended up missing quite a few days of school this year, due to sickness multiple times. In fact, he’s missing today because he said his side hurts really bad. oh my! I didn’t want to fight it, so I let it go.. one more week to go though.. then, we’re done! Hoping next year, we don’t miss nearly as many days. Fingers crossed for that!

In other news, I wish boys took showers on the daily, without their mom hounding them! And I also wish they would put the toilet seat up when they had to pee. I can’t tell you how many times I go in there, and see pee all over the seat! OMG! This is a constant reminder to them, but it goes in one ear and out the other.. maybe by the time they’re 18? haha

Adam is just finishing up 5th grade, so he still has 1 year left at the elementary campus. He’s ok with that though. He’s one that has had a rough year, as he’s falling asleep in multiple classes almost every single day. I have teachers emailing me, we had a group meeting, and I have had multiple tests done on him through his pediatrician and referrals. His EEG shows that he has epilepsy?? I was shocked at that. So, we started a medication that is supposed to help, and I believe it is working. So, we have a follow up with the Neurologist in the middle of June to review. He’s also been losing weight and BMI… very concerning! So, we went to a nutritionist, and they said he needs more protein. So, I have him on Fairlife Protein Shakes, Fairlife Milk, protein pancakes, waffles, peanut butter crackers, and protein bars for kids. He’s gained 2 lbs in the last couple of weeks, so he’s now at 72 lbs. woo hoo! Watching him closely, to make sure he eats enough, and doesn’t ever go hungry!

Adam likes to go on hikes with me, which I just love! He will come up to me and say, let’s go on a night hike! We had to stay up all night for a medical test he had to have the next morning, so had to do a lot of activities to stay awake. One of those, was a night adventure hike. He loved that! So, now he wants to do those often.

I know this update covers quite a bit, but there is soooo much more that is NOT in this update, but as I remember things, I will add them to the blog.

Summer is almost among us..

Kids are year round, so 1 more week to go.

Cheers!