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!

It’s the mid-term update for the school age children. 🙂

We have had a pretty good school year to date, with NO real incidents to report.

I am knocking on wood, because at any moment, this could change.

It’s my oldest child’s senior year. Senior pictures were recently taken, and they turned out pretty good. Still having extreme anxiety, but there are fewer panic attacks requiring them to be picked up early though.

Autumn is doing well in 8th grade, teachers enjoy having her in their classroom.

Austin is performing very well, above most of the students in his class. I’m surprised and impressed by this.

Adam is struggling a little bit. He’s tired in the mornings, and sometimes doesn’t want to do his classwork. He’s had to have it sent home and we do it together. We will see how the next couple of weeks go before Thanksgiving break.

I am scheduling a family photo session in December, because we need to capture this final season before Allie is legally an adult, and can go off to college and be independent. Although, the current plan is for them to attend the community college.

Immediate Goals for Allie – obtain that driving permit or license, and obtain a 504 plan with school.

Goals for Austin – create a plan for his summer break, so he can work and earn money. Braces are in his future for fall 2023.

Goals for Adam – get the confidence up, do some yard work to earn money. Braces are in his future for summer 2023.

Immediate Goals for Autumn – obtain that driving permit, figure out if she can get a job in the summer, and earn that money. She wishes she had taken care of her teeth, and wants to have a retainer again.. sigh.. lol

I hardly have anything amazing to share at this time, but we’re still surviving.

Holidays are coming, the boys and I will be on a cruise during Thanksgiving week.

Allie & Autumn did not want to go, even though they were offered, so they will be going to their dad’s for the week.

We haven’t done much as far as fall festivities go, but I did take 2 kids to a haunted house recently, and it was fun.

Only Autumn & Austin wanted to go trick or treating this year, so that was a little strange. lol But, they had fun anyway. Austin hurt his knee when he fell really hard on the road. He’s got a pretty bad bruise, and it’s tender, so he’s using crutches for about a week.

Before we know it, Christmas will be upon us.. I already hear it playing on the radio.. eek!

Let’s try to update on all things that have happened since the last update… haha

First, I will start with my oldest child, Allie. Over the summer, we continued our monthly counseling sessions, even though the regular therapist was out on maternity leave. We met with this new person, and Allie seemed to be OK sharing thoughts and convictions with this person. It was during one session, which I was in as well, that it was shared that Allie identifies as non-binary & asexual. WOW! What a bit of news to share with mom, in front of a counselor, who was going to help my emotional way through this. I was a bit sad, because this was my 1st born, my “daughter,” I had so many different visions of “her” future than this. I had to sit and process this for a few minutes, with tears, of course. I was just overwhelmed with thoughts. I wondered what “her” future would be like, what friends and family would think or say. What people would say about me, as a mom. What did I do wrong? I was just completely like wow! So, after a few minutes to process, we discussed those thoughts and concerns, carefully, thoughtfully, and sensitively. I wanted Allie to KNOW that “she” is special and loved no matter what! I never wanted “her” to think for one second that I didn’t “approve” of this news. It’s just an adjustment for me. I am not well-versed in this LGBTQA+ community and what this all means. I support my “daughter” and will be there for “her” no matter what. I am not going to run around and shout from the roof top or anything, but I am here for THEM. My child wants to share part of their true feelings from their heart, and truly identifies this way, than who am I to say they can’t? I choose love and support during this time. Adolescence is hard enough these days, and they need all the TLC available from their circle. This is just something that is new territory, as I told the counselor. I have to adjust to saying “them” “they” instead of “her” and “she” when talking about them. This is something that we are all still in the process of getting used to, but it’s taken courage for Allie to come out and say this officially. Also, this doesn’t mean that’s how it will be forever. As a teen, life is confusing, strange, and so much pressure from peers, social media, news, and even sometimes school. We just have to take this one day at a time, and love through it. Allie did share that the feelings of depression are no longer present, as much, now that this has been shared. I am ever so grateful for that. This child of mine has struggled with extreme anxiety (and still does), ADD, depression, and sleeplessness. We are on a medication regiment to treat most of these things, and still going through the stresses, but I am finding that they are communicating needs, desires, and opinions so much more frequently now. It’s amazing to see this! I continue to be there for Allie and hope that my friends and family are too.

Second, let’s talk about Austin. He’s growing up FAST! He’s now 11, and is helping family fix computers, giving me everyday knowledge on the latest technology out there, and all the things he can’t wait to buy for himself. LOL He’s on a fall break for 2 weeks, and while he’s able to spend time at his dad’s for a week, he said, “why would I do that? I want to work with Papa and make $$” So, that is exactly what he’s been doing all week this week. He’s not complained ONE time about having to get up early, and get after his day. He’s in Chattanooga this weekend, working a trade show with his Papa. I’m super proud of him, because we most recently graduated from counseling together. We had been going to see a counselor together, about once a month. He was struggling in school, that’s how we first got started with him. But, over time, he’s learned how to apply himself in school, find the motivation within himself to do the work, stay on task, listen and be respectful to others. He’s doing very well. We started at a new school this year, and he’s enjoying and adapting to it. I am very pleased with what I’m seeing so far. I even text his former teacher that he had for ALE, and she was so glad to hear the update too. She told me that she stayed an extra year at that school mainly because of Austin. I love hearing that! She made a difference in him, and I greatly appreciate special teachers like her.

Now, let’s talk about Miss Autumn. She’s 14.. She is also blossoming into quite the young lady. She’s starting 8th grade this year, again at AR Arts Academy. She really had a rough go at school last year. Changing schools mid-year, getting COVID, then getting mono. It caused her to miss over a month of school. She did attend summer school, to help get her where she needed to be for starting 8th grade off right. I recently had parent teacher conferences, and every single one of them LOVE her. They are impressed with how she is engaging in conversations, participating in class, doing her work and turning it in on time, and answering the teacher surveys. They know her learning style, because she communicated that directly with them. I am just super impressed with that! She’s also a free spirit, which I absolutely love!

Finally, let me update you on Mr. Adam, my “baby” and momma’s boy. 🙂 He’s now 10 years old, and loves dates with his mom, evening walks, kayaking, adventures, and staying home to play his computer game. He can be very sweet and want to help make dinner, and then there are times when he’s so absorbed in his games, that he hardly steps away to eat his dinner. But, overall, he’s a great kid. He loves math and he’s really good at it too. His teacher tells me that recently, he’s been coming to school really tired, and it takes him half the day to really wake up and participate in class… hmm.. this is about the same time that he asked to have his phone as an alarm clock.. I think we will be having a talk when he returns from his dad’s over the weekend. No more of that!! He likes to take showers twice a day, follow most rules, and he’s the only one who likes to ride in the convertible with the top DOWN! haha

Overall, life is pretty sweet, not so crazy and chaotic in the past.

I attribute these positive changes to my village people. I have gained so much from my years with having April be my other parent with me. She’s been the taxi, picking kids up from school, being their tutor to ensure they get their homework done and turned in, their “mom” to ensure they get their chores done, and obey when they start talking trash back to her. She’s been my rock for so long, but this past summer that changed. She shared with me, that she’s going back to school, to pursue her degree in business. I am proud of that for her! She’s something! Well, with that bit of news, I had to change some things about my schedule to make this work. I found out that Boys & Girls Club does pick up from the boys’ school, and Autumn can walk to it from her school. WINNING! Then, for Allie, between my dad, step-mom, my mom, and myself, we worked out our schedule to get “them.” It all works, and we are doing it! With me being home in the evenings, rather than at a flight lesson or the gym, it has opened up my time to be with who is most important. My family. So, we have dinners together, can relax, wind down, take an evening walk, whatever. It’s been really great these past few months.

Change can be a good thing.

At least it is for us.

This title says it all.. Basically, since the last update on this blog, all of the above went through our house like a rocket. It was just one thing after another, non-stop.

My 13-year old felt most of this pain.. She was very sick mid-April, and it wasn’t until the end of that month, that she was finally diagnosed with having mono. We don’t even know where she got it.. But, it had her down for a little under 2 months. Last week was her first full week back at school. She will have to attend summer school, since she has missed over a full month of class time. Even now, she’s experiencing extreme congestion, along with an ear infection this week. She did get an x-ray yesterday, and it revealed that her lungs are clear, thank goodness! But, we have yet to find a medication that helps relieve her symptoms. Allergy meds aren’t touching it. Nasal Spray isn’t helping. Anti-biotics aren’t touching it. We have one more anti-biotic to try per the doctor, and then we will be referred to an allergist. I am hopeful that we are on the path to finding resolution soon.

My 10-year old experienced some strange symptoms at school one day about a month ago. He was so light headed and felt dizzy. He collapsed in the school hallway, and he believes he passed out. He described it as if he wasn’t alive anymore. Very scary! His teacher found him, and took him to the school nurse. I took him to the children’s hospital that evening. I did have him tested for mono also, and they said that the results indicated he had mono at one time, but they could not determine a timeframe.. only that he didn’t have it currently. They took blood, and found that he was dehydrated. After a little more tests, everything else was normal. We went home, and made him drink fluids all the next day. He was back to his normal self after that.

My 11-year old came down with COVID shortly after that.. he was down for 3 days with high fever, and slept all day. I thought it was mono at first also.. but, he tested positive for COVID, and had to isolate.

After another day, my 10-year old tested positive for COVID. But, he didn’t have any real symptoms.. at least for 5 days of that anyway.. then, he had a fever for a day or two, and was tired.

My 16-year old, has been struggling high amounts of anxiety, mainly due to school, assignments, pressure, and having to complete some college level courses, that she just could not make herself do. Despite knowing that she needed to, she just couldn’t.. I am at a loss on how to help her through this, but she is still attending counseling bi-weekly, taking her medication, reviewing doses on a monthly basis, and attending classes, just to make it through.

Needless to say, this momma is worn out from all this sickness, and running from doctor to doctor weekly!

Hoping for some relief this summer, that includes water park fun, camping, hiking, making homemade ice cream, birthday celebrations, and traveling.

Always staying positive and on track for success.

Cheers!!

We have been going through the motions for the past 2 months or so.

Winter has been long and drawn out, making us weary and tired of the endless days of cold, snow, overcast, and gloom.

We are finally seeing the spring life pop up, and it definitely gets the motivation up and running.

Austin tells me he is excited about mowing lawns.

Adam tells me he wants to go camping.

Autumn says she likes to watch the birds.

Allie says not much, as usual… but, i know that she would prefer the warm weather, as opposed to cold!

Each of us have our own walks of life throughout the week, and it seems like we have just been doing the repetitious “pattern work,” as they say in aviation, when you take off, stay in the pattern, and come back to land, only to repeat over and over.

We have school, homework, chores, workouts, making the dinner, showers, read books, study, sleep, and then up and at it again.

I really want to create some excitement outside of our “pattern” of a life, but it can’t cost an arm and a leg to do so.

Typically, I like to take an annual vacation with the kids, going somewhere fun, for about 5 days. This year, the goal is to remain out of debt, do things local, and low costing.

It’s a challenge, but I’m working on a list.. The kids will not appreciate my list, but I will make the most of this life with them. For one day, they might just say, I’m so glad my mom made us do the things..

The 2022 activity list so far:

Renaissance Festival in OK

Camping with the grandparents

Hiking to a waterfall, and a picnic (a day trip)

Sight-seeing in our natural state (driving around, getting “lost in the country”)

Visit museums (locally – Indian, downtown Rogers)

Take a day off work and take the kids on a surprise adventure… TBD

We will see how things turn out, but I’m hopeful it will be a grand time!!

This is something that my former mother-in-law would tell me quite often. I appreciate those words, as they are very REAL to me in this chapter of my life.

The kids are growing rapidly, increasing in grade levels, having birthdays, telling me that they know things about everything, and I could go on more and more.

But, these DAYS.. omg.. they are the longest, most drawn out, excruciating, leaving me feeling targeted with everything that can possibly happen.

We have been to the doctor countless times already this year.. and it’s only FEBRUARY.

We went from one kid having COVID, to me having COVID for a 2nd time in a year, to that same kid having strep throat, to another kid having an ear infection.

Not to mention any other minor symptoms that kept them from going to school, for the fear of it being COVID, even though there was a negative test result at home.

Then, we have winter.. winter weather every other week; at least it seems that way.

Transferring one kid from one school to another, and weather hits, then sickness hits. She attended school 5 days so far.. and weather strikes us again.

Then, we have 2 girls that got cramps this week, so they ended up not feeling well over the weekend. One even ended up missing 1 full day of school because of it.

So.. thankful for the flexibility with work, to be able to work at home, when these situations arise.

I kid you not.. hahaha. these days are LONG.

But, oh how precious they are.. For one day, I will look back in awe and wonder.. how did I do all this?

There are some keys to happiness in my life. For without them, I would probably be considered an insane person.

1. COFFEE (THE MAGIC IN A CUP – IT TRULY IS JUST THAT)
2. GYM TIME (PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, GETS BLOOD PUMPING, FEELING ALIVE, AND IN THE ZONE)
3. QUIET TIME AFTER 8:30 (KIDS GO TO BED, I LAY IN BED, REFLECTING ON THE DAY, WATCH SOME TV, READ A BOOK, STUDY FOR FLIGHT SCHOOL)
4. MUSIC (JAMMING TO MY FAVORITE TUNES IN THE CAR)
5. GIRL TIME (DINNER /DRINKS -WHEN I DON’T HAVE TO COOK OR WORRY ABOUT THE KIDS NOT LIKING IT)

The kids are a joy to be around most of the time.

Sometimes though, when I hear fighting, I just can’t help myself, and tell them that they need to learn how to cook and clean when I move out.. hahahahahaha

It’s been a minute since this single mother of 4 has updated the happenings around here.

There’s a few updates in regards to my 13 year old. She expressed interest in changing to a different school in late fall. I was able to get her in, but she changed her mind. Fast forward another month, and she requested again for me to inquire if they still had an opening. They DID! So, I made sure to tell her that there would be no changing of the mind, once we committed to the switch. We made the transition late last week, right when the snowstorm came through. Her first 3 days were virtual. She started in person this week, and is loving it so far. I’m very excited for this journey for her. She loves sketching, and is quite talented. This is an art school, so it’s going to be a good fit for her.

My 16 year old is doing ok, but parent teacher conferences are this week, and it was just brought to my attention that she has outstanding assignments from last week, and essay that she hasn’t done, which was to be written in class. This was news to me and made my heart sink. I had no idea she has been struggling, and now I have to have this face to face conversation about it with her. I know she will shut down and act stressed. I feel terrible. So, that is heavy on my heart at this time.

My 9 year old was diagnosed as a “night owl” a couple of weeks ago at a neurological doctor visit. He has a hard time falling asleep, and ends up waking up not feeling rested. He will sleep in class until around 10am, according to his teacher. The only remedy we are told to try, is consistent bedtime at 8:30pm, and wake up time at 6:00am. No electronics after 6:30pm nightly. No melatonin, as that is an inhibitor for puberty and can cause issues with kids and teens.

My 11 year old, just had an epic birthday party at Modern Mission. It was a huge indoor laser tag facility, and we got to play 40 minutes of games. He invited kids from his old school, as well as his current one. We had about 10 of his friends come. It was so fun for them. I like creating memories with the kids, rather than buying some expensive gift. They will remember the experience much more than the gift anyway.

This life is just like a roller coaster.. never a dull moment, and it does give me thrills.

I love adventures, and parenting is just that.

2021 is behind us now, and I have completely wiped it out of my brain.

We are starting fresh and new, with all things exciting in store for us.

The goals for this year are rather simple.

Staying home, saving more, doing things that matter, making time to live simpler. Decluttering closets, toy bins, dresser drawers, filing those papers or tossing them out if need be, and organizing everything.

This is going to take a chunk of time, but when we are home, and have no other plans, then these should be manageable projects.

The kids will have their responsibilities in this too. I don’t intend on this being a “me” project by any means.

Life is busy, we tend to toss things in the closet or in a pile, only to forget about coming back to it, and doing what needs to be done with it.

Clear space makes for a clearer, sharper mind.

The chores will pick back up for each kid, they will get their $$ each week again, as I know how much they have missed getting their weekly “paychecks.” haha

It’s important to have individual goals, but also to have family goals.

My individual goal this year, is to teach the kids about making a goal for themselves.

What do they want to improve on, explore and become proficient in, or do in 2022.

The month just began, so there is no time like now, to start new, and wipe out the old.

’tis the season to be jolly. for things that the children want, but will not receive.

’tis the season for the electronic free zone to enter our home, but only for 2, as they did something they were told not to.

’tis the season for the children to argue with each other, tell me they’re bored, and refuse to be kind and helpful.

’tis the season for the repeated question “can I have my device back?” everyday of the Christmas break.

It really was ’tis the season, until that final day of school before the break. I got the call from my son’s teacher. He had somehow disabled the school’s wifi security system, so they could not track his online activity. He does not see anything wrong with this action. The school sees things a little differently on this. The librarian, who is the school tech person, was flabbergasted. She had to refer to the school district to get involved, and now we wait for the next steps. Until then, I need to take drastic action with him, so he understands the severity of his actions. He still doesn’t get it. He thinks they are dumb for making this an issue. WOW! He needs to understand that this does have consequences, and he will have to suffer some pain with this. I need him to follow rules, do his school work, and be accountable for both good and bad actions. He is so upset with me, and continually asks me if he can have his devices back. I wrote him a letter, expressing why he cannot have them back. This might avoid the “why” question.. for a few minutes.

I am on the struggle bus in a major way with this situation.

’tis the season…

Here’s a few random thoughts / life events that have happened the past few months, in a recap format:

You know that your child loves you, when they tell you that they are going to be sad for 2 days because no one will be here to cuddle with you. (They are your biggest cuddler).

You know you’re teaching your child right when they want to open doors for you, kiss on you, hug you, tell them they are thankful for you, and want to snuggle close as often as possible.

You know that you are on thin ice with your kid, when you take away electronic devices… they tell you daily that they don’t like you, call you a liar, threaten to not do school work, or love you anymore.

I took the electronics away for some very good reasons. There was a case of some fraudulent charges on my DEBIT card early in the week. There was an attempt to purchase an i-phone 13 through AT&T in TX, and finally, I received a random “gift” of a Webcam from a random address. All of these things are pretty crazy, creepy, and demand action be taken.

I had to get the kids to have a reset anyway, because they have become addicted to the gaming, so much. My youngest would sneak time on his device after being tucked into bed. He would sleep in class until 10am! Of course, I am thinking what is this? I would never see any evidence in his room, that he had his computer in there with him. I was beginning to think he had a sleeping disorder. I took him to the doctor. They have ordered one for him, but I am still waiting on that call. In the meantime, it is confirmed, that he is truly sneaking his computer. ugh! So.. I just simply came home from work one day, so mad. I loaded all the electronics into the car, and took them off the property, so they could not even sneak them anymore. NO temptation. We’re only a few days in, so we’re still in the “I’m mad at you” stage. But, they did get their legos out, and started building towns and things again. I will not complain about stepping on legos! lol

In other news, my oldest is still making it to school everyday, seems to be doing ok. My only goal for her this year, is for her to make it through 11th grade. My girl has been struggling so hard with depression and extreme anxiety. It has taken several adjustments to medications to get her to where she is today. We still aren’t where we need to be ideally, but it’s progress. She’s making it.

My 13 year old wants to go to summer camp again this year, so there are some qualifications she must meet in order to attend. One of those, is 20 hours of community service. We typically volunteer to foster a cat for 2 weeks, so she can get that full credit. She is fully responsible for caring for the cat, during this time. She has been doing pretty good, but I am so fearful to let the kitty roam the full house, so we have her in the den downstairs because it’s hardwood flooring. I covered the couches with sheets, and there’s a door that slides and locks. So, that has been working really well. However, the past couple of days, I have found accidents on the floor. Our 2 weeks is up, and it’s time to return her to the “zoo.” So, we are making arrangements for tomorrow evening. The kitty is super loving, but we just cannot have a kitty cat here to keep. We can only sign up for fostering. I am just worn out from this one though. At least we are doing our part in socializing the kitty, loving on her, and getting her ready for her forever home.

As a parent, I do what I do to hopefully guide my children, in a way, that helps make them into strong, motivated, selfless, and honest individuals. These are characteristics I believe I have in myself, and hope they can identify that in me.

Until they grow up, I can only do my best, hoping it’s enough. Not stressing about tomorrow, because that’s outside of my control.