It’s been about that long since I’ve made a post on here about the kids…

Since then, my oldest turned 21 this summer, another turned 18.. So, big milestone birthdays in my household this year!

I have a freshman, sophomore and senior… and a 21… 🙂

The kids are thriving and growing into young adults.

My 15 year old was feared to be a lost cause, since he kept hacking into computer systems, and blowing the minds of the IT Department at his school. He was selling laptops that looked like the school’s and created a website that appeared to be the school’s, but it was for gaming. Teachers took a while to catch on. It was impressive, but not the best use of knowledge. He said it was easy, but to who? The principal wanted to hire him as a consultant, but you know, that can’t happen. They determined his high school career would be best suited at a technical high school. So, that is where he went last school year, and has become a completely different person. He’s got goals, drive, communication skills at the level of a 27 year old male, his teachers are all very impressed with him. His retired math teacher recommended that he take 2 AP Math courses this year. He needs a challenge, so that he avoids making those negative consequence choices. His goal is to attend Stanford or Cornell. We will see, as long as he is focused, that kid can do anything. I know he’s going places. He has partnered with a few guys in website / gaming development, hosting servers for a community in NWA, and created a discontinued game from PBS, and was issued a cease and assist order from their lawyers. He did comply, and have to give up all of what he did, but another impressive thing he’s done on his own. I appreciate his knowledge, drive and skills, but told him he really needs to put that energy into positive, good things. His teachers are aware of his capabilities, so are working closely with him on the challenges to keep him engaged and motivated. From 7th grade to 10th grade, this kid has made a complete turn around in his being.

My 18 year old has struggled with bullying since 6th grade. She’s a senior this year. She had gone through a year of school at home, and decided it’s best that she attend school in person with her peers. She is artistic in a way, that awe all around her. She can draw an intricately detailed wolf or dragon in 5 minutes, with little to no effort. She loves drawing with pencil, and has several sketchbooks in her collection. I have framed her artwork from school, and she should be very proud of her work. She is involved in a youth group, and now that she is 18, she can be a staff member, rather than just attending as a student. She drives her and her younger brother to school everyday, and is a great driver. I have no fears with her on the road. Her school schedule looks pretty decent, and it includes German and Archery. She’s planning on moving away after graduation, but we will see how that goes, since nothing is in concrete, as it is only August…. But, if that happens, I know that you have to learn to let them fly and learn some life lessons along the way. We can’t always coddle them.

My 21 year old has struggled with depression, constant headaches and extreme anxiety over the last 8 years. We have gone through countless hours of therapy, several different medications, modifications / accommodations at school, changing high schools during COVID. She even did a bit of home school work, struggled to communicate with family / friends, and did not see any improvement until just this year! It’s been the longest process to get to where we are today. She now has her driving permit, practicing everyday to get her license. She has applied at a few different daycares in the area, because she loves kids. She’s very good with them, and is a gentle soul. I think that is right up her alley. Also, she has applied to take 1 college course this fall, so I take all of these BIG steps for her, and we’re making progress in transitioning into adult life. It might have taken a while, but we’re getting there.

My 14 year old is doing the typical things that boys his age do. Play video games, eat snacks, and lives a simple life. Eat, play games, sleep, and repeat. Well, now that school started back up, he’s got to do that too. He’s my baby, and will do whatever chores I ask of him, so that’s a win. The rest of the kids are OK with doing them, but he seems to enjoy it more so. He is the only one who likes to ride in my convertible during the cooler weather time, NOT right now. It’s too HOT! Soon, we will be cruising around though.

Overall, life is great, no complaints, I know my past posts have definitely expressed frustration, exhaustion, desperation, and struggle.

So very thankful where we are today.

Cheers to the new school year and the memories we will make along the way.