Living the Unexpected Life

 David graduated from High School and then we dropped our baby off at college.  THE HARDEST thing I have ever done is cut the cord. David is getting along well and learning how to study and take care of himself.  I worry every day but in a good way, he sends me texts of what he's eating and sounds happy. All of us are still adjusting and I am confident he will do great things. My baby- still little and needing his Mom. Evan is a freshman this year and getting ready to start swim in two weeks.  He is as sassy as ever, a good friend to me, and likes all the attention he gets as the only child for the next four years.  I just want him to stay little but his sense of humor gets sharper every year so I look forward to that growth! Evan's 7th grade pic.  His voice has changed and he's taller now. Halloween with his best friends Good Friends are priceless! Out entire family loves MUSIC. I'm the only one who only gets paid right now for my passion. 

The other day, I was sharing something simple about my childhood and Evan turned to me and said. "I literally know nothing about your life.  And you have an interesting one!" I thought a lot of things at that moment. 1.  I keep a journal- maybe I should share that now. 2.  Why is my life interesting?  I am just normal. 3. What have I not shared? The third question almost sent me into a panic.  I thought that maybe my kids don't know the real me.   Fortunately, I soon calmed down from that thought because I know I have always been honest and open with them.  Obviously, I need to do a better job at sharing stories. David has been working many hours the past few weeks in the warehouse for cherry season.  He is doing a great job staying positive at a boring job that pays time and half.  I think his first paycheck helped a great deal!  After my experience with Evan, I wondered if David felt the same way.  This last year I have been more consumed with David's life

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. This sentence perfectly describes how I feel about my oldest child graduating from High School.  I did not shed one tear during the graduation week UNTIL I assembled a special picture collage to display at his party.  It hit me hard how quickly time passed and how much David and I love each other today. I knew when he was born that I should cherish every moment and work hard to develop a relationship with my boy.  It has been my number one priority to be a better listener than a disciplinarian. To lead by example rather than tell him what to do. And, to share my love for my religion with my child.  As I stared at 50 some pictures all at once that represented 17 years of David's life, I knew that I had done it.  I knew that Dave had accomplished his goals so far too and that just got me crying and crying! Our family has had a roller coaster of a year getting David where he needs to be but we did it!

My family has been on a super fast ride this year.  We are going here, and there, and everywhere it seems like.  So far, no one has been too sick this winter and our "to do" list for the house is getting done.  Here are a few pictures to catch you up on our lives. Evan's first JH Band Concert.  He is there, somewhere. My most difficult students on a Field Trip.  I survived December! Chamber Choir performance Dec 2016 Team Captain and  Senior Swimmer New lights and paint! Evan is helping me make decor decisions. David sang at the Voice of Eastmont.