Oh these times, they are a changin'

The funny thing about kids is that they grow up, right?

One minute you're bringing them home from the hospital, and you begin the journey. The journey of bottles, diapers, bathtime and schedules, and "is it teething or are they sick?" And, you do this for a bunch of years until you add school into the mix. With school comes the journey of homework, projects, grades, and friends, and, "Is it allergies or are they sick?" And you do this for a bunch of years, and then what?

Well, in Sara's case, she moves on to high school. Yes, the 3rd Little Bird is leaving the middle school nest and flying off to high school. Like my bird analogy? I hate birds. Anyway. As she enters high school, Jack leaves. He's just...done.

Sara Grace. Girl has had a ROUGH middle school experience.  I couldn't be happier to see her move on to bigger and better.  Middle school for girls is a totally different animal than it is for boys and I'm so grateful that this chapter is closing. With that said; I don't think I could possibly be more proud of the fight this girl put up this year.  Every day was a battle. Some days she lost, but more often than not,  she won. It's the nature of the beast, I suppose. Oh, school.

Speaking of, school has never been easy for Jack. In second grade, we began our journey as a 504 family, which turned into an IEP. This isn't something I've ever spoken about in this capacity. Why? For his benefit. I would never want anyone to think any less of him because of his struggles and diagnosis. I know that not everyone "believes" that ADHD is a thing-- YOU'RE WRONG, IT IS VERY REAL--but I want to protect him from THOSE mean-spirited and inaccurate comments. And to be honest, it really isn't anyone's business. I'm sharing now to illustrate that when I say school hasn't been easy, it's for a very valid reason. And I'm sharing now to say that he worked his ass off and fought for this graduation. At the time of writing this, it looks like he is going to make honor roll for the first time ever. I have no words, to be honest.  I've watched him struggle but then succeed. I do not know what the future holds for my biggest boy...neither does he...but he has made Greg and I so proud. I wish him happiness and luck and success in whatever he does. Gentle reminder to anyone who is listening: college is NOT for everyone. I'm not sure if it's for my son and that's okay. It really is!

To my numbers 1 and 3. I love you so much. My heart could actually burst with pride when I think about how hard you've worked for your respective big days. Keep reaching for the stars and keeping doing the hard things. I'm proud of you today and every day, my "babies".

I love you both too much madly.