In one family unit no less.
It was so good to have Happy Mouth home.
I have really missed her but it has been good for both of us.
I have not been faithful to keep up with writing and I really miss it .
I have go to figure out how to make some retro post from all
the loving funny we have around here.
Christmas was low key with visits from both sides of the family.
Family is always really good at
Ever notice that?
They mean well because obviously we need their well intended leading off of the
"your heart-is-in-the-right-place-but -no-well-thought-out-plan" that we are on.
Take the private school issue for instance.
We get the usual comments about
"I went to public school- you went to public school- it was good enough"
(I don't remember saying it wasn't.)
or the ever favorite of
"Everyone there is rich , what do you think she will have in common with them?"
and
"What about the other kids , they didn't go to private school."
"Are you going to be able to provide the same for the younger ones?"
and
BLAH
BLAH
BLAH.
Umm.. does anyone notice that we are in our 40's?
And do you not think we havenot thought this through,
prayed about it,
run - the - math-(like 70 times)?
We knew it was a chunk and we knew we had to have everyone on board.
The girls have to take on more housework and meal planning now that I am working.
Mr. Rodgers is rearranging time to get people where they need to be
and Rollercoaster is thriving . I mean loving it.
So much so that she shall be renamed according to her new personality
(yeah the hormone levels have flatlined!!!)
She shall be known henceforth as Laid Back Jane. (Jane) for short.
We didn't move her necessarily because our school was dangerous,
or she was bullied or that our district was academically failing.
I never thought I would have a child in private school.
Too much money, too snotty, too restrictive.
Yes ,I had those lovely stereotypical thoughts.
We looked into it and made the decision because of one reason:
she asked .
Her words were:
"I'm just over high school, I don't care who is dating who, who is mad at who. I don't see the point in all the social boundaries and gossip. I want to figure out where my life is going and be around other people who are interested in the same. Can we please start looking for other options?"
This type of declaration will make a mama look up from the brownie batter and take notice.
So we shopped around and found a good fit.
As a sophomore she had 3 visits with the college counselor in the first semester. She made a 100 on her first AP European History all essay test and has written for the school newspaper.
Yeah I think I'm starting to get my money's worth.
And the best thing is she loves it: Loves the learning, the challenge, the atmosphere.
This is not to start a public vs. private debate.
Happy Mouth graduated form public school and Forrest is currently attending a public middle school.
Both have done well and we are happy.
Full of empathy. kindness and direction.
I wish I had the focus and decision making abilities she does.
She is 16 and could pass for 30 on the maturity scale and yet she still possesses a child like playfulness.
Like when she tries to headlock her dad or she is fangirling (that's a thing) about 1 direction.
Every dime I make goes to her school.
I am blessed to be able to work, to have this job and to give her the option.
I am blessed to be Laid Back Jane's mama.
We don't know what the future holds.
We evaluate and pray for direction in each situation as we face each new year.
We could make a mistake (hello I am human) but we count on God to care for us and each other to work through it all.
A little support and trust would be welcome.
But if it comes or not I have learned two things:
1. Unless it is heroine or murder it is best not to guide others on a family decision unless asked.
2. Cookie Cutter families are boring-and we will have none of that!
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