Living, Loving, Learning

  Whoa!  What a year it has been, for everyone, but especially for teenagers! Griffin has done virtual school all year and while it has had some perks (sleeping in, learning time management, improved study skills, protection from Corona virus) it definitely has had it's drawbacks.  In a purely selfish way, there have been things I have LOVED about this year.  Griffin is on the cusp of young adulthood and a brand new level of freedom that the pandemic held back a year.  Another year to know he is home safe on a Friday night, another year of family dinners every night, another year of him pitching in and helping out around the house in little and big ways, another year of bonding and hanging out with his little sister, another year to stay the original foursome.  I've been aware that this golden hour is limited and have tried to be present and really appreciate it.  I'm so proud of the way Griffin stepped up to managing his education, physical health and mental health.  Our t

Lucy is 13 today! Wow.  I'm totally, legitimately Parenting Adolescents ! (old reference for those who have known me forever).  Life is GOOD with two teenagers in the house.  It's been a year of intense togetherness and aloneness.  We spent many hours doing activities we enjoyed as a foursome, but also I think we each had more alone time than ever before.  It wasn't a year of making new friends, experiencing new places, trying new activities but it still provided plenty of personal growth opportunities.  Lucy has proven herself to be an exceptional student.  She grasps new concepts quickly, she is organized and has excellent time management skills, and she is engaged with the content.  She has deepened already existing friendships with school friends, her best friends Lily and her cousin Alethia during HOURS upon HOURS on facetime.  Her personality is so much like Bruce's.  It’s like watching a duck in a pond. ....being with her is relaxing.  She is fun and clever and p