It's hard to even believe Adren is now 17 and a Junior in High School. This is a big age- for a lot of reasons. Ahhh- I don't know if I am ready to have a big 17 year old son, and I am also so ready to have Adren finally 17, with more responsibilities and freedoms. Such mixed feelings. I feel like lately Jon and I have really been down in the trenches, working hard with Adren. School work, grades, talking over his future, friends & dating. I feel like the Lioness at the gate, constantly watching and pacing. Adren continues to be sweet and chatty, he is open to our council, and see's where we are coming from when we have to issue consequences. He's quick to apologize, always a gentleman and is genuinely fun and interesting to converse with. For all of this I am so grateful. I love his qualities, his character he is developing, skills that are starting to surface and the way he thinks. Of course, there are also things that drive me crazy~ the other day out of a bit of exasperation I said, "Oh Adren, how are you going to survive out there in the big world?" His reply, "At my own pace." You know what? He's right. And his pace is just fine. One thing that has been constant when Adren is involved is my big love for that boy.
I wanted to make his 17th birthday special, but I also had zero ideas on gifts. Even just one year ago I had a list of ideas, this year not one. I can't figure out his wacky style now and knew I'd strike out. I suggested we go shopping together and get him an outfit- shoes and all. He was excited about this, especially when I suggested we bring along Sammy. Paisley was happy to join us and we had a fun time browsing stores and suggesting clothes and shoes for Adren to try on. He found some Vans, and a couple pairs of pants and shirts and a belt. Cute!
The next morning I decorated and wrapped the gifts he had picked out. (There was no worry at all he would wake up before I was ready.) Adren was actually woken up by a friend delivering a breakfast drink and treat. We marveled at all the gifts delivered that day from friends. I said, "Are you giving these guys gifts on their birthdays???" He said, "I guess maybe now I am!" He had fun showing his siblings what he picked out on our shopping trip. He ended up being gone most of the day, then came home to gather a big group of friends~ Eli joined as well~ to go see the movie, Tenet (for the convenient $5 Tuesdays). This worked well since Zeke is technically quarantined by request of the school nurse~ Apparently he was in close contact with a student who tested positive for Covid, so we didn't feel comfortable throwing a big party at our home. Jon took a van load and some other friends took loads in two other car loads. We hadn't really discussed getting everyone home, so I went to the theater when I figured the movie was over, but was too late. I really didn't mind driving around by myself listening to my audio book. The birthday group had apparently all moved on to grab a burger and visit another friend. Adren and Eli made it home eventually when Jon and I were in bed. Adren felt so bad for causing me to run around, but I assured him it was fiiiine. He's 17! We'll cut his requested cake I had made, Tres Leches tomorrow.
I can tell Adren is loved and admired by many, many friends. I love these friends, too! It has been fun watching them grow up alongside Adren, with new ones added along the way. I can't help but jump ahead to next years birthday when our guy turns 18, a senior in High School poised to graduate. Jon and I talked about things we'd like to focus on with him this year so that we are in a more settled place with him next year. Looks like we may be in the trenches a little bit longer.
That's ok, he's worth it.