End of Year Recap

 Gosh, it's been some time since the blog has been updated. I didn't do a Christmas letter this year, either. So here is the news with some fun pics to accompany each section. 

JAXSON

Last year was really rough for little guy. We had a few instances where he was having emotional outbursts at school that then led him to having to stay home. It became rather intense and both Brad and I were at our wits end with what we needed to do. We asked for advice from friends and got some good ideas on how to  help him with his aggression. We also got some not-so-great advice, too. We decided to try therapy and got him diagnosed thru his pediatrician and he is on the ADD/ADHD spectrum. The latter portion of our year has been working on tools such a meditation, breathing, calming spaces, and of course, medicine. He is a completely different little guy than he was back in early April. His meltdowns are extreme because his brain isn't wired like every one else, which he recognizes. So we try to avoid those monster breakdowns before they happen. He did T-ball again in the spring and tried football this past fall, but only made it three games in before he was just not feeling it. He is doing great this year in school, although he likes to rush through his work sometimes. But his teacher is pretty amazing and has been terrific in handling his behavior and ADHD. This diagnosis has really just helped us recognize that it's okay to be aware of and vocal about mental health, and we are doing the very best we can to help him out. We love his hyper focus on things he loves like super heros, wolves, dinosaurs, and anything science related. He is creative, intuitive, fun, intelligent, and super loving. 

MADDY

Maddy entered 6th grade this year and is officially a middle schooler. So far, she likes it. She has been really good at self-managing, especially with her homework. She got her first phone for her 11th birthday through Gabb Wireless, a safe alternative to a typical smart phone. All she has access to is texting and phone calls, and music. It's pretty sweet. We signed a 2 year contract, so if she's ready and proves her responsibility with this phone, she'll get a "real" smart phone when she heads into high school. She loves soccer, still, and their team had a fantastic season, going undefeated. Next year will be harder, as they move up to 11 x 11 and full field. However, these girls are super fun to watch and our soccer family is pretty amazing. She's going to do some indoor this winter. We've tried talking her into basketball, but she isn't interested. She's also gearing up to say bon voyage to her bestie Audrianna, whose family will be moving to Texas (they're a Coast Guard family). Her big, open heart makes her pretty stellar and she is extremely inclusive, which I love about her, too. 

BRAD AND I

Brad and I have been steadily working and providing for our family. He has new owners for the company he works for, so that has been a big transition for him. Overall, he still enjoys his job, but it has become a bit more demanding and time consuming, specifically with the on call schedule. Both his co-workers have been out on medical leave, so he has had to pick up the slack. It hasn't been ideal, especially when he is on call, but he manages. As long as he enjoys his job, that is all that matters. 

I am in year 18 of teaching and am teaching all language arts this year, no Yearbook, which is such a great change. I am pretty much ready to pass that torch on to someone new, so I am grateful that our art teacher replacement took that position. I have to divvy up my expertise and time with two relatively new teachers (one is completely green and the other has limited experience teaching ELA), since our 7th grade ELA is completely split between 3 of us. This has never been the case before. Lucky me, I have some great students in my 7th ELA class and know they will be an awesome group as 8th graders, as well. Revamping that curriculum has been fun, too, considering the last time I taught 7th was in 2014. 

In other news, I had a hysterectomy on Wednesday. I have been dealing with some debilitating pain in my abdomen and severely worse near menstruation. It was decided, with my history of endometriosis and my newest diagnosis of adenomyosis, a partial hysterectomy where they take only the uterus and leave the tubes and ovaries, was our ultimate decision. I am hoping this really clears up the pain I have been having. The images looked gnarly, for sure, as I have a ton of scar tissue from previous C-sections, and the endometriosis.  It has been awful. Right now I am in recovery mode, trying to just manage the pain, walk around, and rest to the best of my ability. 

On brighter news, I did start my own business. Have had a few bites, but no set clientele yet. I am being patient and even got a bit brave and gave my business cards to the maternity ward at the hospital, since I stayed overnight there. Worth a shot, right? You can check out my business website here: M Schroeder Photography

Fur Babies

Our biggest emotional news this past year has been the loss of our three old timer pets: Bella, Noelle, and Goober. We lost Noelle to cancer in August, and Bella 3 short weeks after that to a grand mal seizure. Goober we put to sleep about 4 weeks ago due to kidney failure. It has been rough, but particularly tough for Jaxson, who adored Noelle. Right now is not great timing for another pet: we still have two cats and love the ability to just leave without having to worry about the dogs. Maybe someday. 

 Hopefully, 2023 will be a bit less rocky and bumpy. We will see. My goals are set high for some running and triathlon events, traveling in the summer, and who knows what else for our family in the upcoming year. 

So, until next time...Cheers to 2022! Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!