New title, probably same level of abandonment for the blog

I changed the title of this space to better reflect the reality that we have come a long way from where this family was in the summer of 2015, when I finally came to terms with the idea that I would be getting divorced. 

I wrote a post to the kids back in June of 2015 and reading it now, I see that some of it didn't work out the way that I hoped but most importantly, it worked out. More messy at times than I wanted, and more expensive, always. There was not as much working as a team as I envisoned, but the kids, Galaxy Girl, and I are now at the very back end of the seven and a half year period that started when I filed for divorce. There are only 6 weeks left before we age out of the Divorce Decree that, in one form or another, has framed much of our life since the Spring of 2015. 

Looking forward, it seems weird. And extremely exciting. 

Truthfully, because of  things that went down a couple of years ago, not that much will change. The oldest is off at college, 4 hours from home. He settled on his parent's alma mater. The youngest has lived with us full time for a couple of years and plans to stay here to attend Junior College, much like the Old Man's start into semi-adulthood.

Still, this is the last couple of months of needing to concern myself with responses from the other side of the table. From here on out, Galaxy Girl, the Kids, and I get to have the relationship we design and desire. In the last seven years, the four of us have all done the work to make sure that our relationships survive intact and that we are ready for this new, awesome stage to come. 

18? Seriously? What the heck?!? Graduate? Seriously? What the heck?!? Redux

The Artist turns 18 in less than a month. Unlike with MaxiMe, I feel prepared and think that I likely can this time.

The Artist and I spend a LOT of time together. Always have, but it seems to be more rare with a late teenager. 

I was a stay-at-home parent for 8 years, from the time MaxiMe was about 12 weeks old, until The Artist started First Grade. During that time we enrolled The Artist in a preschool program that came highly recommended by neighbor moms. I ended up working there, so the youngest and I spent that time together, too. 

When the kids were in Middle School, I taught there. A couple of years ago I spent a year teaching at their High School. The running joke with The Artist trends toward whether or not I will teach at the community college where they have enrolled.

The Artist and I have a very close relationship and I am lucky and a better dad because of it. One of the best ways that I see we are still on the right track with the kids involves their relationship with Galaxy Girl, the bestest Bonus Mom, Other Mother, Main Mama, Step Mom who has stepped into the role. 

MaxiMe is in his Sophomore year, 4 hours away. He hit 20 a couple of months ago and is an incredibly intelligent and compassionate young man. He astounds me daily with his insights though like lots of modern parents, I mainly read these on Twitter.