It’s been a while since I’ve sat down to write one of these updates. Life didn’t stop. I just stopped documenting it. And in these past couple of years, so much has happened. The days kept moving, the seasons changed, and in the middle of it all, our family kept growing, learning, and evolving.
Roman made a big decision. One that we fully supported. He chose to step away from the public education system and complete his schooling at home. It wasn’t a decision we made for him, but one we made with him. We’ve always believed our kids should be stakeholders in their own lives, learning how to make decisions now that will shape who they become later.
And he truly rose to the challenge.
While completing his coursework, Roman also poured himself into building his lawn care business. Through that experience, he didn’t just “finish school”—he learned something deeper. He learned that success comes from hard work, dedication, responsibility, and drive. Those are lessons that no institution can teach. They’re earned through experience. Watching him grow into this next stage of life has been incredible. He’s now a high school graduate, and more than that, he’s becoming a man. We couldn’t be prouder. As he continues growing his business, he’s also exploring opportunities in the trade school world, and we’re excited to see where that path leads him.
Max is right behind him, finishing up middle school and preparing to step into high school. His path is still wide open, and we intend to keep it that way. We want him to explore, to question, to discover what truly interests him. The world is changing quickly, and with it comes a greater need for independence, resilience, and self-direction. These are qualities that seem to be fading in today’s youth. We’re committed to raising our children to think for themselves, to stand on their own, and to understand that they never have to fit into a box that society tries to build for them. Their path is theirs to choose.
Rick continues to be the hardworking man he has always been. Not only is he working full time, but he’s also steadily building his real estate efforts on the side. Even working from home, he’s never alone. His two loyal (and sometimes distracting) co-workers, Chewy and Gronk, keep him company and make sure the days are never dull. His dedication to providing for our family and creating opportunities for the future doesn’t go unnoticed, and it’s a constant example to all of us of what commitment and perseverance look like.
As for me, I’m wrapping up my 21st year of teaching. It’s hard to put into words how much the profession has changed, especially in just the last few years. What once felt challenging now often feels nearly impossible. Still, I show up each day and give what I can, even as I navigate a landscape that can feel uncertain and at times, unsettling. Watching these changes unfold from the inside has been eye-opening, and yes, at times, a little scary.
As we look ahead, we know the coming year may bring uncertainties and challenges. But one thing we are sure of is this: together, the four of us will face whatever comes our way. Through every change, every decision, and every unknown, we have each other and that is more than enough.
Life keeps moving forward. Our family keeps growing. And even though I haven’t written it all down along the way, none of it has been lost.
We’re still here. Still making memories. Still becoming.
Comments