Schroeder turned sixteen on a quiet, gray Thursday during spring break. I had him drive us to the credit union so we could set him up a checking account. It currently has no money in it, but will be there when he inevitably gets a job in the next couple years.
We had dinner, sang to him over brownies, and watched a movie together as a family. He asked for a Google watch which he received, but I also bought him a book and some hair products. He's on a journey to decide how he likes to cut and style his hair. I'm on a journey to convince him to read for fun.
He's finishing up his sophomore year and keeping himself busy playing a sport every season. Soccer is still his first love, but swimming became more than just a way to stay conditioned. He shaved more than twenty seconds off his backstroke time allowing him to become more competitive. He's finishing off the year playing volleyball where he has become a confident serve receiver and server. I love to watch him play.
He had to take on a personal project for school and choose to run the monumental mini marathon in November. He finished in just a few minutes over two hours. I thought last year's 500 mini would be my last, but he convinced me to run it with him this year. It's hard for him to find time to condition with all his school and sport commitments, though.
I'm running with Schroeder, but he and Stephen have become regulars at the early morning Tottenham soccer games broadcast at a local bar. Who knew there were enough fans to have a local club?
He's owning his academics this year. He admittedly struggles with procrastination, but is learning more about how to manage his time. He is playing trombone and was invited to move up to one of the top bands at the semester but didn't like how that would mess with his schedule. His band teacher said, "Everyone likes Schroeder. He has the opportunity to wield his influence for good or for bad."
He's learning about relationships, who is safe to talk to, how to love well and forgive, how to give good gifts. I can read his face pretty well, but I try to stop pushing if he isn't up to talking. He has leaned on Maggie a couple times. I've heard them in her room discussing and processing. She also gave him advice on how to execute a proper homecoming proposal. I'm excited to see how their relationship develops when they are back in school together next year.
He got his learner's permit last summer. His older siblings have both required three attempts to pass the written test so I assumed Schroeder would do the same. We rushed into the BMV not long before soccer practice, and I said something to the effect of "It won't take long for you to fail."
Who's a good mom, and also wrong with regularity?
He breezed right through and then had to stay to process paperwork. He was late for soccer.
He had several driving lessons with a man who teaches at Whiteland High School. "Did you tell him that Dad and I graduated from Whiteland? Did you tell him you know one of the art teachers there?" No. I guess he doesn't share my enthusiasm for making random connections.
We love this boy particularly for his mean air guitar skillzzzzzz and his willingness to play with his younger cousins (although he could be gentler). Happy Birthday Schroe!
