Keeping busy

I feel lucky to have her. Jade is a really good kid. Other than the issue with rules, I haven't had any problems. I decided she's 17 and if she wants to hang out with her friends all the time, so be it. She's been living with friends, so it is hard for her to just give up that life. I guess I'm not as much fun as a teen. lol. Once she has a car, it's gonna be hard to contain her anyway. She just can't come and go, though. She needs to tell me where she's going and when she expects to be back. As long as her friends are quiet, I'll let them spend the night. I've also been letting Jade drive my car [with her "rookie" driver's permit]. So far, so good. It was pretty scary turning over the keys to my car to a teen I barely know. But I feel comfortable with her at the wheel. With a rookie driver's permit, I have to be with her when she drives, so I still feel like a bit of a taxi. But again, once she starts driving, I'll see less and less of her, so I'll enjoy the car rides while I have them.

I was away for a couple of days and she was allowed to stay with the "Smith Family," who also have kids that are her friends. The Smiths are awesome and have been a lot of help. Caitlyn, who is one of the Smith kids, spent the night the other day and Jade just seemed so happy and carefree with her around. I love to see her happy and having fun.

Jade has registered for college classes. Still not sure how she's getting there... Jade was going to talk to DSS about it, so when I go to pick her up tonite, I'll find out the options. I'm starting school soon myself, and I'm glad she'll have a class the same evening I do. I won't have to feel AS bad coming home so late. She'll get out of class much earlier than me, but at least she won't be sitting around. I'm excited for her.

Oh, and Jade even called me while I was away to ask if it was ok to spend a night at a friend's house. She said Mr. Smith said it was ok, but she just wanted to check with me. Have I mentioned she's a good kid? lol.