Josh on Josh: Fifteen!

At fifteen, Josh is doing stellar!  He hit the ground running with positivity heading into high school, and although the adjustment was harder than he thought it would be, he's found his stride.  Change is hard, especially for a boy who finds his confidence in the comfort of the known.  He has few classes with his close friends, and while many of the boys play soccer, he chose marching band, which felt like he was the odd-man-out at times.  Many of his close girl friends went to different high schools.  But he's created new circles of friends for himself, while also realizing that he can have different interests, and still be close with his old friends.  It's been wonderful to see him bloom into himself as change is all around him.  He is doing well in his high school classes, although he's been plagued by missing French assignments.  Josh still loves music, had a blast this year in marching band.  Their trip to Bands of America in Flagstaff, Arizona, was one of favorite experiences.  He was a little frustrated by the clowning around that went on when the team needed to work, but it's an awesome learning experience for him and has taught him a lot about working with others and finding patience.  He was selected for the highest performance band as a freshman, the Wind Ensemble.  It's been challenging, and he has learned so much!  Josh also took quad lessons in the fall so he could audition to play them in Winter Percussion.  Piano has been put on the back burner for now, but I'm hoping the fire will be rekindled soon.  Josh is still so tenderhearted, and loves to be tucked in every night with an "I love you" and a "see you tomorrow," said before the door can be closed.  He's navigating the wilds of teen romantic relationships, and has learned a lot this year about how to be cautious with the hearts of teen girls.  He is a great friend, shares his positivity, gusto and zest for life with so many.  A true extrovert, Josh finds ways to be with friends whenever he possibly can.  Although he doesn't have his permit yet, he is so excited for 16 when he can drive himself wherever and whenever.  Josh still loves reading, hooray, but also, much to our dismay, loves memes and games on his phone, which we are constantly telling him to put down.  Adam and I both love hanging out with Josh.  He is fun to talk with and has a great personality.  He's smart and clever.  Josh is faithful, strives to do the right thing and be a good example, and genuine.  He's a wonderful human being, and we are so proud of the young man he is!

Josh on Josh: Fifteen-Years-Old!

How old are you?  "I am fifteen."
What makes you happy?  "Mom.  My friends.  My puppy.  Doing fun stuff, you know?  Vibein'."
What are your favorite things to eat?  "I likefood.  I like eating food.  Especially food that tastes really good, but doesn't always make you feel really good--the sugary stuff.  Also, also fettuccine al fredo."
What is your least favorite thing to eat?  "Fast food."
What are your favorite things to do?  "I like playing saxophone.  I like hanging out with my friends and family.  I like eating food.  Yeah...."
What is your favorite TV show?  "The Dragon Prince and Agents of Shield."
What are you really good at?   "Being me!  Doing all the stuff that me does.  Like playing saxophone."
What is your favorite movie?  "Secret Life of Walter Mitty."
What is your favorite animal?  "Fennec foxes."
What is your favorite color?  "Shades of blue, soft oranges."
What is your favorite song?  "April Showers by Proleter."
Who are your best friends?  "Caynon Kraft, Eli Baastiansen, Rohan Gohill, Jojo Suplisson, Riley Opp, Kaden Harding."
What do you and Mom do together that you love?  "Watching movies, going out to eat, playing games."
What do you and Dad do together that you love?  "Watching movies that you don't like to watch, working on projects."
What is your favorite sport?  "Soccer."
What is your favorite book?  "Red Rising."
Where is your favorite place to go?  "The Conlin Cabin."
What makes you feel scared?  "Not knowing, being uncertain."
What do you want to be when you grow up?  "Either a music producer dude, or a sales dude or a biochemist dude."
What words would you use to describe yourself? "Charismatic, happy, musical, smart."
What is the most exciting thing you got to do this year? "Start high school."
What do you want to tell the future you? "Keep being you!  Keep doing a good job."