Time to Talk with your Teenager

In our many, many drives back and forth to DD rehearsals, we have had many conversations. Lately, however, we have been listening to a book on tape. I had recommended that she should read The Shack, but given the tons of books that she reads, she has not had time, so the other day she took it out on tape. So each night, we have been listening eagerly. And then we started talking again, she has so much to stay that we are stuck in The Shack unable to move forward because we’ve been chatting so much. But I sure will never complain about her talking too much (ok, maybe sometimes – but I think you mom’s know what I mean).

Last night’s conversation was one that every parent would love to hear from the child, but I was lucky enough to get it. She began talking about how a friend of hers confided in her that she hated her mother. She let me know that she had counseled the girl to be careful about the words she used and that she should really think about why she thinks that. The girl told her how much cooler everyone else’s mom is. DD responded, “I’ve thought about this a lot, and, you know how your parents sometimes tell you how perfect some other child is or that you should be more like so and so? Well it’s the same thing. They don’t see those children when they are misbehaving and we don’t see those other parents when they are having mental breakdowns. Sometimes we don’t see how cool our own parent’s are. . .” She went on and on but I think I stopped listening. She understood. I think I was in my 20’s when I got this. . . Maybe we will find our way through these teenage years yet.

BTW, I think this conversation had some implication that I may have a few cool genes. It may take us a lot longer to finish The Shack than I expected, but I’m ok with that.

by,
MOM

Writing Love Letters - not just for love birds

It was funny to read C’s blog today. I was just reading about love letters on another blog and her note reminds me that we should be sure to tell everyone that we love that we do love them. So here is just a few of the many, many reasons that I think my DD is cool:

She writes me notes
She loves to read
She cooks delicious Fettuccini Alfredo and Shrimp Fried Rice (and more but those are just some of her specialties)
She learned to play the keyboard in about a day
She saved a ton of money and works hard to keep track of it.
She speaks her mind
She is a wonderful developing actress
She sings with me and is willing to wear a costume.
She is like looking in a mirror (and she has done it so much better than I did)
She isn’t afraid to try things
She is a bit of a daredevil
She has style.
She is really good a word games. I don’t have to handicap her anymore. In fact, I may need one.

I could go on for hours, but that would probably bore you all. But I hope this post shows you how important C is to me, but also encourages you to tell someone that you love how very special they are to you.

P.S. She can make minute rice : )

To homeschool or Not to Homeschool

Friday. . . Tuesday . . . Two days, two different places, one question, only one answer. Well as most of you know I’m a teenager. I’m a homeschooler teenager; I’ve been homeschooler for the past six years. I’ve been wanting to go to school for high school for the longest time. We also recently moved to a new town, in a new state. Once we “settled” in, I decided to tour the public school, and a little catholic school down the street. Tuesday-Day One of School at St. TA, St. T.A. starts with a Latin Mass, which I don’t mind, but since I’m not catholic it was a little confusing, but once school started I loved it. The whole High School fits in one class and that’s nice. I sat through two classes, and once we left I knew that the Public School has a pretty high bar to raise. Thursday I went to the public high school, the day flew by, it didn’t feel like it was long enough to be a full school day, but then again I haven’t be school for the past six years, so maybe it was just the feeling of being back in the school, going down the halls. We finished off with Spanish; I knew that if I was going to go into High School, I would love the Spanish Two teacher. He was sooooo cool. He was like a mix of Mrs. T and E. Loud, but was like a walking encyclopedia. Well now it’s decision time. I’ll be making lists of pro and cons to see what I should do. Should I stay homeschooled? Go to St. T.A.? Or Should I go to the public school? Give me your pro’s and con’s , or your advice. It’s greatly appreciated =]
♥,
C

Forehead Kiss

Some small children have rituals to allow them to go to bed: bed time stories, bath times, maybe a special blanket of stuffed animal. My fourteen year old still has one ritual which I will saddly miss when it ends. Every evening before she goes to bed, I still have to give her a forehead kiss. This simple act can mean forgiveness for a difficult teen / mom day. It can be the affirmation of a day of working together. It can be the symbol of solidarity when times are tough. Just because our kids grow up we should not stop these simple, perhaps childish forms of affection. If you don't have a ritual, maybe it is time you make one up.

I Elfed My Family :-p

Do Not Watch If Afraid of Elves

When my mother was sleeping and I had full control of the computer. I raided my mom's pictures and I Elfed my whole family. The dog in there is Max. Well I hope you enjoy :)

Send your own ElfYourself eCards