Groundhog Day in paradise.
There should be a law against this. It’s a crime against nature that a gorgeous sunset colors the water while BrightSide and I are trapped in a room, hammering out another peace accord between our kids.
Without surveillance video, stories morph from one version to another like fog rolling across a river. She did this. But he did that. No, I didn’t! And she said this then did that. No I didn’t! I really didn’t!
Lawd.
I feel like there should be overture music here. Something with a driving rhythm – thumping drums, blaring horn section, maybe an underlying bass line. Perhaps the Death Star music would suffice.
For today is the day that T-man finally, conclusively, at long last officially becomes a teenager.
“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee…pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”
Okay, maybe equating parenting a teen with “the hour of our death” is a little harsh. Mark it up to poetic license on the eve of T-man’s thirteenth birthday.
That age old question: is it wrong to read my child’s diary? One woman’s (vehement) opinion.
“I have been very clear in making sure my children have never even gotten the idea that they have a right to privacy in my home. Sure, my kids can bathe in private or close the doors to their bedrooms, but they cannot keep diaries locked away or drawers in their dressers off limits from me and the Hubs.
Why do we think that children deserve privacy? Why do we think that some how we’re betraying our precious snowflake’s trust by reading her text messages or his emails? I’m not betraying their trust, I’m parenting.”
People I Want to Punch in the Throat: Why My Children Have No Right to Privacy
– A humor blog about kids and being a mom. Saying the things people want to say. People I Want to Punch in the Throat.
Unless you’ve been living on a desert island (mmmm…desert island) for the last nine months – or are among the over-70-no-grandkids crowd – you know what these whirring, spinning, fidgety toys are. [If you’ve been one of the lucky few to avoid the craze, here you go. Check out what all the fuss is about.] Gadgets created for fidgety fingers, kids are taking these things to new heights every day.
Timing how long they spin. Spinning two gadgets simultaneously. Balancing spinners on your nose, your chin, your big toe…kids keep finding bigger (and weirder) things to do with these toys. Plus posting videos of fidget spinner hijinks – where else – on Instagram is practically an Olympic sport.
Kids’ camps are da bomb. Really. Except when they’re not.
“Dear camp directors,
I’m worried. Like seriously worried. I mean you’re supposed to be taking care of my precious kiddos every day, but I’m questioning your sobriety. Nahhh, not our bus driver. She rocks the Casbah. But I’m seriously worried that the people who are in charge at camp are smoking something.
Because I just took a look at the summer calendar and I have four words for you: WTF were you thinking? Or drinking? Or inhaling?”
WTF happened to NORMAL dress-up days like crazy sock day?!! – Baby Sideburns
We’re navigating tempestuous waters here. Some days it’s smooth sailing, others the sea is gray and choppy with a tornado warning to boot, but BrightSide and I are in this for the long haul. You take what life throws at you and keep on swimming.
Wasn’t it just yesterday these kids were all skinned knees and fighting over whose turn it is? Wait, that was yesterday. But you know what I mean. We’re swimming with the sharks these days.
But to survive the sharks, all you need is a plan.
In honor of winding up the school year (or having just finished, depending upon your luck), here’s a word from an epic school band parent.
“Phase I: Excitement and anticipation.
Whether you child plays woodwinds, brass, or percussion (like mine), you will be excited to attend this important event, potentially the performance of a lifetime. All year your child has been waking up early twice a week to get to band practice, instrument in tow. Finally you get to hear the fruits of his labor! You mark your calendar, rearrange appointments, and shuffle any competing extracurricular activities so that the whole family is available to be in attendance. How often are you treated to a night of FREE musical entertainment, after all?”
The 10 phases of attending a school band concert | Screaming into my Pillow
There’s no greater joy than watching Bear grow into herself as she revels in her strength. She is a powerhouse – a tornado raging through life, confident that her courage and convictions will carry her over the finish line.
Our girl: beauty, bravery, strength, love. It’s quite a sight to see.
