Teenagers can give you eye twitches.

I have two of them. Just thought I’d put that out there.

Dear Lord,

Thank You so much for inventing grandmothers! My oldest son was having one of those teen-angst, let-me-test-my-parents moments. How did we get here? I’m so thankful for my mother being a voice of patient wisdom in his life because he had mowed down every good nerve I had through his attempts to  justify behavior that could only be characterized as stupid and not in his best interest. How do kids go from being so cute and sweet to this? Sigh.

Messy shoes.

This morning I was out walking with Nat (the edgy one). Exercise helps both of us to navigate life. We came to this ridiculous pile of dog poop and I tried to steer him away from it but he seemed determined to step in it. Then he was determined to get it off of his shoe. Yuck.

I know that kids have to learn from their own mistakes, but I do feel life can be hard enough and I wish someone would have steered me away from a number of the piles I stepped into during my adolescence and young adulthood. There were times when people tried and I didn’t listen (Nat has to get it from somewhere, right?), but I wish I had received more guidance so I try to offer more to my kids. Sometimes it sinks in. Sometimes, notsomuch.

Field Trip!

Today I went on a field trip with Max and Little A to an ice cream parlor. There were cakes and pies and brownies and wonderful sweets and of course, rich, luscious ice cream! I think all field trips should involve ice cream. Who do I write to get that law passed? The place was decked out with the energetic and fun artwork by kids from a local high school. The pastry case was full of astounding treats like strawberry rhubarb pie and chantilly cake. I’m definitely coming back here and getting a treat for myself during this Summer!