How Did I End Up Here?

This girl . . .

• has one amazing vocabulary
• is growing like a weed!!!
• has a hot temper that gets her in trouble
• wants to do the right thing
• is trying hard to fit in at school
• is awesome.

Greek, Wisconsin, and Oprah.

I'm talking about this character.

 

So the other day, we were in a waiting room for a long period of time, and we were talking about a classmate who switched schools for a couple of reasons, one being because of bullying. Now I'm not talking about the serious kind, it was more like being called "Four Eyes." I told Jenna I thought it was silly reason to switch schools, and she agreed. She said, "Yeah, I bet there are bullies everywhere! Like her new school, or Chicago, or China, or even in GREEK!" After I stopped laughing I explained it was Greece.

Then on the way to school the other morning she asked if I was born in Wisconsin. You see, my parents are both from Northern WI, and we talk about it all the time. We visited twice a year, for two weeks in the summer, and two weeks for Christmas every year growing up. I explained to her that no, I was not born in Wisconsin. She then asked, "Mom, am I a little bit Wisconsin?" I asked what she meant. She said, "Well, I'm Swedish and Norweigan and Irish. Am I also a little bit Wisconsin?" Yes, my girl. You're a little bit Wisconsin. ;)

Yesterday in the car she was singing at the top of her lungs complete and utter jibberish in a very formal tone and cracking up. When I asked her what on earth she was doing. She said, "Mom, I'm singing OPRAH!" I guess I wasn't aware the Oprah sang opera. Who knew?

There's never a dull moment with this one.

Enjoy your Monday!

This girl . . .

• has become quite the little swimmer, competing in her first meet this summer
• turned 8, but thinks she's a teenager
• doesn't sleep worth a dang
• laughs every chance she gets
• plays music as loudly as possible
• will be in the third grade
• is growing up way too fast.

Sweet Summertime

It's here! And I'm beyond thrilled! Started the vaca feeling a bit down . . . went to the retirement party for staff members on Friday. It was SO EMOTIONAL, and I'm not a big fan of "goodbye." Hearing Dr. Frazee say his "Don't Drink and Drive" speech on the video and knowing it was the last time had me in tears for a good long while.

I stayed busy for the weekend and went to Jenna's last soccer game. The girl's got game, I tell you! Last week she scored a goal, and of course by the end of the season she was improving in her skills. A little too late, but it's all good. She does love the game!She was far more aggressive last season, and now complains that the other kids are pushing her around. We'll see how that plays out. And yes, our answer was "push them right back!" There goes the "parent of the year" award.

Jenna is also complaining already that she's bored. It's so typical of her and her personality. Doesn't matter that she's in basketball camp and swimming lessons, it's not enough. Drives me a little crazy, to be certain. It is the price of having two "only" children who didn't have sibs to play with. So for the summer we made a list of things to do when she feels bored. We pull an activity, and here's the trick, NO COMPLAINING about the activity, we're doing it. We made a rainy day and a good-weather day list. We'll see how it goes. But the one thing that is always a hit is going to the park so she can play on the monkey bars. It just makes her happy. Here's my view of the journey.

Enjoy your Tuesday! Here's what I love. Even if I'm stupid on Tuesday, who will know? Don't you just love summer?

Peace!

Happiness is . . .

• Flying a kite, even in COLD weather
• Watching your mood ring change colors
• Turning on your lava lamp and watching it in a dark room
• Beating dad or I at Wii
• Playing with your Boomerang
• Being outdoors
• Playing with my new phone

A very special gift

from Jenna for Mother's Day. Thought I would capture the joy and beauty of the gift.

It was a cute, folded book with several special sentiments.

I guess our snuggle time makes a difference.

Another view

My unrealized dream of planting tulips is finally revealed. And word on the Starbucks coffee.

But my all-time fave . . .

That's right, folks. It says "When my mom was little cars were not invented yet."

Priceless.

It's the little things . . .

that make me smile. Like getting this amazing drawing from Jenna. Never mind that my birthday is in December. Or that she spelled "birthday" wrong. Or that it was an apology of sorts due to the fact that she had a few bad behavior days in a row. I love this picture. I put it on the mirror of my dresser so every day as I walk out of my room on my way to school and I stop and check to see if there is lipstick on my teeth, THIS is what I see. And I smile. I think my hair looks good, don't you?

Enjoy your Thursday!

The things she says . . .

Like on the way home from school when I was asking if Jenna liked a boy. She named a few, then mentioned she hadn't "hooked on" another. When I asked what she meant (with fear and trepidation) she said, "You know. I haven't said I liked him yet." Oh, yeah. That.

Then when talking about a classmate I asked which girl she was talking about. Some of the girls in her class we're not close to, and I know them by face, not name. She said, "the fat one." Ouch. So we talked about better, kinder words to use, although she wasn't trying to be mean and felt bad that I thought she was. I mentioned "heavy" or "the bigger girl" as alternatives. She chimed in with "Or I could say overweighted." Sure Jen. That works too.

We went to the gardens last night and she asked me if I liked one of the helpers at school. I pressed her as to why she wanted to know, and she said she thought this helper was mean, and that she yelled all the time. She said, "I just want to say dude, chill out. We're just kids." I kept my mommy straight face quite well, thanks. But I wanted to laugh. Just sayin.

Enjoy your Tuesday!

Dear Jenna,

Right now is sort of tough for you. I think it's a combination of the busy spring, your allergies, and being sick of school. I know you save your tantrums for home, and yes, I am proud of you for being such a good kid at school. However, comma, sometimes I wish I got to see you on your best behavior. Because right now, at home, the slightest thing will set you off. We are constantly reminding you of the proper way to speak to adults, that you're not a teenager, and to say you're sorry when you mess up. It's exhausting right now. I know it's just a phase, and soon enough you will level off and become the well-mannered girl I know you can be. Until then? It's on.

I love you.

Mom

Dear Jenna,

One of my favorite bloggers, Dooce, often writes letters to her daughter. So today I thought I would do the same.

Dear Jenna,

No means no. See, right now you're having some major difficulties with this concept. When you hear the word no, it is immediately followed by exactly 23 "Why?"s. Then, to really bring your point home, you say "MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM" in a multi-syllabic delivery that even the coolest teenager would be proud of.

I asked you last night while we were shopping at Old Navy what made you believe that by going on and on that you NEEDED that "perfect pair of tennis shoes" I was going to change my mind? Where did you pick up that that was a usable strategy? Because let me tell you sister, it's not gonna fly.

"Cause Jenna? No means no. It doesn't mean a negotiation. See, I've been a teacher for 19 years. And I see those kids who can't accept no. I've had those teenagers laughingly tell me, "I know if I just keep at my parents, I can get them to give me whatever I want." And Jenna, I mean to tell you, I am NOT going to be one of those parents.

And most importantly Jenna, please know that I will do that out of love. Because over the course of your years you will be faced with "no" more often than you'd like. I think Mick said it best when he crooned "You can't always get what you want . . . " And what I know, from the bottom of my heart, is that the struggles we face now will get you through those moments. What I also know is these struggles are increasing my grey-hair ratio.

I love you, Jenna

Moms