Ah, the last month of school. The month between mid-May and mid-June where moms lose their minds. Oh, wait. Moms lose their minds every month. This is the time where moms feel frantic because there is so much going on and we’re filled with a mix of excitement and dread when we think about all the end-of-school events and tasks.
Let’s face it, about this time of the year we’re all ready for summer to hurry up and get here. I think moms and kids alike get that feeling at this time of year. It’s hard to manage all the many events and tests and projects and try-outs and what-not when …
Letters for Academic recognition
I recently had the privilege of attending the academic ceremony at my son’s high school. I thought it was really cool how the sophomores received a letter for a high school letter jacket for academics. I had always thought the letters on the jackets were made for athletics only. It was nice to see a full auditorium of people for an academic presentation.
At the start of the presentation some of the seniors received some really nice scholarships for the college of their choice. I didn’t realize some really wonderful scholarships can be granted if you put forth the effort to do some research.
The …
John, Nana and Drew
If there were four traits that you could be assured of your children having as “second nature” , what would they be? That’s a great question I was asked recently. I liken the answer for some reason to construction work. Raising kids is a lot like building a “home”.
I have torn down and rebuilt my “house” several times, so to speak, especially since Sharon died. Does the Devil ever leave?
Sickness strikes with the deftness of a Cobra, then rolls in like an ominous incoming tide on a full moon, surging with a steady torrent of traits abhorrent to our very …
Lydia with Grandma
I cannot remember all the lyrics of the song, “Myrtle Beach Days” by The Fantastic Shakers, but the tune came to mind this past weekend as I spent Mother’s Day with Lydia in Myrtle Beach. Indeed, we have spent Mother’s Day there for the last 5-6 years in fact, as Lydia traditionally attends the Showstoppers Dance Competition there with other dance protege members from her dance studio. It is ALWAYS held on Mother’s Day weekend. Usually, there is also a motorcycle convention going on there on that VERY same weekend! Oh joy! Myrtle Beach is a busy, happening place on any given …
When I think of Mother’s Day, I reflect on the women in my family; not only my own mother but my grandmothers, great-grandmother, and aunts. As a child I did not fully realize the strength of these women and the sacrifices they made for their families. My paternal grandmother fed her family from the sweat of a small farm. In her later years she took in sewing to help make ends meet. I was an adult before I realized what an amazing seamstress, cook, and gardener she was. She never worked to buy frivolous things for herself but solely to provide for her family.
My maternal grandmother learned to be …
Performing on stage is a great experience for teens.
It seems most of the Realiteen bloggers have teens who have performed on stage in musical or dance productions. My two sons were involved in community theatre and as I recalled their enthusiasm and excitement for the stage I got to thinking about what our teens may have gained from their experiences.
I think that they learned something about teamwork. The cast of a play becomes a pseudo-family. From what I observed with my two sons, the sense of closeness develops quite quickly. There are intense group dynamics for a few weeks. Cast members have to learn how to work …
What are your rules for prom night?
Prom time is here and many teens are excited to attend. My friend’s son attended his first prom with a junior and she shared some of her concerns with me. The prom part was not so much the issue. However, it was the after-prom plans.
My friend’s son is a sophomore and he attended the prom with a junior and a few other couples. They went out to dinner and then to the high school prom. The after-prom plans was for the limo to take everyone to a beach house for the night. She was not so sure about letting her …
"Hey Willard!"
One of Drew’s very best friends walked in our house recently while Drew was in the shower. Seems that he was singing his character’s theme song from the musical Footloose.
He played the role of Willard and the name of the song is, ironically, Mama Says. Seems he was totally uninhibited, both physically and musically because according to “Keegan”, he was putting on quite a show! I wonder who he was performing for?
This report came from the outstanding director of the musical, Mr. Shaun Moe, a seasoned veteran of the professional stage. He was quite amused telling me about it and we both agreed that Drew was …
This weekend we celebrated Mother’s Day. It’s nice to have a day to feel appreciated. And I do love getting gifts and cards. And I love being treated to a meal at my favorite restaurant. But I feel like it’s a great time to share the love a bit and say thank you to some of the people who help to “mother” my kids who don’t get a special day. So here goes…
Thank you to all the teachers who have taken a special interest in my girls over the years. We have been blessed to have more than a handful of teachers who have gone way beyond what is required …
Austin and Grandma
Once you are a mother, you are always a mother. Once you are someone’s daughter or son, you will always be that too. For the first time in 53 years I won’t have my mother here on Earth with me on Mother’s Day since she passed away this past February. Still, she is my mother and I am her daughter – nothing could change that. For the first time ever I am not looking this week for just the right mother’s day card or the special little gift and worst of all, I cannot pick up the phone to call her on …
