OMG! WTH! IDK! (Or: Am I really the mother of a teenager?)

Now that summer is here, I am able to spend much more time with my two girls. That is a great thing . . . most of the time. Mostly all this time together has made it even more clear that I am now the mother of a teenager. How did that happen? I still feel like I'm 23- not less than a year shy of 40! It is almost surreal when I find myself in those moments that make me realize we are that much closer to being parents of an adult. For instance: Hannah and Abby (9 years old) have only recently separated into their own rooms. They've shared everything for most of their lives. But last night, it became critically important for Hannah to have privacy while brushing her teeth. As Abby was trying to make her case for getting in the bathroom, I heard, "Can't you understand that I need time to take care of myself now?" Wow. She actually cares about hygiene now. Or on Sunday when I asked the girls to get their rooms ready for our open house. Hannah's room was immaculate. Not only did she do a great job, but then she asked me how she could help me. Excuse me? You want to what? Or today when she helped me with a surprise for a friend by cleaning up and vacuuming the three season room. Of course there are also those moments when she rolls her eyes at me, slams the car door, spends hours in her bed sleeping and/or crying, and just generally tries to prove that her knowledge base is far superior to mine. I look back at it all and wonder where my little two year old is. You know, the one who would put on her slippers, turn on classical music, and "ice skate" around the living room (culminating in the gold medal ceremony of course). The little girl who broke the recliner because she used it as Pride Rock one too many times. The little girl who would look heavenward with those big blue eyes, lift her arms in the air, and sing Jesus Loves Me at the top of her lungs. I know I can't have those days back. And I don't want them back, really. Parenting preschoolers is hard work - but a joy nonetheless. Pretty much like parenting a teenager I imagine. . .

Early Summer Meanderings

I've just finished catching up with some of my favorite blogs. I so enjoy reading about the lives of friends and family and of course the happenings in my professional field. I'm always inspired to write more about my own life, while at the same time left feeling incredibly inadequate. I've been wanting to update my blog for some time, but haven't had much inspiration. So tonight as I listen to the sounds of the summer thunderstorm, my girls fighting over the bathroom, and my husband engrossed in the DS, I turned to our recent pictures for some inspiration.

John and I were recently talking about how much we love this time of year. The kids get out of school, it's May in Indy which of course means racing, and we always spend the first part of June in Florida with family. Above are just a few of my favorite pics from our new favorite season (replacing October when football starts and John celebrates his birthday). May was such an exciting month for us. Not only did the plans for our move back to Indy speed up, but we got to enjoy Abby preparing for her first Indy 500. About 4 years ago, as I was returning from a mission trip to Mexico, I found out that John had taken my then nine-year-old Hannah to the race. She made it about 10 laps and he stretched her out for about 10 more before walking her back to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Since then, for 4 years, Abby has been looking forward to her turn. Unlike her older sister, she has been a race fan for some time now. She will even choose to watch the DVD's of old races for the fun of it. She can tell you who drives what car by their number and their sponser. She can also tell you who has won the 500 and often what year they won. Although she loves Indy Car racing, Abby is not much of one for physical activity. Never has been. So to prepare her for the walk, she and John started taking walks as soon as it was warm enough. We were still concerned if she would make it even half way through the race. So to increase the excitement, we went to qualifications for the first time as a family. We had a great time. We spent about five hours at the track which was great practice for the sun and heat of race day. The girls were able to get several driver autographs, which increased Abby's excitement. Then to top off the preparations, we went to an Andretti Green signing session in Carmel. Abby was in heaven to get so close to her favorite driver, Marco Andretti. She even got her picture taken with him! Hannah too was excited because she got to see Danica Patrick up close and personal. Finally race day came and Abby did great! We were able to drive about half way there decreasing her walk. She made it through the whole race, walked ALL THE WAY back, and enjoyed watching it again on TV. Of course, now the fight is on to see who'll get to go next year. All in all, it was a fantastic 500 filled May.

Just a few short days after the 500, we headed off to Florida for our annual vacation and time with my sister and her family. One of the highlights of the trip was going to Busch Gardens. It was so so so HOT! I have to admit I was a bit grumpy. My mantra for the day was; "I'm losing weight and never coming to Florida in June again!" In spite of the heat (Thank goodness for water rides), we had some great times. It was an especially momentous day for Hannah. She was so proud that she rode every roller coaster available. Even the Sheikra, which boasts a 90 degree drop. Too scary for me - and I love coasters! As I look back at the day, my favorite Hannah moment was in the Lorakeet exhibit. We went in and Aunt Mindy bought a cup of nectar so the girls could feed the birds. Abby passed. Just a little too close for comfort and "What if they poop on you!" Hannah on the other hand, was in heaven. Our little future Vet loved interacting with the birds. After Uncle Kevin showed her how to make them perch on her finger, she had no fear. As we left the exhibit, all she kept asking was, "Can I get a pet bird? Please, please, please?!" The answer by the way is: "Yes, when you have your own house."

The biggest event of the summer so far was my nephew Eric's high school graduation. Seriously, how did he get to be 18? I'll never forget Kevin calling me 18 years ago and saying they were on their way to get me. It was time to go to the hospital. (I was Mindy's birthing coach. Kevin doesn't do well with blood.) It was such an honor to be a part of his birth. And now, to watch him graduate . . . sniff. I'm so excited for what the future holds. Eric is one of the kindest, loving, and bright 18 year old boys I know. Today, my sister (his mom) texted me to tell me she had dropped him off at his dorm for orientation. Yikes! My little baby boy, alone, on the giant campus of USF! I can only begin to imagine what his parents are feeling. All I can do is pray that he uses that brain and makes wise choices. Even as I do, I know that no matter what happens, I'll be proud of him and support him. Man, I love that kid!

So much excitement, and it feels like summer has barely started. Now we are on to the next adventure. The next two weeks will be consumed with packing and moving. I can't wait to start our next phase of life in our new home. But even as I write these words all sorts of fear and trepidation enter my mind. Will I ever get everything done? Will we be able to help the girls transition successfully? Will . . .?

Oh well. Another post, another day!