Once in a while I get it right. Once in a while I actually step back from the stress and the workload and devote time to my family ~ and today it worked.
Someone and I chilled a bit this am, I didn't say "eat your breakfast ~ practice your flute ~ clean your room" I just let her play. (while I blogged)
At noon we went to our favorite cafe in town (although our little table by the window was taken ~ she gasped ~ I assured her it would still be OK), she (being very grown-up and independent) called the waitress over, told her we were ready, ordered the food, and paid the check (with my $$). We played hangman and tic tac toe while we waited for food.
At 1:30 we were at the mall for her wash and cut (one entire inch from her almost waist-length locks). I sipped a cup of coffee and listened to her chat to the stylist about hair-care issues and how her friends wear their hair. We learned a neat new type of braid that I think I actually can do (fish tail? herringbone? something like that).
After this we shopped - read the extended entry to see where I caved in on grown-up fashion items and where I held the line.
But the best part is ~ we didn't fight ~ or stress all day! Not one issue!! Total fun and friendly chats and laughs! Wow!
Did I have to get out of the house to do this? What made me actually a fun person today? Is it because I had no time schedule? Well, we were actually a little late and didn't get home to well after Dad (who I think was just as happy to have the house to himself for a little while).
We were still laughing through dinner, and she went to bed with a contented sigh.
For me ~ one day with none of that "I'm an awful, hateful psycho-stress-mom who's ruining my childs life" I'll take it. good-night
I have just recently let my 12 yr. old start wearing makeup. I have to make her tone it down from time to time. And the boots....I broke down and bought some of those for my daughter this past Christmas. How those kids walk in those things is beyond me. I feel your pain. :)
Do you think we will make it through the teen years without going insane? LOL
Aren't those days great? I get them from "B" once in awhile. We try to make a "dinner date" (me buying, of course) at least once every couple of weeks. Those are the times I cherish most. It seems like once I get him away from the normal, we somehow morph into this adult/almost adult but willing to talk, listen and comprimise people. Who are they and where did they come from? Best part is..we BOTH look forward to these times...
I don't get that yet but I will settle for the laughs of playing monster and painting with fingers for now! Or just smiles with arms open wide for a hug!
Hey - she could be asking for a belly ring! One thing that I remember making me feel real grown up was getting a crushed velvet skirt and some kind of a top made of "puckered" material to wear to some kind of party we went to when I was probably 12 ish (Car was working at Bloomingdales (?) at the time? I got to wear it with boots! Remember the Saturday shopping trips to Willowbrook with Grandma???? So many things we forget . . . You did good!