Planning a Party

At some point, your kids are beyond the big birthday party stage. My kids are both in the more casual stage of celebration. I've never been much into it myself, so to me, it's a relief. I'm much more comfortable with the hang out and have fun party over the cram the water slide into your backyard and hire a lifeguard party any day. We've done both.

This year, we're taking my son, who will be 9 this weekend, and his best buddies to a baseball game. We'll have pizza first here at the house, and them cram all of the guys into the car. Note to self: husband drives said car.

But, while I comfortably state that we are beyond the big party stage, another magic moment occurs. Pubescent one reverts to being three again and gets jealous that brother is having a party. To express her dismay, she shrieks, "HE ALWAYS GETS WHAT HE WANTS! YOU NEVER GAVE ME FUN PARTIES! WHAT AM I GOING TO DO AT A BASEBALL GAME?" The temptation is to answer glibly, "get mama's drinks from the concession." Somehow I refrained.

The book I mentioned in an earlier post (Get Out of My Life! But First Can you Take Me and Cheryl to the Mall?) states that since their emotions are so confusing to them, adolescents would rather fight with you than tell you what's really bothering them. I sure wish I knew what was behind this rant. Hopefully, it will have passed and she will return to acting nearly 20 by the time I pick her up today. She vacillates from this incredible maturity to toddler ism. I never know what to expect and am rarely prepared.

In the meantime, I'm happily sending casual emails and texts to my son's friend's parents about the game/party. Hopefully everyone will be home this holiday weekend and can attend. The question is, will I need a babysitter for the toddler?

Auditions and Try Outs!

The first week of school is in the history books and all told, it was a smooth one. This week has been a different story. This is the week of tryouts and auditions so lots of stress and anxiety for our adolescent. Also, lots of running around and guessing about pickup times for mom. I'm getting tired of the assumption that all pre teens have a cell phone. I need pick up times, people! I will admit that my resolve on the cell phone is weakening. I hope that once we get a set schedule I will feel my spine once again strengthen.

Speaking of strength, oh, to be "Philippines" in the Miss Universe pageant. Never had a problem in 22 years of existence, but is thrilled to be in Las Vegas! Either she has great perspective and realizes that the problems of a bodacious beauty queen are minimal in comparison to a 22 year old in Pakistan; or she always had someone solve her problems for her.

Here's hoping that when I see my kids hit 22 they will be able to honestly answer that question and these years of struggle will teach them how to solve their own problems and learn from these experiences. That's what my folks did for me.

Water

Yesterday, I had planned an end of summer bash for my kids. We were going to a water park and they could each take a friend. One of the friends told us that certain coke cans were worth $5 off admission and though we don't drink coke, we did manage to collect 4 cans. Everyone was ready.

Enter tropical depression #5. We woke up to torrential downpours Thursday morning. However, radar indicated that things were merely overcast at the water park which is about an hour away. I called a friend to verify and all systems were a go. Then, I went to check the park website to find out when they opened for the day. Gotta beat the crowds, you know. Well, turns out they're only open on Saturdays and Sundays!

So, not only am I letting my kids down, but their two friends as well! How did I not think to check this? How is it that a water park in Louisiana where it's 500 degrees at night isn't open every single day in the summer? HOW?

Back to tropical depression #5. Kids are home, no water park and they can't play outside. I'm wondering what kind of medication I have and if it will be potent enough. I decided to have the two friends over to "hang out," -- we don't have play dates anymore -- too cool for that. Turned out to be a good move. Here's why.

The sick but properly medicated side of me absolutely loved watching and hearing the two 8 year old boys torture the two pubescent girls. At one point, the girls hid in a closet from them. My job was to be the lookout. I did a poor job.

I baked cookies. 3 dozen and they all were eaten -- by the kids. I got 2. That's good, because I didn't need more than that. The wii got a good workout but there were no fights. I'm thinking of making the wii only available when friends are over, because that's the only time when they don't fight over it.

In all, a good day. One friend, the 8 year old boy, stayed the night. The funniest part was how they (the boys) wanted to know EXACTLY when the adults would be going to bed. Kept verifying and asking over and over. So, mom and dad knew something was up. I figured there was more harassment of the hormonal one, but I think they fell asleep before the evil plan could be executed.

They woke up this morning showering her with suspiciously generous compliments. I'm anxiously awaiting what happens next.

New reading!

A friend suggested I pick up "Get Out of My Life, But First Can You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall?" I've mentioned to a few people, and they already know about it. How is it that I have never heard of it? At first glance, I think it could be very helpful.

Today was "schedule day," for the pubescent one. I had to walk a half a block behind her because I was embarrassing her by making her carry an umbrella. School starts Monday. I'm still struggling with the idea that she should have a cell phone. Most of my friends have gotten their kids a phone. I'm holding out because I'm not convinced it's a good idea. Of course, EVERYONE had their cell phones today. Oh well, mean mom #1 here for the umbrella and the lack of cell phone.

Here's to the other mean moms out there!

What happened?

Welcome to my blog about being the mom to a adolescent girl. Today was a particularly bad day (and we've had lots of them lately), so I thought I'd sit down and write. Writing is therapy for me, and as I was going along I figured there are probably other moms and maybe some dads who are feeling my pain. A friend suggested that I start a blog, and I came up with a title that I've used a couple of times in facebook postings, "Magic Moments in Puberty." So here we go.

I'm thinking that I'll come here and vent instead of opening another box of wine. Scratch the word "instead." Most of the time it will be after opening another box of wine. Because this kid is forcing me to consider chemical imbalance as an optimum state of being.

Today's theme was "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO HAVE A MOTHER LIKE YOU!" Yesterday it was "I COULD GO OUT ON MY OWN, YOU KNOW! THAT IS, IF THE WORLD WASN'T SO UNFAIR!"

All of these things I understand. I guess I probably uttered them at some point in my life. I don't remember spending hours screaming though. Tears and yelling. I'm so tired.

What do you do when you're stressed out about your teens and pre-teens? I've got wine and ice cream. Would you like to join me?