When I started my blog I kept telling myself that I wouldn't be one of those moms who goes on and on about how wonderful her own kids are (you know, like every mom doesn't feel the same way about her kids).
Well, nevermind about that. I have a painfully-close-to-13 year old daughter who is a dream. She's imperfect. Boy can she get grouchy (no way does she take after her mom there--ha!). She won't stand up straight to save her life. Her room makes me gasp. She's very easily irritated by her little brother.
But she's good to the core. She loves God. She's a great daughter. She helps when asked. She's a great student. She's creative and talented in ways I can only wish for. I don't care if I'm bragging...she's a joy to my soul.
There is one thing I really, really can't stand about my daughter. Everyone loves her! She's never home with me anymore because she's always being invited off somewhere else where I'm not invited. Ick...i hate that! Poor, pitiful me--what a hollow, empty feeling.
So today when your daughter comes home from school...give her the biggest smooch and hug ever. That's what I plan to do.
Ahh - she'll wonder what the hug is for, but she'll appreciate it all the same. I know how you feel. I have two teen girls and one teen boy. Sometimes I feel obsolete. But, my oldest (a college sophomore) has just recently told us how much she appreciates the fact that we let her do things without us. Some of her college peers are still overly dependent on their parents. She feels like she had time and the opportunity to grow up a bit when we let her stretch her wings. You're doing the right thing letting your daughter go a bit. And the room thing...that's what the door is for! I keep theirs closed and pretend it's clean. :)
Posted by: Angie | 03 October 2006 at 18:28
Gorgeous post...as a mum you can never love your kids too much. And hey, someone has to brag for them!!
Posted by: Sarah | 03 October 2006 at 22:16
Yeah, we won't discuss the state of my kids' rooms. :) By the way - you pretty much exactly described how I feel about Brittany! :D
Posted by: Petra | 03 October 2006 at 23:37
What beautiful things you are able to say about your daughter! It's hard not to be there wherever they are, but God is preparing her for something wonderful...bigger than ourselves and what we could do as moms! Thanks for the reminder to hug them...I need to do that more often! Blessings!
Posted by: tammygraves | 04 October 2006 at 04:36
you would have thought that was written about *my* daughter! lol! One day at a time I say. :-)
Posted by: Gretchen | 04 October 2006 at 05:19
Brag away! I am blessed with a DD like that, too. Actually 2 of 'em... The 3rd, well... I'll just call her my work in progress! lol
Posted by: Tracy Whitney | 04 October 2006 at 07:28
I love everything that you create and post on your blog for everyone to see. I was wondering if you could share how you made the frame with the picture of your daugher. I too can relate. My daughter is 18 and I love her so and do not want her to ever leave, her room is a mess,half of my kitchen is in there as well, she cant ever seem to find her phone as it is always buried in a pile of clothes laying on the floor, and she is wonderful!
Posted by: Paula Martone | 04 October 2006 at 08:41
Hi Rebecca;
I LOVE the photo/art of Erin...so sool!Your daughter sounds like an amazing girl..
I noticed you have a Beth Moore quote in your sidebar--I LOVE Beth Moore--have taken MANY of her Bible Studys both at church and on-line. She is a real gem! Are you in a study of hers? Curious how you like it...
Take Care,
Mary Ellen
Posted by: Mary Ellen | 04 October 2006 at 10:28
I know how you feel, my daughter is 13 on the 23rd of this month and her room...OMG and grouch O I tell ya! BUT she is super talented and super smart, and cute as button, and good to the core. so...to the depths of my soul, I love her! Heaven just help me through the next 7-8 years!:)
Posted by: Carrie | 04 October 2006 at 12:07
go ahead and brag. i have a daughter i like to brag about too. mine is 16 and she still hasn't figured out that room thing either.
Posted by: Traci | 04 October 2006 at 13:33
Brag away!!!! LOVE that framed piece. Just beautiful!!! That flower is tooo cute!
Posted by: Rhonda Steed | 04 October 2006 at 16:02
I know how you feel as a mother. Point well taken, though I get to see my child all the time because I am a teacher in the school she goes to, I get to missing her when my friends, and family decide to kidnap her!
Posted by: mutthoni | 05 October 2006 at 06:29
I could have written this same thing myself. I love my daughter and want her to have fun, but I really miss her when she is gone for the day or a sleepover.
Posted by: Kara | 06 October 2006 at 16:23
Such a sweet mom story---I have two daughters, and as they've grown and blossomed with wings of their own, I've often been left in the dust, reaching out for just one more glance, hug, connected moment...lucky that they do come back home and we get to share times together. Those times are just different, just as necessary as when they were little, but maybe quick jolts of connectivity rather than the longer times together we had in the past. Just as cherished. :)
Posted by: Jana | 08 October 2006 at 19:47
I can empathise with you over this one. My two girls are 15 and 17. So mature and gorgeous. Never at home - life is one mad social whirl. Yet I know I can totally trust them both to always make me proud and to do what is right. How great is being a Mum. I'm so blessed.
Posted by: Julie Ratcliffe | 10 October 2006 at 10:21
I have one like that too, Rebecca. You are fortunate! Mine is now 23 (I can't believe I just wrote that!) and in Medical School, continuing on her journey of impressive accomplishments. She has gone off and is doing all that I ever raised her to do and be, and I miss her, miss her, miss her! Hug yours REALLY hard! :)
Posted by: Sue Talleur | 21 October 2006 at 21:18