I was going through my Flickr photos, yesterday, and adding watermarks (stupid photo stealing trolls) when I came upon one of my favorite pictures of Thing One and me. It was taken in the park towards the end of last summer and I think it says a lot about our relationship, at the moment.
Being elegant, gentle, soft-spoken and a bit shy, by nature (no, not ME!) Thing One was born with a wonderful sense of being able to recognize, understand and empathize with what other people are feeling. She would make a terrific teacher – not to mention, mother – some day.
Me?
Not unlike the picture, my judgment of character pales in comparison and I constantly find myself conflicted on whether or not I’m being accepting, fair, and open-minded enough with my children, or just Jonesing for someone’s approval.
Growing up in a houseful of crazy Hungarians – I swear, we are an emotionally gifted lot – it was just easier to agree to be a good girl, rather than risk the thought of provoking disapproval and, quite possibly, some sort of physical shame.
But, this post is NOT about me – or, is it?
"Where’s Thing One?"
I’ve already expressed my concern over how I’m having trouble with keeping up on all the changes my kids are going through – more specifically, how they’re growing up so fast and holidays just don’t seem the same anymore – but, decided to split-up and allow the older girls to go trick-or-treating with their friends, this year.
My friend is a teacher in the high school and seemed to understand.
"She’s decided to stay home and give out the candy, this year."
Although, Thing One told her 8th grade friends different.
"Daddy told me, that once you turn 13, I’m too old to dress up and go out trick-or-treating."
doG, I was tired, in more ways than I want to go into (you’re welcome) but, we were on our way to pick-up Thing Two, still hadn’t eaten dinner – unless, you count a bag of chips, some pretzels and couple of candy bars raided from the haul brought in by Mini-me and The Boy – and already way late to their grandparents’ house, of course.
"NO, that’s NOT what he said!"
Cheese and rice, if anything, we have gone out of our way (read: said yes, when we really meant "NO freakin’ way would I have been allowed to go to the movies, with a boy!) and I was sick (and tired) of being labeled the "bad parent" who always says "NO!"
Still, we ARE talking about Thing One – remembering that each kid IS different – so, I tried to soften my tone.
"Besides, you told me that you didn’t feel like it."
Knowing, that it quite possibly meant that…you know…no one had asked her, yet.
"I didn’t want to go."
Okay, she lost me.
"I just didn’t want to hurt their feelings and blaming you guys was…um…well…I’m sorry, but… it just seemed…uh…"
I know.
"Easier."
She smiled and nodded her head.
"I understand."
My husband, however, has no freakin’ clue what’s going on with what’s going on, or how to handle Thing One, or Thing Two and their raging hormones – yes, there are days when growing up sucks and being a girl…well…sucks wet poodle – so, Garth (not his real name) has been sort of…you know…letting me deal with it…them…whatever.
"But, do me a favor…your father’s been going through a rough time, too…so, next time…to make it easier on ME…just blame your mother….I mean, me…d’oh…WHATEVER?"
Finally, we got to my in-laws and Garth (not his real name) took probably one of the ONLY pictures I have of them, together.
"I thought you’d be here, earlier and I sort of gave up on you guys."
If she only knew.
"It was all mom’s fault!"
Oh, wait – my MIL had 5 kids – she knows!
[FYI: I tried a cool new tool at MacroPhotos.NET because it automatically replaces the original photos with the watermarked copy – also, don’t forget about my Bloggy Giveaway. I have decided to include comments on all posts, this week. Giving more of my blog friends a chance. Because, you’re busy. I know.]
[11/5: Comments are closed – a winner has been picked and will be announced, soon!]
Comments
20 responses to “Picture Perfect Thursday: Growing up sucks, it’s all MY fault and how I know!”
I keep thinking that if I can get past this toddler age things will be easier, then I remember teenage hormones, and I get skeered! REALLY skeered!
I keep thinking that if I can get past this toddler age things will be easier, then I remember teenage hormones, and I get skeered! REALLY skeered!
I keep thinking that if I can get past this toddler age things will be easier, then I remember teenage hormones, and I get skeered! REALLY skeered!
I keep thinking that if I can get past this toddler age things will be easier, then I remember teenage hormones, and I get skeered! REALLY skeered!
I’m reading this post after having just seen “Dan In Real Life” and I am thanking my lucky stars that I have two boys! If you haven’t seen the movie yet, you should!
I’m reading this post after having just seen “Dan In Real Life” and I am thanking my lucky stars that I have two boys! If you haven’t seen the movie yet, you should!
I’m reading this post after having just seen “Dan In Real Life” and I am thanking my lucky stars that I have two boys! If you haven’t seen the movie yet, you should!
I’m reading this post after having just seen “Dan In Real Life” and I am thanking my lucky stars that I have two boys! If you haven’t seen the movie yet, you should!
I am going to bookmark this page for when I am in The Land of the Raging Hormones. Oh wait. I think with two toddlers, I already am.
But SUCH SUCH SUCH the lovely picture of the two of you.
I am going to bookmark this page for when I am in The Land of the Raging Hormones. Oh wait. I think with two toddlers, I already am.
But SUCH SUCH SUCH the lovely picture of the two of you.
I am going to bookmark this page for when I am in The Land of the Raging Hormones. Oh wait. I think with two toddlers, I already am.
But SUCH SUCH SUCH the lovely picture of the two of you.
I am going to bookmark this page for when I am in The Land of the Raging Hormones. Oh wait. I think with two toddlers, I already am.
But SUCH SUCH SUCH the lovely picture of the two of you.
cool mom…
cool mom…
cool mom…
cool mom…
I love that picture, too.
Oh my we are already 5 going on 15 around here lately.
Calgon take me away!
I love that picture, too.
Oh my we are already 5 going on 15 around here lately.
Calgon take me away!
I love that picture, too.
Oh my we are already 5 going on 15 around here lately.
Calgon take me away!
I love that picture, too.
Oh my we are already 5 going on 15 around here lately.
Calgon take me away!