Summer Reading

Summer is a great time for teens. No school, no books, no studying, no having to be in a certain class at a certain time, however, it is very important for them to keep up on things during the summer such as reading. Reading is a wonderful thing but alot of teens and preteens just do not like it...at least in our case. But reading doesn't have to come from big old boring books. Reading can come from short novels, and magazines. Reading can also come from the computer. Try to keep your teen brushed up on some good reading during the summer. It sure will help when it comes to needing it next year.

Plum Tuckered Out

Well, I just couldn't resist. You know, our kids can really do some silly things. My dear daughter was so exhausted after a full day that she just completely fell asleep right on the floor. Since this has happened 2 days in a row, I just had to get a snapshot of it. Sometimes kids, yes, and even teens stay up too late at night or get up too early and taking a nap in the day is a good way for them to revive their energy levels. "Sorry, my dear daughter, if you see this, I just want to say how much I love you and I think that taking a nap, no matter where it is, can be good for you !!"

Slow Summer Days

Summer is a lovely time when many people take vacations and have "free" time to go different places, but what about those people who can't go on vacation? Teens are out of school, and if you work all day, you have to worry about what they are doing all day long... well, maybe some don't worry, but what do those teens do while you are working all day?Luckily, I have my own business and only work part time so I don't have to worry as much. I have searched high and low for programs for my young teen and have finally come up with a solution. Our local library and city (although small) offers some classes for a month or maybe 2. I found a tennis begginners class that my daughter was interested in and for 6 classes, about 2 hours each, it was only $50. for the whole thing. That was perfect for her and for me because it's less than let's say, gymnastics or some of the other programs you can find. Plus, this is only for the month of July and that is good, since band camp will start in August. Although she is going to the horse stables once or twice a week, she STILL complains of the boredom. I guess next time I hear that famous old saying "I'm Bored" I am going to take her the cleaning supplies! haha..

About my posting this past week

I am so sorry for not writing much these past few days, as I have been trying to keep up with hubby and more. My teenaged son (19)and his other half(20) have moved back home and there's been more caos in this house than before. Now, my dear daughter has to share her peaceful and quiet existance with a few more around here. The family computer is not "hers" anymore. Bathroom time is more timed as it was before when my eldest daughter and granddaughters were here last year. Now, things are starting to pan out and I will be back more on a regular schedule

Having a busy day

Here I am, sitting here missing the other part of my family and have been looking like crazy to find more activities. Well, today went well because she went to her horse trainer's stables and spent a good portion volunteering and then riding. She had her bi/monthly lesson too so that pretty much darn wore her out. Things are good though because I am checking into some beginner tennis lessons that will be for the month of july, and I have some tumbling classes that I am also looking at. After her day at the stables, we stopped and ate some lunch together and that was nice. Spending time together is very important, especially to a young teen. At this point, she is still listening to what I have to say and boy am I glad.

Needing ideas for summer activities

Not only do I need more ideas as to what activities my daughter can participate in, now, my oldest daughter moved with my granddaughters about 6 hours away. No longer will my dear daughter have a bike riding partner, or someone to go to the local pool with. I am going to have to really get hopping tomorrow to start looking around for some good activities for her to keep her busy. We are really sad that part of our family has moved. But I know that things will get better.

summertime slump

Even though summer's here and I have things lined up for my daughter to do, I find that she still seems to have SO MUCH time on her hands. She has been laying down watching a whole lot of tv. Now, I don't mind her watching tv, but I am so used to her being outside on her bike or being active. This last couple of days she just seems to want to lock away inside the house or in her room. Right now, I am going to start looking for a few other activities that she can enjoy. Perhaps some self defense classes or maybe a gymnastic class. I really don't mind her having time at home, in fact I rather enjoy her here with me, but it seems like the days are SO dreaded long right now. Anyone got any ideas?

summer happenings

Here we are just barely starting our summer and so far, things are going good. There are days where we are so busy our teeth hurt..lol. Some days are filled with errands and chores, but whatever is going on, days come and go. I have noticed my daughter being a little restless for the past week. We are close, but I don't like to pry and when I do, I try to tread lightly. I knew that sooner or later, I would hear about what was going on with her, because we are close and she usually tells me. Well, she finally told me something yesterday. Seems that she is starting to miss some of her friends from school. Mostly, the ones who will be going to the new school next year. I feel bad for her because she is going to have to start making new friends again next year and won't know most. But I feel that this could become a positive experience, it's just getting past the fear of the unknown. I have encouraged her to keep in touch with her old friends through phone and internet contact, so that's been some comfort. She has also been going to our local library and seems that alot of teens go there as well. Hopefully summer will go by quickly and she will start back in band camp and meet more friends there too.

Having Quiet Time

This weekend has been so joyous for me and I have to say that I had expected more hustle and bustle this early on in the summer.....however, things have stayed rather simple and quiet. Sunday, my hubby worked all day long. My daughter and I were the only ones home and we spend a very peaceful day together. We spent some time going to the store and picking up a few things, but for the most part, we were at home. The TV stayed off for a little while and she found things to do and I worked around the house, leisurely and I felt like I had been missing this part in my life for such a long time. Do you ever get the chance to just "do nothing?" Oh, it was wonderful. I sat and drank some coffee in the morning and read all the ads out of the Sunday paper while my dear daughter got her bed linens washed and played with the dogs. We did end up watching a couple of cooking shows which we love to do together, but that small time of silence was GOLDEN !!!!!!

Sunscreen is a MUST !!!

Now with band marching done until August, there are plenty of outdoor activities offered. Since my daughter will be volunteering at a horse rescue and at her trainer's stables, there will be plenty of outdoor stuff going on there as well. Not to mention, my daughter loves to swim and can swim like a fish, I worry about the dangers of too much sun. Now, you might not think that when it's cloudy, you have to still worry about the sun's rays and effects, but really, you do. Dear daughter, wearing a good sunscreen with a high blocking is very important. Not only going swimming at the local pool will you be in direct sun, but when you are in the car on your way to the pool, or going to the mall, to the horse stables, there will be that dreaded sun and it's VERY important to take care of your skin. In my day, most teenagers loved laying in the sun, and I did it a little, but not much...and I guess it's because the sunbathing just wasn't my thing. But getting burned and too much sun now in life definetly affects how your skin will be when you are older. It DOES determine early wrinkles, and can cause skin cancer as well. Right now is the time to really be aware of this and take preventative measures to protect your skin. After all, You are So worth taking care of yourself.

A Successful New Start...

at least for the marching camp.. Although it only lasted 3 days, my daughter met some more friends, and she was just bouncing with joy. It makes me feel so happy that she is getting along in a new environment and that she is happy. I have been there and done that when I was young and I know that feeling of butterflies in the stomach, not knowing what you are gonna face, but she did well. She's normally a pretty quiet child, peaceful and delightful, but not always knowing HOW to strike up the conversation first. She is more shy than most, but she seems to make friends pretty good. Band camp will start up again in August and continue until school starts, which will give her another chance at meeting more and connecting with some of the ones she met before classes start. Having confidence is so important and I know my dear daughter, although sometimes shy, will do well in the new school year to follow. Meeting new friends can be terrifying, but a wonderful experience as well.