High School Marching Band

This past week has been a little easier with band not marching every day after school anymore and there are only 2 games left. I have really enjoyed being a part of the band and all it entails. I used to be in the band when I was in high school. The only difference, I played clarinet and my daughter plays the flute. I believe that her being in the band has made a huge difference in her world. She not only has to learn band marching steps, but she has to keep her grades at a passing level, meaning that as soon as something even comes close to the question of getting low, she has to attend to it right away. I think that this is a great experience. She has also learned how to be part of a family, a "band" family. She has truely learned from this experience and I hope that she continues on in the band for all the years she has in high school.

Wordless Wednesday

Waiting for Mamma to come home.

Handing Out The Rules

My daughter went to the Homecoming Dance, and that went well. She was dressed up very nicely and she came home telling me about her having a great time at the dance. She also told me that a group of them wanted to go out to get something to eat, but she turned them down because I told her NOT to leave the dance. WOW! I wanted to jump up and down and do the happy dance because she actually listened to me. How did this happen, you might ask? Well, before she left for the dance, I told her that she was not allowed to leave there and go anywhere else. She knows me, and she knows when NOT to push for more. I feel so grateful that she listened to me. I know that going out to eat wasn't going to be anything bad, but I didn't want her to get into someone's car. Do you give your teen rules before they go out? Do you tell them what you expect or don't expect from them? I was just curious.

Wordless Wednesday

Safety Helmets

Helmets are so important in quite a few actities. Riding a horse might seem like something that you don't need a helmet for, but believe me, it's so important. Helmets are also great for bike riding, riding a skateboard, skating and other such outdoor activities. Being safe is number one in any sport that you choose to take on. Yes, you might think that wearing a helmet looks funny, but it's all about safety. My daughter loves riding her horse so much, and even though they are walking, it's still important. Never underestimate your safety.

I am participating today in a Friday Faves-- Holidays
from over at http://mommycommunity.com

My favorite holiday is pretty much a toss up between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The reason that I look forward to both of these holidays is because I love being with my family. I have 4 grown children, and 4 grandkids, who I don't get to see that often and for me, bringing them all together is such a blessing in my life. My youngest daughter, the one I speak about here is home with me and she is a true treasure in my life, however, when all my kids and grandkids get together, it's pretty much a miracle, considering how busy life gets for everyone. I don't know why, but during this time of year, even strangers seem to be the kindest. I see alot more people doing volunteer work and helping out less fortunate people and this is why I like both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Wish I could choose, but it's hard.

Wordless Wednesday
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High School Changes Coming

As my daughter gets more grown up by the minute, I am noticing some changes in her. No longer does she just put on the first set of clothing and keep it on. She has come in here 3 different times now to show me different shirts she may wear today. Is this my teen? She usually just puts something on and is ready to go. I know, I know, I have had 4 teens before her, but I suppose I just didn't think that she was ready to go through THIS stage just yet. It just seems so darned important what they wear to school and really, every single shirt she had on this morning was just fine. So far, she hasn't really worn any makeup, which is good.....she is a naturaly beauty, really. She has been developing some new friendships at school, for which I am glad, but I am also noticing that she is starting to have more interest in boys. Oh boy, I am really not ready for this yet......guess I am going to have to have my eyes and ears open at all times. Especially since the Homecoming Dance will be next weekend.

Shopping For A Christmas Bargain?

I have several grandkids and I have been trying my best to decide just
what I am going to get for them this Christmas. My darling daughter earns money babysitting, so she can buy something special for her nieces and nephews. We have discovered a site for buying toys and electronics at http://www.shopping.com/xDN-Toys--to_toy_category_electronic_toys
I have been hearing that so many toys are being recalled these days and
the news is saying is that there may be a toy shortage when it gets
really close to Christmas as when the toys get out of stock, it's hard
for them to reorder and get them back in the stores in time. http://www.shopping.com/xDN-Toys--to_toy_category_electronic_toys
is a great way to start your shopping early, and just think about it, you
won't have to get out of the house to shop.
My daughter has been looking at some of the toys here http://www.shopping.com/xDN-Toys--to_toy_category_electronic_toys
and there are some pretty great prices. So, have a look for yourself.
See what kind of bargains you can find for your children or grandkids
for the holiday season coming up. Happy Shopping !!!

Teens Learning Responsibilities

frenchie face
Originally uploaded by magaritas

What a beautiful horse we have here. This horse is costly, yes, that's for sure, but this horse really does teach something to those around her. You are probably asking by now, what could a horse teach someone? Well, a horse teaches respect, for one. And another thing they teach are responsibilities. What a wonderful combination. My daughter has to have respect for her horse, it's a very large animal. She has to learn that there are boundaries, not only with horses, but with all man-kind. She has to learn that there are responsibilities in life, not only cleaning up her bedroom, but that when you own something, you have to take care of it. This not only applies to her horse, but to her cell phone, and other such electronic devices. My darling daughter is learning how to take care of the things that she owns, because things are not always easy to come by. When you are young, you might get things from your parents and not worry about taking care of it, but when you get to be an adult, out on your own, it's a whole other story. Right now, while they are young, it's a great time, to let them learn responsibility, and honestly, you don't have to have a horse to do that.

Tackling a Clean Computer Desk

Hi Everyone... I am participating in this tackle it Tuesday today. I have a big stack of paperwork on my computer and I got on it this morning and got it done. I guess, I need to keep it more cleared off, seeing how my darling teen gets on this computer every day and I want to show her an example of why it should stay fairly clean. This not only helps ME to see where everything is, but it helps her to see why it stays clean is also good for her room as well. You know, teens do love trying on clothes in the morning before school, and then changing their minds about what to wear. My daughter just came to me this morning with 2 different outfits, wanting my opinion about them. Actually, both were suitable, but teens seem to look at things pretty critical. Anyways, this tackle was good for me today.

Ridiculous Situation

My darling daughter is such a sweet girl. She is not really as grown up as alot of girls her age, however, she has recently become more sociable. She has made some new friends at her school, despite that fact that all of her last year's friends went to the new school in our city. She has done pretty well. She seems very well adjusted and I have to say, I am so happy about that.
However, it seems that boys are now coming into the picture. She has made quite a few friends that are male. I remember when I was a teen, that I connected really well with boys as friends too. This past weekend though, one friend (male) came over to see her and they were sitting in the front room with my hubby and I watching tv.........then another guy came over to see her. Without a doubt, this was a very difficult thing as they both wanted her attention. They know each other, but don't really hang out together and this made things a little more tense. What do you do about this kind of situation? They were getting along alright, but I could see how they were both wanting to be "top dog". I felt so relieved when one guy finally left and then I took the other one home. On top of all this, she didn't know they were coming over, at least not at the same time. Have any of you had this happen, and if so, what did you do about it?