I'm not talking about homework loads, the disproportionate emphasis on state-mandated tests, or summer projects, although those certainly are things I could utilize quite a few soapboxes and expound on.
But the real "wow" moment today?
The high school is letting baby girls become students.
Oh I kid.
Sorta.
Because my girl is indeed 14 and has quite successfully completed kindergarten through 8th grade. So I'm told this is where she's supposed to be. And I don't think a millstone would have been effective in keeping her home. She's been "rarin' to go" since May and her smile got progressively bigger as today approached. And she's (gulp!) looking more and more the part, as this summer she got contacts, a cell phone, and began wearing a small amount of tastefully-applied make-up.
I did really well until we pulled up to the school and she started gathering up her purse and her book bag and viola case. There must've been something in the air that made my eyes start stinging and get all watery. Watching her walk into the school next to her brother with nary a backward glance was a bittersweet moment.
And I'm in total denial that my boy is a JUNIOR. Although the onslaught of mail he gets almost daily from universities around the country should clue me in to his rapidly approaching graduation.It makes me want to go find some sippy cups!
Mine are still young and I think it's hard...I'm in big trouble in about 10 years!
ReplyDeleteIt rips a moms heart right out!
The school here has done the same thing with my youngest! :(
ReplyDeleteWhen I started getting those packets from universities, my cousin who would stay with my Mom during the day would tell her... let's throw this one away, we don't want her going to Alaska!
ReplyDeleteI have a sophmore this year and a 13 year old 8th grader that I will be doing the same thing with next year. Good things I have a year to prepare, b/c, what you described is how I fear I will feel! Just doesn't seem possible!
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda!! I TOTALLY relate!! My baby started 9th grade this year too. Hubby and I have always taught the boys at home, and this year decided to enroll them in "classes" at a local church.
ReplyDeleteTalk about anxiety!! Today is day 2 and I haven't slept in what feels like decades! My nerves are shot!! Watching them grow up is such joy, but letting them go...oh, it breaks your heart!!
Parenting is not for the faint of heart!! Right there with you sister! And believe me, I'm on the other end of this girl/boy thing. On the way to "school" this morning, my two boys were agreeing to sit apart from one another in Spanish class so the girls would have to sit on either side of them!!
Oh brother!!
Glad I'm not alone in this!
I am so with you!!! Although my son is a senior this year and seeing that "senioritis" has hit in a BIG way.....college is looking really good! :)
ReplyDeleteI know it. Last one of mine is a senior this year. I'm headed toward grandmother, I just know it.
ReplyDeleteI think these feeling are floating around in the air.
ReplyDeleteI recently did a post on a few old photographs of my children I came across tucked in a bible. They were 4 and 5 years old at the time. They are now 20 and 14.
I am so where you are, although my girl child will not start high school until next year, so I have a year to remain in denial. She asked for a tube of mascara the other day and has been practicing with it ever since.
Oh my!
Blessings
Robin
I'm right there with you! I've got a senior and an 8th grader! How did that happen?
ReplyDeleteOh no! Don't wish the sippy cup days back! This is such an exciting time for your girl...enjoy every moment!
ReplyDeleteXandra