It is hard to believe the time has come to bid farewell to the beautiful month of May. Actually, there is no love lost here because it has been an insane month. December has nothing on May. (Am I right, moms?!?)
Before we get too caught up in the heat of summer, however, I must take a few moments to record a handful of things I learned this month that range from hilarious to mundane. These lists are always fun to write. I hope you enjoy the latest installment.
1. Graduation Is a Bit Easier the Second Time Around
Last year, when I was getting ready to send my oldest into the world, I was inwardly an emotional mess, despite the stoic front. His graduation was the beginning of the end of an era. I couldn’t fathom what life would be like when my family was divided by thousands of miles and vastly different circumstances.
But this time around? I am good. Happy. At peace. I have an idea of what is coming, and it is not so scary.
This son isn’t heading straight on a mission like his brother. He is planning on attending a year of college first, so his experience will be a little bit different. But I believe it will be just what he needs.
Around here, we are celebrating happy endings and new beginnings. And also the fact that my dear graduate finished his online French class in time for graduation. That one was a nail-biter.
2. Teaching a Teenager to drive is NOT Easier the Third Time Around
This is how I feel about that:
I hope we both survive. We are too young to die!
3. I Have Failed!
In nearly 18 years of teaching my son how to be self-sufficient, I missed some major things because I thought they were obvious. When I sent him and my 13-year-old daughter to the store to buy a roast and a few things for dinner, I thought they might be able to handle the challenge.
Then I got texts like this:
And this:
Neither of them had a clue what they were doing. I had never thought to explain that roast was different than chicken or ham because I thought that was common knowledge. Apparently not. And tying up the meat is not required. (WHAT?!?)
I also forgot to explain that when you buy a pair of shorts with the pockets sewn shut, you should NOT cut them open with a pair of scissors. Otherwise, you will be throwing your new shorts in the garbage and buying another pair because the holes you cut will be unfixable.
I have some work to do in the next two months before he heads off on his own. Pray for me. And for him.
4. He Doesn’t Want to Come Home
On Mother’s Day, I was able to talk to my missionary son. Since I only get to talk to him on Christmas and Mother’s Day, I tried to soak in every last second of that hour.
He has been gone for almost a year now, which means his mission is about halfway over. His weekly emails are always so upbeat and inspiring because he LOVES the work he is doing in Hawaii.
For months, I have been joking that he will decide to take up a permanent residence in the islands when his two years of service are complete. When we talked to him (which was the highlight of the year, by the way), he confirmed my suspicions. His exact words were, “I love you guys, but I don’t want to come home.”
The funny thing is, I couldn’t be happier about that because it means he is ALL IN. He is engaged in the work he set out to do instead of worrying about life at home. That is a win all the way around. I miss him but love watching him grow and thrive on his Hawaiian adventure.
5. Shopping for Shorts With a Teenage Girl is Torture
Shopping, in general, is not fun for me, especially when clothes and teenage girls are involved. But trying to find cute shorts that are not too short or too shredded is next to impossible these days, especially for a tall girl with long legs (who is VERY picky about how her clothes fit).
After trying on at least 50 pairs, she finally found four pairs of shorts and one skirt that will work. That is not enough for the scorching Arizona summer, but we are making it work for now because both of us are DONE shopping.
6. It’s Going to Be A Long Summer
School has been out for about a week now, and I am already getting complaints of boredom and requests to go to the store every five minutes because “I have nothing to do!”
These are teenagers, people. When I tell them to put their phones away, turn off the TV, and find some way to entertain themselves that does not involve a screen, you would think I had asked them to cut off their right arm. When I give them suggestions for ways to spend their time, they tell me that none of my ideas are fun, so they will pass, thank you very much.
Heaven, help me. When did fun become a requirement for every second of life?
I’m not good at creating and maintaining structure, but I think I might have to lay down some ground rules if I want to stay sane. They will probably boil down to this:
- If you tell me you are bored, dear children of mine, I will give you something to do, and you will probably not like it.
- If you protest when I tell you to turn off your screen and find something to do that does not include texting, YouTube, or social media, you will survive without your phone for the rest of the day. Also, the dishes will be fun for you that night.
I am a super mean mom, but I’m OK with that.
What did you learn in May?
P.S. For daily(ish) updates on what I am learning, follow me on Instagram.
