Monday, June 09, 2008

The One Where I Convince You I Am Not Old

Have you heard the awful rumors? No? Good. Because hear me now, I am absolutely too young to have a high school student. Do you hear me? is this thing on?? Sigh. I cannot be old. I wear cool shoes! I listen to hip music. I wear semi-fashionable clothes. well I don't have a link, you'll have to take my word for it I have bitchen hair. I cannot be old, ok? I am a youth leader for the jr high (soon to be high schoolers) at church. They like me. I like loud music and cookies. I am not old. Repeat it with me.

Tonight was our promotion celebration for our homeschool. There are 41 families in our group. JBug was the only 8th grade graduate. There were two Seniors graduating from high school, though. Not even going to think about that. We all went on stage as a family and JBear along with JBean received their promotion certificates. Then JBug came on stage and was given her certificate of graduation. She is an excellent student, and studies Logic (second year), Latin (second year) Algebra, Ancient History, Greek literature (we are of the Classical bent, more or less) Life Science and Intermediate Band: she plays the clarinet. In her spare time, she is teaching herself the piano. She is very self-motivated and I rarely have to remind her to get on task. I was asked to say a few words, and this is what I said:

JBug, wow, we are in a completely different place in our lives this year, huh? In the last two years since you have been homeschooling, your father and I have watched you blossom from a tentative child to a self-confident young woman. While it doesn't seem to be your nature to jump into an activity with both feet (you will never be an early adopter), you are trying things more easily than you have in the past, and sticking with them. You are no longer stuck in the Perfection trap...you are realizing it is enough sometimes just to do something because you enjoy it. And even if you don't. I have watched you step up and do what needs to be done. You are an invaluable help around our house, and you are usually uncomplaining.

I have watched your relationship with the Lord grow as you discover who He is to you, personally. I have watched you step up in ministry as you find the areas where you are gifted. You have a reputation for service, whatever needs to be done. And for wisdom. We all learn from you.

I have watched you grow in your friendships. Our joke is that you didn't find your peer group until you started homeschooling...so much for no socialization with homeschoolers, right?

And most importantly, I have watched our relationship grow. You talk to me, and I talk to you. I love that aspect most of all. It has been my privilege to watch you grow, and I am absolutely thrilled that I get to share so closely in your journey to womanhood.

Congratulations, JBug. You are absolutely ready for high school.
*On Tuesday, I will honor my younger kids, I really am not ignoring them. But this is JBug's moment

T, who absolutely is not not not old (and is very proud of her daughter)

3 sent chocolate:

walking said...

Your daughter looks so much like you!!!!

I am old. I think I was born old! LOL!

Barbie said...

I SOOO could have written this post except I work with the teens at my church and not jr high lol I refuse to believe I am old and my son is going into high school this year!! My middle one is going into middle school and...and...my baby is going into 3rd grade:-( How did that happen?? How did my oldest become so tall and I have to look up to him?? I have to say and I know every Mom feels this way but my kids are turning into such amazing kids that LOVE Jesus!! I am blessed beyond measure!

Anonymous said...

Your post on Breed 'em and weep this a.m. made me laugh so hard I had to find you!

They do grow so fast don't they? I nannied through college and one of the kids I took care of is now 25!

It's a big reason my husband and I decided I would stay home with the kids while they are young. Not because we're fabulously wealthy, but because they do grow so fast and we didn't want to miss it.

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