I’m feeling old.
I can’t believe I have a daughter starting high school in the fall. Where does all the time go? I distinctly remember the day, fourteen years ago, when we brought her home from the hospital in all her pink entirety. I was thinking:
“Is she really ours?”
“Now what?”
“What do we do with her?”
“How can we take of her? She’s so helpless.”
Though far from helpless now, we still ask each other:
“What do we do now?”
“What do we say to that?”
“Where do we draw the line?”
A lot has changed since that day many years ago:
She’s taller than me now (yikes!)
She’s acquired three little brothers
Her interests are vast including dance, piano, choir, softball, lacrosse, soccer, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, track, horseback riding, art, cooking, swimming, and tennis
She likes boys (double yikes!)
But some things have remained the same:
She’s wholly independent
She loves to entertain and be the center of attention
She loves kids
She’s fearless
She is persuasive
She is beautiful
She is good…
It’s heartening to watch her grow through the years and see her making more and more of the right choices as she gets older and a bit more experienced and wiser. I think that’s the most rewarding thing for a parent. To see your kids choosing good all on their own.
So, because she has been good , we agreed to a birthday party…
With an outdoor theater
At night
With 30 of her closest friends
BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS!
(triple yikes!)
That was last night and it went off with just one hitch. The wind started to blow halfway through the movie. REALLY hard. We had to batten down the hatches (temporarily nail the movie screen to the siding on the house). Luckily the movie included enough action (for the boys) and young hot actors (for the girls) that the wind did not deter. They watched Forever Strong, ate candy, popcorn, cupcakes, and S’mores, played basketball and did a lot of texting. I think it was a success!
BEAUTIFUL picture (first one) of your girl. I know EXACTLY how you feel. Can’t believe time can fly by that fast and we are going to be mommies of a high schooler. YIKES … big time.
What a fun looking party. You are a very cool MOM!
WOW!! What a fun party! Your place is seriously awesome too. LOVE the built in spot for the trampoline {that’s the only way I’d EVER have one} and the built in fire pit. SO cool.
What a lucky little girl. And love that tribute. SO sweet!
I’m in the same boat–only with a son about to turn 14 and start high school. Similarly freaking out and amazed at who he’s become. Wow.
And yes, I feel old!
Wendy, what a beautiful daughter, and understand too well about the growing up, the challenges all change and seeing a child making good choices….so rewarding.
I LOVE your birthday party idea………….so very cool!
Happy Birthday to your Maddy!!
Sounds like such fun! Just wait until you have one getting married and then you are there when THEY have their first little one…..
Its freaky.
She’s gorgeous! And what a fun party.
Happy birthday Maddy! It was fun to be with you guys and celebrate a little early. It looks like a really fun party!!!!
XOXO
Jen
WOW…you’re a brave Mom, but a good one, too! Happy Birthday to your little girl…
Happy Birthday Maddy!! Jesse sure had a good time at the party. Thanks for inviting her! I love how you included so many people – I think that is one of your special talents!
What a sweet tribute to a very sweet, beautiful, caring and loving young woman. I love you both! Party looks like it was fun for everyone involved. Wish I could have been there too.
Looks like they all had a fabulous time! I’ve heard about putting trampolines in a hole like that, but -dumb question- what happens when it rains? Wouldn’t it fill up and then be a mosquito attracter?
My oldest will turn 7 in a few short weeks. Where does the time go?
Just visiting from SITS and wanted to say that I really like your blog. And your party sounds perfect and well-deserved!
Glad to hear it went so well…
=)
What a fun idea for a party! I bet all the kids loved it and had a great time!
oh what a great idea for a party! Wendy.. she is an amazing young lady. I know I never spent a great deal of time with her or anything.. but she definately stands out from the rest.. in a good way. Happy birthday Maddy!
Maddy sounds like an awesome young lady! That is one b/day party she’ll remember for a very long time!
You are such a good (and FUN) mom!! She really is so gorgeous, and I have to admit I teared up a little when you were describing her and you said “she is good”. I love that.
What a wonderful way to celebrate her birthday! You are pretty darn awesome to do a party with 30 teens. KUDOS!!! My teen will be starting HS in the fall too. I wish so many things, but your blog gives me hope that there is a wonderful girl under all the drama. So thank you!