Sometimes there ARE good opportunities..
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| Sun, 07-15-2007 - 9:13am |
Not wanting to focus solely on the negative on these boards I just wanted to post some experiences I had this week as I was on vacation from work and decided to make it a "fun-filled" week with my two kids aged 12 and 16.
One thing I am very grateful and thankful for is that I had my children at a fairly young age. I had them when I was 27 and 31, fairly young given that they have friends with much older parents and many of my younger cousins are just getting married at these ages let alone having kids.
So that means I have been able to enjoy so many things with them as a young mom and their dad is young as well. We are finally past all the kiddie movies and can enjoy the same films together. We were out this week to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on the first day it was released here. I was as excited as the kids given that my daughter turned me on to the books. We brought along a friend of my daughters stopping first by a taping of MTV Live where my daughter and her friend got to see a live interview with Rupert Grint, one of the stars of the film. I waited outside of course with my son who was too young. My son and I toured the neighbourhood spots instead. After a full day of Harry Potter fun my daughter's friend remarked to her how thankful she was that I went along as they would have been lost in the city (they would...) and how "cool" I am. Imagine that! Me! Cool! When I was a teen I could barely get a smile and a nod from a "cool" kid... unless they wanted answers to the homework.
Yesterday we went to see an awesome show -- We Will Rock You -- a live theatre production set to the music of Queen. My kids rocked out and so many other teens and preteens were in the audience filled with at least 3 generations of spectators enjoying the music and spectacle. Its not the first theatre/concert I took them to as I enjoy much of the same music they do and I have exposed them to the amazing music I enjoyed growing up. They are pop-culture experts as I expose them to films and music and art of all genres and I censor very little. At one point I thought how great it was that 3 generations of people can come together and enjoy the same show/music. My parents were immigrants and due to language and cultural barriers we didn't have the same experience. But I'm grateful my kids and I can.
So many of my friends remark how they admire my relationship with my kids. You know, for me, its really easy. They are my priority. When I think of going out for some fun, I think of where I can go with them first. It keeps me young and it keeps them informed of a wider world than just their teenage cronies smoking up in basements.
Oh and some other good news this week...my daughter's report card for grade 10 arrived and she achieved an average last semester of 89 across her 5 courses! She maintained a high enough average for the entire year to stay on the honour roll. Only a small %age of her grade made that distinction and I am soooo proud of her. As for my 12 year old -- he took on a diet and exercise program as he was significantly overweight (his doctor highly recommended it) and has now achieved his target weight for his age. He looks great and has shone in a new thai boxing class he attends at a club with his dad. Another example of great bonding -- a father and son taking fitness classes together...
Anyway sometimes its good to share some good news stories to remind us its all worth it in the end.

Congrats to you and your DH and your wonderful kids! Sounds like you are having a great summer, after a year of major accomplishments.
Sharon
Thanks for sharing your fun week, and good news. My DD and I also watched Harry Potter this week, and she would be green with envy at the opportunity to see Rupert Grint live! Congrats on building and maintaining a good connection to your kids!
Great news about your DD's report card and on your DS's weight loss - both represent hard work and dedication on their parts!
Sue
Ramona Mom to 2 great kids and wife to one wonderful hubby since 1990!
I too luv this post. What a great way to spend the day!
I also had kids on the youngish side and my oldest childs friends think I'm the cool mom. Not because I'm permissive but because some of the older parents can seem disconnected to the kids. Of course it's not true of all older parents so please don't blast me. It's just the warped perspective of a teen.
At any rate kudos to you for hanging out!
L