My youngest turned 16 yesterday. I think we set a record at the DMV - we were in and out of there in 20 minutes! Son passed the spot-check test, which meant he didn't have to drive since he had already passed his driving test with his instructor during Behind-the-Wheel. It didn't take him long to come up with an excuse to take his first solo drive, but because of other plans already in place, Hubby and I shot that idea down. I know eventually - sooner probably - I'm going to have to hand over those keys and let him leave without us...
Things seem to be looking up for Daughter. She really likes her new job, and the new boyfriend, although I probably put them in the wrong order. She's improving every time she takes the race car out, and learning a lot from the other drivers. I'm thankful they are so willing to help her.
But on the home front, things are not going so well. I feel like I'm running a hotel with maid service. Guess who gets to be the maid? Daughter only comes home when she wants something. Well, that's not entirely true - it's frustration talking. She sleeps here (except when she's rebelling), and she eats when she's hungry and doesn't have a better offer. She wants to come and go as she pleases, and because she is 20, we've kind of let her do it to some degree. But we have asked that she keep us posted on her whereabouts and when she plans to be home, so we don't worry. She's been pretty good about that most of the time.
The rebelling is what I'm struggling with, though. I don't want her to lie to me, but she also knows I don't like her staying over with her boyfriend. He lives at home, and I would hope that his mother would not approve either, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Granted, it doesn't happen often, but still. He only lives 5 miles from us! Daughter's take is that I have to learn to let go. As Hubby says, she's at that age. He's afraid if we push the issue too much, we'll force her to make bad decisions. Sometimes I really hate being the Referee...
Tomorrow is my mom's 72nd birthday. We went to visit her today. She is doing very well with her shoulder recovery. Her range of motion is really good, but she hasn't yet regained her strength. That will take time. Mom was upset that she hadn't received any birthday cards yet. She said with as many friends as she has, she thought she'd at least receive a couple cards. I know that sounds conceited, but she does have a lot of friends. And I've noticed as she's gotten older, she is more self-centered than she used to be. I reminded her that most people aren't as good as she is about mailing cards for every occasion. I also told her that many of those same friends would probably post birthday wishes for her on her Facebook page tomorrow. She admitted that some already had, and with some very nice comments, too. She should be thankful for the little things!
Which reminds me. . . I should be thankful for the little things as well. I may gripe about my family (who doesn't?) but I am very thankful to have them!
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