Beauty and Brains!

She does her homework everynight without having to be asked. She asks for help when needed. She goes above and beyond for her projects...and she still has time to iChat with friends in the evening <3

My Cute Little Girl is Now a Teenager!!

Well, it finally happened. My sweet little girl (Goo) has grown into a teenager!! I, at the tender age of 34 am the mother of a teenager. And I can't believe it. I mean, there are days when I still feel like a teenager. Am I really that old? Here we go.....

Naya - 13 Years Old

Naya is a good girl...No, No No, I know what you're thinking, but she really is a good girl. She hasn't been in any significant trouble, she doesn't talk back or swear, gets good grades, helps around the house. See what I mean, she's cool. She even made me a promise that she would stay this way, and never give me a hard time. : ) ...(ok, that you and I both know won't hold true, but it's thought that counts)

I take it she is your typical 13 year old, she's getting into makeup a little and has more interest in what she is wearing and her appearance. She is starting to recognize and acknowledge her flaws and her best features and qualities. She is on the social networking sites, FB and Instagram...so she likes to take pictures of herself. Not risque pics, but they are starting to get a little more mature with the make up. She has liked two boys, she's not boy crazy, but she is at the point that she is taking a little of an interest.

She texts all day long and like most teenagers, she would be lost without her phone. We have an extremely close relationship, I know most everything going on in her life..and that can be scary but it's so necessary. She is already in school with kids who are at various levels of making out and sex, there are students who smoke, and students who do drugs. There have been 3 suicides in her district within the last 2 years and bullying is an issue at her school. And with all that said, she is still a wonderful trustworthy child. And that is a lot for a 7th grader to face day to day. I'm so proud of her and I hope that she continues to make good choices.

We live in the "suburbs" but at times I think the schools can be isolating and pressures are greater in the suburbs. We have a lot of "mean girl" action that goes on. She is also at a school that is lacking in the area of race diversity, so there are occasional incidents of racially insensitive comments as well. But she handles it all. We handle it all, we talk everyday.

I hope to use this blog to record memories most of all, to solicit advice, and share my stories with other mothers with teenagers. There are times when life's situations can make you feel isolated and a little crazy...just want you to know that I am likely going through it too!!!....I also need this blog to share and keep family and friends updated!!

...did I mention I also have a 4 month old?.....(the Lord gives me the strength, I'll tell ya lol)