Time Flies. . . Just When Your Kids Get Interesting. . .

Just when your kids get interesting and you really want to spend time with them and you can have meaningful conversations with them, they go and get lives of their own.   What???  The boys are growing up so quickly.  Sprat will be going off to school and Big T has started driver's education, the book work.  My days of  following them around from ball field to ball field are over and our new adventures begin.
Advice to mothers of toddlers:  take lots of pictures, hold and hug them every chance you get, read to them often, and do not let anyone tell you how to raise  your child.  Listen to everyone's advice but make your own decisions.  I was stern with my boys and there are some that would say I was too strict with them over candy and soda and stuff like that.  I do not regret the way I raised my boys, I think they turned out pretty good.  I will tell you, with regard to the soda and candy thing, once you open that door you cannot shut it.  I tried to keep my kids away from soda as long as I could because I know from my personal experience that it is not good for you and no child should be drinking diet soda.  (please remember these are my opinions) 
Sprat, now that he is older, has decided for himself to stop drinking soda and sugary drinks.  He has not had a soda or sugary drink for a little over a year now.  He drinks mostly water and occasionally he will drink sweet tea if we are out to eat but not very often. 
Big T is finishing his first grading period at his new school and so far he has all A's and one B.  He will be taking one college class next semester.  He seems to be adjusting to his new surroundings very well.  We took Big T and one of his new friends from school to the local Fair a week ago and they had a blast.  Sprat was dating and the hubbs and I were able to enjoy all of the exhibits at the Fair.  We turned Big T and his friend lose at the Fair and the hubbs and I walked around like we were teenagers again.  I think this means the hubbs and I might get to date again.  Shhhh, do not spread that around.  I am afraid to say that too loud or too often, for fear it might not happen. 
Stay tuned as our parenthood adventure changes speed and lanes frequently. . . .

Teenage driver. . .

It is official,  we have a driver with a permit.  Ughhh, am I really old enough to have a teenage driver?  Yes, I guess I am. 
When I got my permit I wanted to drive everywhere.  Sprat does not want to drive at all.   I had to make him drive home from Big T's football practice.  He did well, he does need work on the turns.   I guess we will be going somewhere there are lots of turns to get some practice. 
Talking with a friend the other day and she said that our county is running out of funding for driver's education.  Big T will probably have to go for private instruction when that time comes.   That is not going to be cheap.  Guess I better set aside an envelope (Dave Ramsey) for future driver expenses.   

Driver's Education ughhhhh

Sprat is driving in driver's ed now.  By the end of the week I may need a wig, and I am not even the one in the car with him.  Today was day 2.  Yesterday Sprat said the instructor had to grab the wheel a few times and also had to use the brake several times.   Evidently today was not much better.  I must admit I did cringe as I was turning into the road by the school and there set Sprat waiting to pull out. 
He has never driven anything as far as I can remember.   He does not mow the grass and we don't have an ATV.  I took him out Sunday morning before church and had him make a few laps at a vacant parking lot.  I guess we need a lot more practice. 
I drove my dad's truck in the hay fields and the tractor.   So I guess I had a little more practice than he has had.   Just remember when you see those cars with the wedge of cheese on top, that those kids are terrified in there and keep your distance.