An Observation At the End Of a Rather Difficult Week

It would be very convenient if Jesus could just please hurry up and come back before my kids hit middle school.

The end.

Comments

[Robyn]

Amen. Ditto. Right on. Yep. See my blog for example A.

[Rebecca]

Oh dear... hang in there...

[Rebecca]

Oh dear... hang in there...

[Marla Taviano]

You said it, sister!

[Terri]

Wouldn't that have been nice?

[Jennifer]

Oh AMEN sista.

[Jenn]

Hey, that's my line! Totally agree - said it just this morning to my mom!

[Lightening]

ROFLOL and oh dear all at the same time! :)

[Kellie]

Amen! and AMEN!

[charlotte Scott]

Amen, sister!

[Linda Sue]

Amen to that dear friend - I think even the words middle school yields fear and trembling time.

[Rosa Veldkamp]

That would have been nice! :D

[that girl]

Amen, and my Mid-Schooler is now wearing makeup because OHMYGODMOM everyone wears it!

[kelli]

Oh no way. That's not fair.

you should have to trudge through it just like the rest of us, little missy.

In fact, because I value our friendship so very much, I'm willing to send you my 14 and 15 year old for a week so you can adjust...

Give, give, give.

I know.

I'm amazing.

[suburbancorrespondent]

Yup, that would have been nice.

[Carol ~ I Throw Like A Girl]

I could not agree more!

[Laurel Wreath]

I rarely comment but have to on this one..having a 6th grader and a 8th grader. I will pass on the advice my good friend gave me....

you just have to live through those years. Don't have high expectations of maturity, you just have to survive. It gets better in HS as they tell me. I will let you know as my oldest enters HS next school year. But Lord have mercy middle school years have about killed me!

[Howdy]

LOL - start practicing now... 'NO'

Just keep repeating it... over and over... no you can't go to a co-ed sleep over, no you can't stay out late, no you can't wear those clothes.... NO, No, no, no, no....

You have to be more persistent than they are... that's the key.

Pull those big girl panties up... you can do it! LOL

[Lisa]

Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Before 2012.

[Amanda]

Amen, and Amen. We're barely into elementary school and already my children have acquired attitudes. Sigh.

[Stretch Mark Mama]

To quote Mark Twain, "When a child turns 12 you should put him in a barrel, nail the lid down and feed him through a knot hole. When he turns 16, plug the hole!"

[Kim]

There is a reason I don't teach middle school. Been there. Done that. Won't dare do it again! I barely escaped from the asylum.

[Daphne]

If only He worked on our time schedule, life would be a lot easier, right? Or maybe not? Only He knows! Being the mom of a 7 & 10-year-old, each going on 18, I understand! Come on Lord!

[Denise]

Ah, friend, if He did, just think of the sanctification you would miss out on!

Shannon, you would not believe how many times I have been surprised by grace in parenting my middle- and high-schoolers. The 3 year old child I thought I would never connect with well is now the one who is lovingly holding me accountable and showing me mercy. Granted, she also sometimes drives me nuts but she is growing because God is at work. He is at work in your children, too. Be faithful. Repent, repent, repent :-) on your knees and in front of your children. Pray, pray, pray! Your kids are precious.

Mind you, Jesus coming back WOULD be even better! Longing for that day with you.

[Missy]

Why do people look at my Hubby weird when he says he has a 17 year old, 19 year old and 5 month old? HELLO! What were you thinking starting over? You were almost free! :-)

[faithful chick]

On the words of the wise and wonderful Madea (Tyler Perry)...

HALLELUYERRR!

[faithful chick]

And of course, I meant to type "in", not "on".

I'm going to bed...

[Gego]

Middle school kids want: combs, mirrors, phones - all else in their world is unnecessary. They need: lessons in table manners, proper decorum in public, constant reminders about respect to all living humans - especially parents, gentle guidance, dance lessons from Mom or Dad, support when they have their first real heartbreak,and lots of love. Their lives are so confusing. They don't feel like kids, but are treated as such, don't feel like adults, but are expected to show lots of responsibility. The gateway to adulthood has just been unlatched. It isn't open yet, just unlatched.
Celebrate the journey. It lasts such a small time when compared with the rest of their journey.
Lord Jesus come. Deliver us.
Love y'all bunches!

[Nell @ Casual Friday Everyday]

Oh boy. This Mama feels your pain.

[mommytoj]

LOL...I agree. Reading your blog brightens my day and brings a smile to my face. God bless you and your family.

[maudie-mae]

I thought I wanted that too. But those same little pre-human monsters grow into beautiful adults that make you proud with their accomplishments.

[Cheryl]

AMEN! Some weeks are just like that. I have 4 teen girls. Need I say more? God is good and He is faithful. Kids definitely keep you on your knees - for thankfulness as well as patience.

[Michele]

Oh Amen to that! My oldest is 9 and my youngest is 3 and I am so over my head now. I cannot handle puberty, book reports on classical literature and algebra all at the same time. I am not ready for girl friends and "going together." Can boys go into the nunnery? I mean as a baptist we don't have nuns, but you know I think we could think of some convent type place right?

Hang in there, I hear it gets better. But if it doesn't remember to laugh. It may improve your outlook, but if it doesn't it may make them think you are a little to crazy to mess with.

God Bless,
Michele

[franticallysimple]

I wish he had come two weeks ago! I just moved 3000 miles with a seven year old. We drove. She has OCD. It wasn't terrible, parts were fun. It's the moving in that's killing us. Endure to the end...

[Mrs. Querido]

LOL...Mrs. Rocks in My Dryer, you are soo funny! I don't have middle schoolers yet, still in the trying-what-little-patience-I-have-left preschooler years. A sense of humor goes a long ways!

Blessings!

[Kim]

Yep, add me to that list!

[Julie]

I am so with you on that one! My son is entering high school next year and all I can think is, "Wow, we survived middle school," coupled with, "Oh no, I have to go through this again in 5 years."

[MT Nest]

It *does* get better! Just remember to choose your battles wisely. Pick a few things that are really, really important to you; let the rest go. One day, you too will be relishing the joys of the empty nest!

[Liz]

Girl, I know what you mean. Middle school scares me more than childbirth.

[Christine]

I'd like to see Him show up before 9:00. a.m. Today.

[Jenni]

Oh you are too, too funny!

But I am sorry it's been such a hard week.

STM's quote from Mark Twain has me giggling like mad...

[jen]

Hmmm...that kind of week, eh? Yeah, that's the "it's five o'clock somewhere" kind of week I've had in the past. And will again in the future. ;)

[lisa writes...]

With one currently in middle school, on his way to high school next year, one in middle school next year, one two years after that and the LAST one two years after that (THANK the Lord!)--all I can say is AMEN, SISTER! EVEN SO, COME LORD JESUS!

[Heidi]

My friend calls this time "pukerty"!!!
Yes, we have a 14 year old 8th grader...We do nothing right, the world has to revolve around her and life is simply miserable in the middle school world ("you wouldn't understand"). Jesus couldn't come back soon enough!! I know that He never gives us more than we can handle...no...really! Praying for you!

[Susan]

Can I just say this is truer than you know! Two have gone thru it...one more to go. Oy.

[fullheartandhands mama]

I joke that my mom can have my kids through the middle school years. Maybe when I get to that stage, I'll no longer be laughing when I say it.

[Scattered Mom]

I think I'm in the minority.

For us, ages 5-8 were REALLY hard with our son. I am absolutely loving 11 and 12, and am looking forward to the teen years!

I also started working in a grade 8-12 school last year, mostly with the 13-15 year olds, and I love it.

[diana/sunshine]

i remember when my daughter had been in middle school for about a month and my hair started turning gray :], someone made the comment, "oh, did no one tell you about middle school? it's a whole different world." um, duh. that was putting it lightly.

my advice (and i realize you didn't ask for it): keep your eyes, mind, and lines of communication OPEN. good luck... just in case Jesus doesn't return by then.

[Chris]

I can tell you that with my oldest finishing up her sophmore year of high school, it will get better. Those middle school years are tough, but hold fast to your convictions, stay strong, don't fret over all the times you have to say, "no" or "I don't think so" and keep the goal in mind. And talk, talk, talk, to them.

My next two are in middle school now, and I feel a little more confident than the first time around, but I still have my days.

[Cindy]

Hey, I understand. I have a 14 yr old and sometimes I think why in the world did I want to have kids. I love my kids very much, but sometimes it can be so hard. Have you heard that new Trace Adkins' song, "You're Gonna Miss This". I love it. Yesterday in the car I was just crying while listening to this song because it reminds you that you should cherish all the times because we are gonna miss this! I'm sure even the bad times. At least it does seem to come in waves. There are many good days mixed in with the rough ones. The only problem is that they aren't predictable - at least with my son.

[Tina]

Preach it Girlfriend!!

[pam]

I don't know you but I send you a hug, that you will survive--although I've had my moments when I doubted that. I thought when the last one left for college that it would get MUCH easier! WRONG--once their parent, always their parent. Praying God shines a tiny light on His presence in them for you this next week.

[Gretchen]

No, He has to come back after my children (almost grown now, with the toughest yet almost back from the devil at age 17),have had THEIR own teenager children (as yet un-conceived and unborn) finish growing up, so my own sweet boys can go thru it all too - just like my husband and me! Then He can come!

[Nicole @ Life in Progress]

Preach it sister! My girls are only 4 and 1 & I already feel this way. But, I have friends with kids that age & it's causing me to dread it already.......

[ruth]

I have four. My youngest started seventh grade this year. My oldest started college. It was a very tough fall.

Most of my kids did better than I expected in middle school. Except the youngest. He thinks homework is optional. He used to get A's, now he gets D's. Am I stressed? I can hardly even talk anymore. I try to say "Put that in the refrigerator," and it comes out, "Put that in the bathtub." I can't type anymore either. So I'll stop trying.

[Melanie]

Great post over at BlogHer. We seem to be thinking about the same subject.

We address politics with our daughter in the same way at our house- trying to be fair and balanced. Hey, I sound like O'Reily. :>)

[cyn]

Oh! I feel it too! Our friends have kids in middle school and the stories scare me.

[sweethomealagirl]

Amen, sister ;)

[Heather]

My stepdaughter is smack in the middle of those years and suddenly she's this fantastic, articulate person I can have a conversation with. I think there are definite trade-offs. When she's in a mood, I'd still like to toss her out the window. However, driving places is suddenly much more interesting.

[Vickie@PursuingSimplicity]

In all due respect....I have loved the middle school years. I saw such a growth in my children in middle school. Not only the obvious physical growth but spiritual growth as well.

Our last middle schooler is our daughter and she will finish up in May. I will then have three in high school and one in college. Our daugther has not experienced the cattiness that is SO prevelant in middle school with girls until just recently. She only experienced it then because she took up for her best friend when a 'mean girl' had been publicly ridiculing the girl. I was so proud that my daughter stood up to this bully and defended her friend, who has had the type of middle school years parents dread with girls (being mistreated, talked badly about, ridiculed because of her tiny stature).

I have seen, especially in my daughter, a confidence that can only come from a relationship from Christ. She has grown in her faith and is BOLD..much bolder than I ever was at her age. I see this in my boys as well. For that, I am thankful. We need BOLDNESS in our youth today to proclaim the VICTORY in having a life that is BURIED deep in Christ. Keep praying Shannon. You may want to borrow some knee pads the next few years! Blessings to you!!!
Vickie@PursuingSimplicity

[Michelle]

You have no idea. I'm convinced that labor is the easiest part of parenting - and with a teenager in the house, the toddler years look like a slice of heaven.
I have 2 words Hor. Mones.
And you have a girl, I'll start praying now! hehe- In seriousness, it's all good and with a mom like you and a God like we have it's a fun time full of memories and smiles. Just do as I heard Dobson say once about the teen years- JUST SURVIVE!

[Daiquiri]

A

Men

[Christine @ Serenity How?]

I always say I want him to come back before my kids are able to get their driver's licenses. My friends with teens laugh at me. Guess they hoped for the same thing! :)

[sandra]

you'll be ok

[Shalee]

Amen. Oh wait... The Girl's already there. Would you mind if I modified it to "before The Girl reaches puberty?" I have a feeling that it's going to amount to some hell on earth days...

[Sherida]

Having been a middle school teacher ... I have to shout out a big AMEN SISTA!

[Mommy Mechanics]

ha mine is only in preschool and I know how you feel.