Thank Heaven For Teagan

Teagan doing 'the kick-stand'

By way of disclaimer, let me just say that I recognize that I live a pathetic existence! I ought to have better things to do than run around for my children. Needless to say, this is the only thing of which I feel competent at the present time. Unfortunately most of my children are either no longer in need of my services or would prefer not to have them. Hence this post . . . Thank heaven for Teagan!! What a tragic thought to realize that without him I would probably not be needed at all!!

Sweet football 'running backward' moves he learned from Ben

It is overwhelmingly depressing to admit that the things I have mastered over the past several years. . . i.e. reviewing spelling words for Friday's test, completing school projects, driving to lessons, fixing after-school snacks, being the 'kool-aide' mom to dozens of friends, and preparing healthy nightly meals. . . are no longer in demand. All I can say is . . . I am not good at this phase of life!!

It does me no good to complain that "I liked it better when . . ." So instead, may I just say that I find great pleasure in the energy, interests and activities of a ten year-old. I love watching Teagan (with ipod in hand and headphones in ears) practice his latest dance moves. I love hearing him belt out a tune in the shower. I love seeing him blush when the fifth grade girls call. I love the marbles, lacrosse sticks, footballs, basketballs, monopoly games, and air-soft guns left lying around. I love that he still asks, "What matches these shorts?" and "What should I wear today?"

Dodging the water spouts at The Gateway

Even more, I love that I have learned not to insist that he wear a coat or boots when I know that he does not want to. It's amazing that I have actually made a few small steps toward letting some things go in this effort we call parenting. Maybe someday when Teagan is an adult child living at home I will actually know what I am doing!!