Category: Raising teens

30 Days of Thankfulness Day 3

Kaylee is one of the biggest blessings in my life.

I have often wondered “what if” — what if I went on to medical school, as was my plan (and my FULL college scholarship) instead of marrying her dad? What if? I never allow myself to consider any more, because the answer would always end the same: I wouldn’t have Kaylee.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share

Coming of Age

This is the first picture I ever posted of my Kaylee on this blog.
I’ve been blogging for over four years now, and it’s AMAZING the difference four years makes in the life of a child. From 12-16, there’s a transformation from little girl to young lady and such a gradual way that you have no idea that it’s happening. And yet, we go from this:
To this:
In less than 1600 days.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share

A Message to Teenaged Girls Out There

My initial first thought was, “Doesn’t she have a mother?”

Followed immediately by, “She’s been in school for 7 hours, and her butt cheek is still hanging out of her shorts?”

So, clearly, there’s a lack of adult guidance happening with this young woman, and many just like her. So, I’m going to step up and be the adult in your life. Here’s my public service message to you:

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share

Passing the Mantle

I spent quite a bit of time developing a menu for them for the week. Kaylee is more than capable in the kitchen, but cooking one meal a week versus cooking for a week straight are two different things entirely – especially when you’re a 16-year-old. kaylee menuShe and I worked together to create a menu that wouldn’t overwhelm her…and I made a few concessions that I wouldn’t make for myself. For instance, I bought spaghetti noodles, where I would make my own pasta. And, I bought some organic boxed mac & cheese and some organic tater tots to go with hot dog night. But, for the most part, the menu is homemade, real food.

Pin It
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share

Responsibility & Other ‘R’ Words

This guy didn’t fit in there. His hair was too long, his clothes were too wrong, and his attitude didn’t fit. I blew him off, and I guess he didn’t like it. At some point, somehow, he cornered me and dragged me into an empty room.

And he raped me.

I’ll spare you the horrific details. At some point, he choked me. Years later I realized that I passed out for a space of time. When I could breathe again, I thought he’d kill me, but something stopped him. I had bruises on my neck for days and wore every turtle necked sweater I owned in an attempt to hide them.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share

Pinkalicious, Head Injuries, Romance Writers & Teen Drivers

His pediatrician looked at him and did not like the way he acted or looked, so he sent us to the ER for a CT scan. About 5 minutes after I got there (our doctor had called ahead and immediately triaged him and put us in a room), Gregg arrived from his office, and about 5 minutes later, our pastor arrived. He annointed Scott with oil and prayed over him. (I love our pastor.) Scott was a trooper during the CT scan, even though he was scared. The results were clear – no bleeding on the brain — but he definitely has a concussion.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share

A Sweet Sixteen

A follower on my Hallee the Homemaker Facebook page asked me, during my hectic week last week, if I would blog about Kaylee’s birthday party and what I did. The problem is, during party planning, I get immensely busy and don’t stop to take pictures. I have this weird hangup that if I can’t take a picture, then I can’t blog about it because it’s almost like the picture validates what I’ve done. Silly, I know, but nevertheless…

Pin It
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share

A New Phase: Dating

A new phase in our life: dating is about to begin.

I thought I would resist the notion. I assumed there would be some internal denial that this could be happening and that my daughter should not be old enough to go on a date with a boy. But, somehow, I’m kind of excited about this new tide. I’m excited for her. I’m not looking forward to heartbreak and tears, or the kind of pain that only a boy can bring. But I am looking forward to the stress of the right outfit for the right date, talking to her about life, and watching her continue to blossom into adulthood.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share

Copyright © 2009 - 2024 Hallee the Homemaker All Rights Reserved.