Junior high and high school. I’ve been there – and done that. And it wasn’t always easy. But lately I’ve been going through it again – only this time I’m the mom. And let me tell you, it’s no picnic the second time around.

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. I’m merely stating that I could use some help. You know; just a little direction while maneuvering my way through the mood swings and the madness.  

At this grade level, my kids can choose (within reason) which classes they’d like to take. Like Spanish or French. Band or Choir.

But here’s a thought. Wouldn't it be nice if someone could offer some crash courses for us parents? Here are a few ideas:

Mathematics:

• Calculus for the Clueless: Practical instruction for parents who managed to weasel   their way out of taking Calculus in high school and college.
  
• Essential Algebra: When (x + y) = confusion and chaos.
  
• From Grueling Geometry to Tedious Trigonometry: A parents’ guide to avoiding the tough questions.

Language Arts:

• Texting as a Second Language: Going beyond lol (laugh out loud), ttyl (talk to you later) and jk (just kidding).
  
• English Comprehension: Decoding the meaning behind your adolescent’s grunts, groans and inside jokes.

Abnormal Psychology:

• Understanding the mind of your teenager. This course focuses on conflict management; as well as strategies to eradicate mood swings and meltdowns. (Theirs and yours.) Also includes practical tools for eliminating those unpleasant behaviors such as whining, complaining, eye rolling and door slamming.    

Physical Education:

• Building Stamina for your Backside: A how-to guide for parents who sit on uncomfortable seating during their child’s activities. For example:
  Chapter 1: The Basics of Bleachers: Why must they be a pain in the backside? 
  Chapter 2: Folding Chairs: Friend or Foe?
• The Prepared Parent: Packing techniques for game day. Includes such topics as snacks, coolers, blankets, ponchos, lawn chairs, ibuprofen, umbrellas and more!

Drivers Education from the Passenger Seat:

• You’ve been driving for decades, but this class is specifically designed for parents while in the passenger seat. Topics to be covered:
  Chapter 1: Patience, Patience, Patience
  Chapter 2: Self-control: How to refrain from screaming except during true emergencies.
  Chapter 3: Managing Panic Attacks: Even you can stop reaching for that invisible emergency brake.

Principles of Accounting, Economics and Finance:

• Several important concepts will be studied in detail, including:
  Introductory Level: More Bang for your Buck: Hand-me-down jeans, second hand shirts and convincing both girls to “say yes to the dress.”
  Advanced Level: Managing your Cash Flow: How to stash cash for that never-ending lunch money and concession stand food. 

Art:

• This course is among the most challenging. Some parents never fully master the techniques. So what’s the central focus? Teenagers want freedom and parents want control. It’s a delicate, unpredictable balancing act. This class teaches parents the fine art of holding on while letting go.

So what do you think? 

I think I may be on to something. Anyone know where I can sign up?

Hi all! Just some random ramblings this week from yours truly …

So last weekend I did something I hadn’t done in a long time. I went for a motorcycle ride with my husband. We used to ride pretty often; but that was years ago. Way back when we first started dating. It’s different these days. Let’s just say there are usually at least one or two girls ahead of me in line.  

But last Sunday was my turn. Once on the open road, Curt cranked up the radio and sang along to a lovely, spiritually uplifting song. (Just kidding.) It was Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Freebird. Curt does have a nice voice - but don't tell him I said so. 

I used to hear his same voice from the back of his motorcycle in my early twenties. I’d wrap my arms around his slender waist and away we’d go.

Those were the days …

Free Bird rattled on (that’s a very long song, you know!) and suddenly, I kind of felt like that twenty-something-year-old. Back when there were no house payments. No carpooling with the minivan. No “What’s for supper?” and no “Where’s my gym clothes?”

For just a moment, I almost forgot I was forty. (Okay, I’m forty-something, but who’s counting?)

Anyway, it was just me, the open road and the guy I loved. 

Sure, my guy’s hair was a little gray. And when I put my arms around him, he didn’t feel like a skinny kid anymore.

But me and this guy, we had a history. Twenty years of memories. Good and bad. Like graduating from college and getting jobs and having babies and climbing corporate ladders and aging parents and raising teenagers …  

And as we returned back home I realized something. I was grateful for all of it.

But can I be honest? I was also grateful, that if only for a while, I forgot I was forty.

Last weekend our family decided to take a road trip. Taylor and Madison share a birthday on August 24th. Since they'll be back to school by then (and busy with volleyball, gymnastics, homework and other fun stuff), we decided to squeeze in a quick family vacation. (And celebrate their birthdays early!) I took some pictures along the way. See if you can guess where we went.

Need more reading material? Check out my story, "My Front Row Friend," which was previously published in the book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just Us Girls ... 
 
"Maybe Grace scrutinized the newsletter with a critical eye, but she always looked for the best in me." 

It's a story about a very special (yet unexpected) friendship of mine!

Have a great week,

Sheri

It's week THREE of my summertime blogging format! In case you didn't hear, I'm focusing more on my family (and a tad less on my blog) until the end of August. I'll still meet you here every Tuesday, but things might look a little different than usual. Thanks for stopping by! 

Today, I'll begin with a DISCLAIMER: Normally I try to maintain at least some level of professionalism on my blog. But sometimes ... well, you just gotta have fun and laugh.

Have you ever heard of dubsmash? It's an app that lets you add soundtracks to videos recorded on your phone. It's often a short clip from a song or a movie scene.

Well recently, I found these little dubsmash dandies on my phone. They are quick snippets of summertime silliness. Hope you enjoy my goofy girls as much as I do.

(By the way, those of you who are getting this by email, you may need to go to my website to watch these.)

So there you go. Are my girls talented or what?! 

Now, if you're in the mood for a little reading material, I invite you to check out my story, "Head Over Heels" which was previously published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game.

"Head Over Heels" describes one of my most memorable dates with Curt. Of all things, we went skiing. But there was just one problem ... I had no idea how to ski. 

Have a great week everyone!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then I'd say I outdid myself this week. Just thought I'd share a few of my favorites ...

Do you ever feel like you're being watched? One day while the girls were swimming we spotted someone spying on us from the timber in our backyard. Look very closely and you will see. Need some help? I zoomed in on our little stalker in the second photo. 

I like to call this next photo, "Softball at Sunset."