My awesome son about to enter his high school years
Next week my oldest child finishes eighth grade, since our school district has junior high instead of middle school, his first year, or freshman year, of high school will be in the same building…7th-9th grade. I’m thankful because there’s a huge difference in my mind between 14 and 18 years of age. I can’t believe I am a parent of a high schooler because I feel like I was just there, sad thinking that we are on our last leg with him before he officially becomes an adult. I went to a huge high school graduating in a class of 700+ students in my grade alone. When I started high school I was super shy, smart, skinny and pimply. It’s funny because thinking back, one of my goals was to be asked to go to the Homecoming dances and prom, and one of my main focuses was hoping not only to make new friends, but to possibly have my first real boyfriend…scary yes,obviously my focus was on boys. I wonder what may be on my son’s mind, I’m sure it all academics and sports, not girls at all….
Anyhow, high school, my teachers, and the changes and challenges that happened there have helped mold me into the person I am today. I sang and played the piano in a talent show in 10th grade and that is when I met Mrs Christy who asked me to join the choir (I think to my mother’s dismay). My mom was purely focused on education and college and thought that music would distract me….well it did, but I still went on to college, career, etc… My decision to join the choir led me to some awesome friendships, to musicals, and helped me truly enjoy my high school experience. My science teacher Mrs Smith introduced me to the beauty of chemistry and physics which I still love too. I had my first true love during high school and my first heartbreak. I learned leadership skills as Vice President of Student Senate and got a varsity letter from playing on the tennis team. I was never the most popular or the most beautiful, but me and my big hair had a blast. I recently found my journal from my senior year (I’ve kept a journal since 4th grade). It was filled with stories and emotions, most of which I had forgotten. It made me laugh and cry and it also gave me more memories and insights into what my kids are about to experience. The world is a different place now so boy will I be praying! All I know is that I had great friends, not too many worries, and parents and teachers who believed in me and encouraged me; and yes, I had a prom date (even though my teacher set us up two weeks beforehand…long story for another day).
What more could we ask for, even today? We’re still the same right? We all need great friends who support us (refer to last posting), and bosses and managers who believe in us and encourage us. I will do my best for my kids as well as the people I encounter. There is enough negative in the world, have you watched the news lately? Let’s try to be the positive.
Today I choose Covergirl Continuous Color Lipstick in Iced Mauve. I chose Covergirl because it’s probably what I could afford in high school with my mall job salary(although I was not really allowed to wear make up except for shows). This color is a light pinky mauve with a little shimmer. I found a picture of my senior year spring break in San Diego with three of my friends. We were not really allowed to go to Daytona Beach where all the crazy high schoolers went, but we were able to stay with my cousin in SD for a week…ummm, we still had fun. Anyhow, this shade of lipstick reminded me of that because it looks to be the color we are all wearing in one of my pics (remember that time Melissa? Crazy). I do like Covergirl lipstick and this formula is very moisturizing. My only issue is that I can’t really try before I buy so it ends up being a waste of money. To all the parents with future high schoolers…cheers and good luck!
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
My youngest is off to high school next fall too – a very scary thing for sure!
Mary, since It’s your youngest, how did your others do? Any advice?
I am not looking forward to when my kids go off to high school. For now it is enough they survived kindergarten and 5th grade and did well.
Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
Yes, Kathy, I’m so nervous! One going to be in 9th grade, one starting Jr High and still one in elementary, the years go so fast!
I am so sorry that times have changed so much that your kids won’t have the freedom and adventures we had as high schoolers. Today it just isn’t safe or wise. But it makes me a little sad. I am sure they will do just fine, they have such an attentive mom.
Thanks Jo! It’s such a hard time these days for kids, so many more challenges. I’ll be here for them (and on my knees praying too)!
I’m sure your son will have just as much fun in high school as you did. Glad you have great memories!
Thanks Kat. Kids growing up is so nervewracking!
I hope your son has as good a time as you seem to have had. High school is one of those places where all you can hope for is to be average, because standing out makes you a target!
I 100% agree Gill! Standing out does make you a target! Everyone’s watching and gossiping! Better to be on the sidelines!
Thank goodness for Mrs. Christy!
Oh, and how wonderful it is that you still have the journal from your senior year! I wish I’d kept the stuff I wrote as a kid!
Yes Beth, I LOVED reading through my senior year journal…oh the hope and promis…and I LOVED Mrs Christy! She changed my life!
so thankful your son has you present during this season of his growing..he is so blessed to have you as his mom..only sad thing is he will never explore the JOY of picking out lipsticks…LOL THANK GOD! LOLOL adore you!
Brenda you crack me up! Yeah, he’s missing out on the lipstick, but my daughter who is going into 7th grade is already asking…I told her I started with Cherry Chapstick!
No no no. I’m sure you’re son is not thinking about girls AT ALL.
hah! Good luck with that! That was my ONLY reason for going to high school. Well, that and they MADE me.
I hope your son has teachers that help and inspire him like you had.
Thanks Lee! Praying for great, encouraging teachers!
Glad you found your niche through singing during high school. Your son will do fine! I have survived three boys and high school. You will too!
Three boys and high school!? Congratulations! Leave your line open, I may be needing advice!