Middle School

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"

~Eleanor Roosevelt



Our two oldest children are in middle school. Remember middle school? For me it was an absolutely horrible time. My awkward body was going through all of these weird changes that I didn’t understand no matter how many After School Specials I watched or Judy Blume books I read. Not to mention the “mean girls” in eighth grade that bullied me for an entire year because some boy liked me. I don’t want that for my children. But as I remorsefully think about the mistakes I made and the tears that I cried, I realize that because I went through those horrid days, it made me …me. Now don’t get me wrong, I am far from perfect (I couldn’t be further from it) but I kind of like me. I am sometimes overly empathetic, but who couldn’t use a little thoughtfulness in their lives? I want my children to feel the same way about themselves.

So I watch and listen, and even cry for them when they aren’t looking, because…I know. (Even though they don’t believe me.) I hope that they hold the above quote in their sweet little hearts because it is very very true.



I think I will blow this quote up and hang it on the wall because there are days when I need reminding too.

There truly IS a bright side...

Our nation's economy is going down the tubes. (Don't worry, I am done with the finger pointing.) Everywhere you turn we are reminded of bailouts. lay offs and rising taxes! But there is a light at the end of this turbulent tunnel that we are traveling in.

Our personal relationships can and will grow stronger as a result of this. I am hopeful that people will realize how important it is to share your life instead of running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. It doesn't cost a whole lot of money to sit and chat, share a meal (even if it's hot dogs and beans), take a walk, or play a board game with family and friends. (Making love to your spouse doesn't cost anything, and it will bring you even closer. I highly recommend it!) Instead of worrying about where to take a vacation, which car we should buy, or how many minutes we've used on our cell phone, we can focus on the people in our lives that make us truly happy and fulfilled.

Now I understand that some of us are struggling to put food on the table or trying to find a job, but if we are surrounded by people who truly care and love each other and support one another, this journey will be easier than if traveled alone or unhappy.