Yesterday was Thanksgiving and my 16 year old daughter asked if her boyfriend could join us. I was happy to have him over because I wanted to get to know him better. He attends the same school as my daughter, and is a grade behind her.   I don’t know much about him or his family, other than his parents are very strict, his mom owns a hair salon, and his dad isn’t his biological father, but adopted him when he was 3.

My daughter picked him up from his home and they got back around 11:30. I was in the middle of trying to remove the neck of a turkey so my hand was deep in the body. When she walked in the kitchen she had a beautiful bouquet of fall flowers; her first flowers from a boy. I thought that was so sweet! But then he topped that off with a bouquet for me! How awesome was that?! I would have hugged him, but my hand was covered in turkey gook. He didn’t present the flowers in a “oh, I’m so charming, look at me, look at me” sort of way. Even though his mom had a lot to do with it, the idea was from his heart. That kind of teaching will carry throughout his life.

My husband and I really like this boy! He is very well mannered, polite and kind. He has a sweet spirit. He’s not arrogant or conceited. I’m sure he has his flaws, but so far we are impressed with this boy. His parents are definitely doing something right! I think it’s a good balance between rules and letting him find his independence in a well guided environment.

Yesterday, when I was taking a break from all the cooking, K and E showed me some dance moves they’ve been learning in school. I know what you’re probably thinking, but it wasn’t those types of dance moves!  They were doing some swing dance types of moves and looked very grown up! It was a little weird for me to see my baby looking and acting so grown up.

I know the day will be here soon when she is out of school and on her own, but these last few years with her at home are precious! I can’t wait to watch her blossom into the great young woman I know she’s going to be!