Ah, puberty

Let's face it. Puberty sucks!

I have no clue what's in store for me when my sons hit puberty. But, I'm really getting a good idea of how my daughter will be, thanks to my step daughters.

I'm learning all kinds of new things, things I didn't notice when I was going through it all. For instance, did you know that girls' breasts start developing about 2 years, on average, before they start menstruating? Or, that underarm hair is second?

But with all of it comes those thoughts. You know the ones. The ones most kids don't want to talk to their parents about. Well, these two girls like to talk about it ... to me. Maybe it's because I'm not their real mom. Maybe it's because I don't judge them but listen and try to explain. Maybe it's because I'm honest with my answers. It's strange regardless. I never thought I'd have those conversions with them.

I only hope that the information I give them helps them make good, responsible decisions.

Summer has arrived

When I'm wrong, I say I'm wrong. The girls have been here for 3 weeks and all is well. At least their behavior, anyway. They have been more help this summer, so far, than ever before and I'm proud. We're having a great time. No fighting. No hiding. Just laughing and taking care of business.

But, it hasn't been all good. Somethings have come up that I'm not sure how to handle. I can't go into detail. It's complicated and involves more people than just me and the girls. Let me put it this way: not everything is great. Things have been said to me in confidence that I can't begin to comprehend, let alone attempt to fix. Questions have been asked for which I don't have answers. There is pain there, sadness and confusion. And, again, I find myself at a loss.

I wish I could change things. But all I can do is say, "We are your family. This is your house. We love you and will always do our best to take care of you." I only wonder, will it be enough?