BS: Boasting about my child!

Subject: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 04:26 AM

Because I can and because it'll embarass the shit out of her!

Limpit had her SAT results, end of year report and prizegiving at school this week.

The brainy little cowbag scored three lots of 5 on her Literacy, Numeracy and Science. (For the uninitiated and non-parent/teachers amongst us, 5 is good. Very good).

The breakdown through subjects (there's about 12 in all) gave her only one 4 (which is still good) and the rest 5s. She scored 93% on her maths paper - pretty damned good for the offspring of a maths dunce like me (true, I passed my CSE maths with grade 3 and no-one was more surprised than my maths teacher)!

She also got the highest score in the newly formed Latin club - many times she beat the teacher!

For these acheivements she received a certificate and two medals and we're so proud of her!

But the best of all was her school report. It wasn't a fantastic report, she has her moments like all of us and there's a disturbing tendancy towards nerdy shyness and solitude - but the comment from her class teacher made it all worthwhile.

Limpit "is a true English eccentric"...


Apple didn't fall far from THIS tree!

So tell us... How did your little darlings do?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 04:58 AM

Great news Liz, and you have a right to boast about her too.
Tell her I said well done, and please tidy your bedroom!
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 05:06 AM

Boasting about my child -

lead singer "Torniquet" This band she joined at the age of 14 - about 16 in the recordings on this site.

lead singer - "Basso Loco"   Her current band (now she's 25)

In between, lead singer - "My Sensory Burn" - no surviving recordings

I also have some recordings of her folk singing at the age of 14 "the only singer who light up all the overload lights on my PA" said one sound man; and I think I might be about to receive a DVD from a recent "Sweeps" festival with her doing some more folk stuff probably with the lead guitarist from "Torniquet". If I do I'll see if I can rip them and put them on some storage site or other so that I can link to them....

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: bfdk
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 06:12 AM

Way to go, Hermione - eh - Phoebe :-)

Best wishes,

Your SS Bente

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: alanabit
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 06:57 AM

Good to hear Liz. I too have all the mathematical acumen of a teapot. So it is no surprise that my eleven year old, Merle, has always struggled with that subject. However, she improved a little this year and brought home a four in that subject. The other subjects were all ones and twos. She is affectionate and interested in lots of different things.
My son is another story. About eighteen months ago, he was struggling at school. He had felt humiliated by his class teacher and he was becoming truculent at home and violent towards his sister, whom he would attack almost daily. We went to the school and told his headmistress that he would leave either that class or that school that week. He was given a new teacher, who from day one was very strict with him, but also co-operated closely with the school pyschologist and the Ergo therapy centre. Jonah quickly discovered his liking for figures and arithmetic. He is always top of that.
We moved flat just over a year ago. Now the children have their own rooms. The attacks stopped almost instantly. They still squabble, of course, but the violence has virtually disappeared. Jonah is learning to read and write slowly, but he has made up some ground. He is a sport natural and he is gradually learning to appreciate his own strength better. He is also the best cuddler in Cologne! I am exceedingly proud of both them.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 07:30 AM

Well done Limpit!

Shady also got all level 5s on her SATs. She didn't get 'eccentric' on hers cos Richard is the one who often gets called that. Her report did say "It's been a pleasure to have such a nice, polite young lady in my class". Makes me feel good! The only comment anywhere in her report that was anything less than glowing was that in two places it said "She has a tendency to chatter too much". Wonder where she gets that from?!?

Have to wait until August to see how my other chold has done in his GCSEs, but I know it will be good.

We must all have done something right!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Diva
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 08:06 AM

Well done Limpit..'true English eccentric'......what a fab comment

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: alanabit
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 08:40 AM

For sure. Sounds like a fun kid. If you can't be proud of your children... Hope some more stories are on the way.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 08:42 AM

Well done Limpit!

Richard... quite a voice!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 08:47 AM

alanabit, you family must have been having a difficult time, it's good to read that a new teacher & a new home have helped your children. My cousin had a really tough time with one bad teacher in his early school years & changed completely the following year with a caring teacher, tho he didn't need therapy as you boy did.

congratulations to all Mudcatter children!

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 08:51 AM

Well since we're blowing kids trumpets I shall mention that Maddie got level 7s for Maths Science and English. This is apparently considered to be above average for a 14 year old. As she is still only 13 they are expecting great things from her next year!! She has also had so many credits they have had to extend the range beyond double platinum!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 09:06 AM

Well done Maddie!!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Mo the caller
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:08 AM

Your comments about inherited maths problems reminded me of our family failing.
My mother was told "your work looks as if a spider has crawled out of the inkwell, and walked over the page".
I had the same teacher at junior school, but it wasn't just her who complained. Every school report up to A level said the same. "Good work spoilt by poor presentation".
Then all my children's reports said the same thing. One was told, in class "that's a typical Waddington mess".!!

Encouraging.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: alanabit
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:11 AM

Thanks Sandra. The Ergo therapy was because he tended to grasp everything too hard - indeed he tended to use too much force for everything. It made it very difficult for him to write, as he was far too tense. He has been described by the osteopath as having "no body centre". We were told this happens in sudden births. It can also make the child's emotions more extreme. Fortunately, this can be rectified. You just need people around, who are interested in finding the source of the difficulty. We have been lucky. The difference a good teacher can make!
Congratulations to Mrs. Duck's Maddie!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:55 AM

Well, look who's spawned a generation of know-alls!! Tell Shady I'm well impressed and as for Maddy... I'm gobsmacked!!!

alanabit - it's wonderful to hear your children are doing so much better. It's so easy for parents of "normal" (sorry, no other word to hand at present) children to be proud of the big things, we forget that the little things are also big. To improve to a 4 is fantastic. I've seen the work Limpit was bringing home and I had trouble with some of it (I always wear sandals so I can discretely count to 19 on my toes....)!

But for someone to actually take time out and pay attention to your boy is beyond fantastic. It really makes a difference to you, your son, his teacher and his class, you can be justly proud!

One of these days, we'll have to organise a junior Mudgathering...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 11:49 AM

OK, I'll buy it (or bite) - after "ostrichised" - why "discretely" not "discreetly" - is it one toe at a time sort of thing?

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Peace
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 11:54 AM

You have every right to boast, Liz. Great news.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Nancy King
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 12:00 PM

"A true English eccentric" -- I love it! Congratulations to all!

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 01:06 PM

Obviously does these kids good to be brought up in the folk ethos!

Interesting that Shady considers her school friends to be "Just my school friends" while the ones who are her "Best friends" are the ones she only sees a couple of times a year like Maddie. Pity she has only managed to meet Limpit once.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 02:07 PM

Well done Phoebe, Shady and Maddie!!

Love

Khatt x

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 05:53 PM

We have some brilliant up and comings it seems! Well done to all of them and commendations to their parents for obviously putting in the effort to help them achieve these results.

OK, my kids are all grown up and hitting middle age but I'm going to boast about the apple of my eye, my grandson. His first school report came in the other day and, in literacy, numeracy and science he is working 'above the year one national expectations'. He gets a glowing report from his teacher and all As and Bs in each subject for Effort and Progress. In all subjects he is either working at or above the expected level.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: GUEST,dianavan
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 09:21 PM

Report cards are a topic in themselves.

Numeracy? The term is a bit wierd. Math requires more than an understanding of numbers, but whatever... I think the term was coined to coincide with literacy.

Have any of you rcvd. the odd comment, "minimally meets grade level expectations." or "fully meets grade level expectations?" As far as I'm concerned you either meet the expectation or not. Some may even exceed but "minimally meet"? What does that mean? Whats the difference between "meets" and "fully meets"? Ugh...

This is the kind of mumbo jumbo you get when politicians talk about teacher accountability.

I wish we'd go back to satisfactory or unsatisfactory in the primary grades with separate categories for effort and citizenship which I think are more important than academic standings. It would give more time to teach and require fewer fine lines.

Anyway, congratulations to all the little wiz kids. I hope they make you proud. My kids still make me proud and they are 30+. My baby is the consultant for the green renovation of the U.N. bldg. in N.Y. At this point we're not sure if it will ever happen but, heh, its nice to know she has something to contribute.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MMario
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:35 PM

I think it says something about this wierd wonderful internet community of ours that I am sitting here bursting with pride over the accomplishments of several children who have "done good" -- and I've only met one of them.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:40 PM

Well - my 'baby (18 years olf and 6'2") is learning disabled (like his mother in some subjects) and absolutely despised school. He pulled himself together wonderfully and managed to graduate high school -- everyone asks what his plans are and we (and he) say -- NONE-- we sent him off on a trip to Europe starting in England with my sister, then to Italy, then Switzerland, then Germany, now Amsterdam (God help us -- 'mum -- thay have pot menus in the coffee shops') then to Denmark and back to England where he has a hundred places he can stay for free...........

WE ARE SO PROUD OF HIM....not even worrying about next steps at this point.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Peace
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:46 PM

What a beautiful post.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:47 PM

er --"free", not "for free" which is surely an utter solecism.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Peace
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:51 PM

"utter solecism."

And what's THAT? The adjective is not necessary. Wordiness to no purpose.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:53 PM

mmario, I've never met any of them, but feel the same.

Good on 'em all

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 10:56 PM

OOps - I, an English major, should (and do) no better......!!!! - he can stay FREE......

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 15 Jul 07 - 11:16 PM

EEEEEEEEEEk - I am an English major (honestly -- summa cum laude ) -- I KNOW better!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Barry Finn
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 02:35 AM

Well we don't have any geniuses here though they've been surrounded by them in school all they're lives, Christ have we heard about it too. I guess some of it must've rubbed off & we thanked them all cause it must've helped, they both graduated High School with one in college & another accepted & on his way. Well, anyway my daughter she turned out to be a pretty likable kid, she hung out with geeks & the cool kids & never put up with any gossip about or between her buds & walked off if some one pushed her into taking sides, she helped out with the underdogs & made newbies feel welcomed, orginized parties & proms so that eveyone was a king & a queen. She's the life of the party & she tries to share the fun & the brightness with all her chums. On the other hand our LD son had to fight evey fucking day of his life. Some thought he was lazy others said stupid & others still blamed us. He got big & strong & took martial arts & that took care of the bulling issues & his big sister used her pull & bron (she took martial arts too) to help him along his way but he's a loyal & generous friend to a fault & I wish I could say that I had his morals & honesty, turns out that this summer he's had his 1st real job & his work ethic is as sharp as his parents. Yup they're grades weren't great, some times even rotten but I can see that I'm gonna be real proud of my two, they'll both be folks that others will be happy to have as adult friends & they probably won't save the world but they're the kind that'll do their little bit to make the small world they live in a little better for eveyone else around them. The grades, when they're older,,,,,as long as they're happy with their lives I can die a,,,,,,

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 03:38 AM

Well yes....academic achievement is great but it isn't the only way that our kids can make us proud. Each one has their own strengths and I think the whole point, probably, is that we are proud when they take their own strengths and make the best they can of them. I would be much less than proud if either of my very bright children didn't work and use the brains they have been gifted with and just sat around and expected it all to come to them. That's what I did.

Trubrit, I think you've probably given your child the best education possible. There's nothing like travelling and seeing the world to give you a proper sense of your own place in it.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Jeanie
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 04:54 AM

Congratulations to everyone on this thread !

Here's news now from another proud mum: My daughter Izzy has been accepted to train at RADA - notoriously difficult to get into - and I'm so delighted for her.

What makes me proudest of all is to have seen her emerge from all kinds of personal struggles to become the happy, hopeful, confident young woman she is today. She's a kind and lovely person who knows that being kind and loving is what counts the most, wherever and whenever. Yay, Izzy !

- jeanie :)

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 04:59 AM

Richard - spelling.... I got English 'A' level nearly 20 years ago and I'm very, very tired due to a frozen shoulder that keeps me awake. I'm allowed a spelling error occasionally! However... if we're going to be pedantic, discrete means 'separate' and I can only count one toe at a time.

Barry - if personal development was graded the same way as maths and science, Limpit would be further down the list and your children way at the top with all 5s... It's impossible to test a child's personal development except by experiencing life with that child. I'm proud of Limpit for getting all 5s, because as MBSLynne says, it shows she's using her gifts rather than being lazy, but if I had to mark her for consideration, forthrightness and honesty, she'd be just scraping through with a 3, on a good day. We're going to work on that this summer.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 05:58 AM

Lovely stuff from Barry Finn, Trubrit and Dinavan. It's making my day!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 05:59 AM

Forgot to mention Jeanie too. That's smashing news. Did Mum help a little with the preparation?

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Morticia
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 06:19 AM

Congrats to all our junior catters, what a wonderful bunch! I couldn't be more proud of all of them.

In my experience, bright, funny folk babies turn out like PixieofDoom, which is pretty damn great in my book.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: kendall
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 07:09 AM

Liz, that's fabulous news. Now you can stop picking on her.

Few things in life are as rewarding as an exceptional child. I was blessed with three of them. As you know, one of them, Becca72 is a mudcatter.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 01:19 PM

I think Lynne may be right about the folk scene. It certainly give them the confidence to mix with people of all ages and makes them perhaps more open minded because they are not simply following the latest trend. And Morty if mine turn out like PoD I'd be very happy!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 01:34 PM

Yes, Pixie has been one of Shady's role models for some time now!

I think another thing the folk scene does for the kids is allow them to mix with all ages on the same level. My kids have friends aged from single digits up to 70s. We don't tend to have much generation gap in the folk scene so the kids learn the proper way how to relate to adults and how to behave when amongst them.

Well done Izzy...that is fantastic, though I'm green with envy because RADA was one of my dreams. Interestingly, it's one of the things Richard has thought of trying for too!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 07:57 PM

Oh dear... Pixie has a lot of living up to her reputation to do... Limpit has named her as an influence in the past!

Perhaps a junior gathering might not be such a good idea....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 10:25 PM

This is a wonderful thread. Barry, I think our sons have much in common -- some time, if I have the energy and strength - I will recount my son's struggles with being LD from the day we were told by a private specialist that if we didn't get him out of the public school system it was ALL OVER because he was so very LD. So we remortgaged our house and spend his college fund while he was in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade for him to go to a special school for LD kids -- AND NOW HE CAN READ......

He's a good kid -- got a great work ethic -- his father and I love him and his sisters adore him which must say something --- there truly IS more than one way to learn.

But let's not think for a minute the money will go to having small classes where LD kids can learn at their own pace as can gifted kids -- we are all much too busy sending tax dollars to Iraq.......(sorry, couldn't help it).

Who in God's name do 'they' think is going to fix their toilets, build their decks, make their lights work - if we make the ONLY acceptable path to be academic.......

Me - I hope Nick becomes a chef.....I LOVE to eat!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 10:35 PM

MBSLynne - rereading this thread - I realized I had missed your comment about giving our son the gift of travel. It is so funny -- he calls us every few days to report in.....last check in was from Amsterdam at 1.00 am their time and 8 pm our time - we were sitting on the back deck with our older girl and her boyfriend when he called -- he was absolutely stoned and you know -- at 18 in a country where dope and drinking are legal -- that is fine with me......I think he is too well grounded to sink into addiction nor do I believe that marijuana leads automatically to serious drugs (come on, guys -- didn't we all get high whether via MJ or alcohol when we were that age???). He has learnt it would be useful if he could speak a little Spanish or French, he has learned that other places treat late teenagers like adults -- he has learnt that if he leaves his Eurorail pass in the Youth Hostel three miles away, and gets to the station without he that HE -- only him -- has to go back and get it - toting a heavy back pack all the way...........the young man is growing up and we hear it in his voice in every phone call home.....he paid $3.5 (the equivalent) for a coke -- I think that is one hell of a lesson!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Peace
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 10:39 PM

So often what are refreed to as learning disabilities are really ways for systems to say, "We have not yet found the right way to reach/teach this child."

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 10:49 PM

Hi Peace -- you are right.....but what you also imply but don't say is ----- is ain't going to happen until we decide that we NEED to find the right way to reach/teach every child.......

Ever looked at the statistics of the number of LD kids in jail, correctional facilities, half way houses etc?????? I remember being told in all seriousness that my son would do better if he were 'difficult" -- one of my daughter's friends threw a chair at a teacher and the result was he got private tuition at home for a semester. But my son knows if he threw a chair at a teacher, I would MURDER all 6'2" of him so he didn't do it......

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Peace
Date: 16 Jul 07 - 11:09 PM

Here, where I live, severely LD kids--kids who need a one-on-one aide are funded to the tune of about $18,000. A FT aide costs about $22,000, and getting kids that coding is a nightmare of hoops, dances and obstacles. It is all a bad dream. Been there, done that. Got the tears on my t-shirt to prove it.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 03:12 AM

There is a similar problem with the very bright kids too. Fortunately schools in England have finally realized that what they call the "Gifted and talented" also have special needs and require extra attention. It used to be a sad fact that a lot of very bright kids also ended up in jails and correctional facilities etc because the education system, geared up for the 'average' child, lost their interest as early as primary school and the kids then started to become disruptive. It often led to kids opting themselves out of the system altogether and never managing to achieve anything.

It was something that worried me as my kids went into primary school so I spent a lot of Richard's primary years at school telling them what I thought they should be doing. I got very well known at school and ended up becoming a school governor! Meanwhile, the 'family of schools' of which ours is part, started a club for the gifted and talented every Friday after school among other activities directed at them. It was too late for Richard who had left by the time it started, though the school had done very well by him anyway. Shady has loved the club (Tiptops) and has had the opportunity to do all sorts of things in science and maths that she wouldn't otherwise have done.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 03:15 AM

Trubrit, I totally agree with your comment about the 'system' thinking that everyone must have an academic education being all wrong. What ALL the kids need is help to find what they CAN do and what it is that will make them happy.

Your son sounds like a lovely boy and I'm sure that with your help he will find that.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Crystal
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 03:46 AM

Many many congrats to all junior Mudcatters!
Have the summer off and visit festivals/ dance/ sing/ do crazy stuff (like seeing how long you can stand on your head!).

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 07:21 AM

One of my little darlings has signed up for an archery course and the other has gone to a kayaking taster session. They're both madly learning songs for Sidmouth, though Shady is devastated because she won't be able to go to LNE as we can't afford tickets

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: GUEST,ibo
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 08:19 AM

my two year old girl has just graduated from cambridge,and will be reading the news on bbc if we can get the dummy out of her mouth long enough

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 12:06 PM

Lol!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Amos
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 02:44 PM

Lynne:

How do you adjudicate the flavor of various kayaks, then? Body, aroma, breeding, aftertaste? Don't the little splinters get stuck in your teeth? Where do they do this kayak tasting, anyway? I think the New York Times would be interested.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 17 Jul 07 - 03:16 PM

Lol!

As it happens she didn't manage to get a 'taste'. She went with a friend and her mother and they needed a parent-signed consent form so she didn't get to do it. shame.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 12:30 AM

Love this thread.......I am happy to say that at 2 all of mine were prepping for being newsreaders on BBC2 AND getting ready for both Yale AND Harvard....AND of course, Oxford and Cambridge!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 12:58 AM

Hmmm...these days I brag more about my grandson, Morgan,who lives here, than I do my kids or the twin grandsons back East whom I haven't see in forever.:-) It's been fun to read of everyone's accomplishments.

All three of my kids were very intelligent and very bored in school...in school before gifted and talented programs came about. Son dropped out of high school, kicked around, got some hard knocks, went on to get a very high paying job and owning two houses, new car, etc. Split with his partner after something like thirteen years, basically had a nervous breakdown and had some serious wake-up calls. Today, he is with a new partner, a very lovely and loving woman and he is back at a very good paying job, digging his way out of debt and much happier. Do I wish he'd gone on to college? Yes, and it could still happen, but I'm not holding my breath. Still I am very proud of him. He left home at 17 and has come a long way. He consistently shows me up as a good influence of some sort as he is well-mannered, personable, very well-read and a great conversationalist.

My oldest daughter should have been in an arts school; that was mostly her only interest and she's very talented in it. She did graduate from high school which was a relief because she too suffered from boredom and lack of challenge. She's gone through a lot since those days. Just getting divorced after thirteen years (hmm...I'm sensing a pattern with my kids!), doing a bang-up job raising her sons and starting a new career. Her new beau is in college and wants her to go. I am encouraging her to do so as much as possible, but I think she'd do better, still, at an arts institute. I am very proud of her, esp. as she is the one who has lived so far away all these years of stress, etc.

The youngest child, a daughter, went through school with dyslexia and the audio equivalent of photographic memory. She made the honour roll every time and coasted through honours classes in high school because they were too easy. She got all kinds of scholarships to go to college, went for two years, made the dean's list each time, then didn't finish her criminal justice degree. She happened into a good paying job, much like her mom, brother, and sister and she's made a good career out of it, owning her own home for awhile and doing well. Having her son, Morgan, put a ringer in things for awhile, but she's back on track and tomorrow she is buying a house from us and she also has a new beau.

I'll spare you the proud grandma bits for now...suffice it to say he follows in the gifted and talented footsteps of his family and these days the teachers and schools recognise it and he is having a blast. Oh, and he's getting a great education in folk music as well as other music!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: kendall
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 07:23 AM

Around here we have people with the following bumper sticker:
ASK ME ABOUT MY GRANDCHILDREN.

Now, picture this: You walk up to the driver and ask about her/his grandchildren, what is likely to happen?

YOU WOULD BE ARRESTED!!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 07:28 AM

Or you would be held captive for three days hearing all the gory details and being shown every available photo. I know - I AM that Grandma!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: GUEST,sinky
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 09:24 AM

There is a great clip on funny american series where successful writer dad is having words with his wife about not saving for their three year olds twins college fund.She says,what if they want to go to harvard,then it shows kid chewing on his shoe.Moral is,let your kids be what they want to be.PUSHY parents are an absolute nightmare,and terrible bores.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: GUEST,ibo
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 09:41 AM

I forgot to mention that my brothers five year old son has just been granted a trip to the moon,the launch will be as soon as i can purchase a decent pair of Dr Martin boots.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 18 Jul 07 - 11:29 PM

i have received lots of lovely PMs about my son's travels and their value to him (the verdict is universally that this trip will be great for him.....). So I thought I would report in -- with not a word of any language but English, (and that is debatable some time) he made it through Italy, Switzerland, Germany and France. He met up with a 'couple of French chicks...' who turned out to bea couple of German chicks (I told you -- he doesn't speak any languages!!!!!) and they all took the ferry from Calais to Dover with them arriving at the ferry terminal after public transportation had stopped for the night so he (and they) hunkered down for the night in the waiting area of the ferry. This for my dear, lovely, spoiled American son, is as hard as it gets......I don't think he has ever spent a night (other than camping) in the rough before.
when public transport started runnng he made it into town and met up with my cousin after a couple of false starts.....his quote was ...'I just want to wash my clothes, clean my teeth, take a bath and sleep in a real bed.....' (after all, he HAD roughed it for one night....!Then he got to my cousin's house and found out that he could not do laundry and take a bath at the same time because the hot water wouldn't last........I am not sure to be proud or not that he chose laundry over a bath!!!
He plans to hang out in England til his money runs out - which should be a while as he has endless free rides from my large extended family........we are having such a peaceful time while he is gone, we are debating whether to ensure his money does NOT run out yet.

I think this will be the making of him......

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Peace
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 12:01 AM

Spending the night with two German 'chicks'. That's roughing it? PLEASE give him my regards.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 12:31 AM

Yes - but in a ferry terminal!!!! Not much privacy.....

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Peace
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 12:33 AM

Where there's a will . . . .

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Peace
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 12:36 AM

Sorry. Gotta stop makin' mom nervous here.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 19 Jul 07 - 03:21 AM

Well I still think you deserve a medal for your bravery in sitting back while he does it but yes, I think he'll learn a lot of life's lessons in a very pleasant way. The trouble is that, from my own experience, once he gets the travel bug you'll never get him to stop!

I hope he continues to have a great time. Well done to him and well done to you too!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 22 Jul 07 - 08:21 PM

I think it is easier because I am European and much of what he is doing I did myself in my younger days........to be honest, we are kind of hoping that he may decide to go back to England for a while -- it might help him find his way.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Pistachio
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 07:24 AM

Wonderful thread. Uplifting.
Jealousy creeping in - I know I went wrong somewhere with my two.

I did my best - I wasn't as strong/firm as I needed to be.
I chose the harmony line in life and song. I expected that children 'should do as they were told' as I had done but it's an art form 'parenting' and 'telling'.

My husband and I had hugely different childhoods. He learned his life lessons in the fast lane and I had a quiet ordered life. We met in the Army and were used to following orders. I realise now I do what I percieve I 'have to do' and forget that in life we should also do what we 'want to do'. (tho' I'm making up for that now)

I pre-empted so many situations and did too much for the children domestically (because "I" wanted it done/tidied/cleared) They've yet to realise that there's more that they can do for themselves. I was so busy being 'in charge' that I failed to be their friend.

Verity (21)works in Prison and Phil (17-)is still in education and 'chillin'. He will find his way and he is a lovely sociable lad but has no work ethic.
I'd love to have had family visits to folk festivals but my husband had no interest in the wonderful happy weekends of music and song so I represent him wherever I can(!!)

We are all so different.

PS. Claiming Aunts bragging rights now, my niece(21) got a 2.1 in Music from Edinburgh University this summer.
H. x

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 07:59 AM

Unfortunately, parenting is a very inexact art and we are chucked into it with no real knowledge or understanding of what it's all about. I based most of my parenting on what my parents, and mainly my mother had done. I think most people fall back on their own upbringing in one way or another. After all, it's really all most of us know. My personal feeling is that provided we teach our children decency, honesty, caring for others and a few other things like that, it doesn't really matter if we did too much for them physically, or too little (in our own views) they'll probably turn out ok in the end

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Alec
Date: 24 Jul 07 - 08:00 AM

Congrats & well done to all concerned!                               It is particularly good to hear about youngsters doing well in maths & sciences as this is an area where some of the gaps in their knowledge bases are genuinely worrying.(Not Limpit)
During my latest noticable absence from these parts I became an Uncle for the third time & a Great Uncle for the first,so children have been prominent in my thoughts of late.
News like this always gives hope for the future.
Alec (Who respects & admires Genius in all its myriad forms)

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 26 Jul 07 - 09:30 PM

Just a quick report in -- Nick called in tonight to report he is the Quiz King of Southern England - he answered a crucial question right for his team....! He is down to $477 with NO MORE CASH coming from us --will be interesting to see how much longer he makes it.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Jul 07 - 11:55 PM

Pistachio,
Kids don't come with a book of directions and we do the best we can with the parenting skills we inherited and the belief that we will not repeat our parent's mistakes. LOL

I believe that a parent needs to be the authority figure and not a "friend". I cringe when I hear a child, even an adult child, call his parents by their first names. (Work situations excluded).

One of your children is working; the other is in school. You did something right. PM me or TRUBRIT before you get too jealous. Deborah's son is bright and handsome and charming and he drove her to distraction for many of his teen years. Mine did the same. They grow up. Sometimes they mature too. Mine hasn't yet - he is 32.

Be proud that you raised two functioning adult children. And let them know that you are proud of them and why. Accept that they have vowed not to make the same mistakes you did and they will anyway plus a few of their own.

I too am the proud aunt who is thrilled at my nephew's marriage, success at work and writing career. His sister is a brilliant student. Finished her MA while working full time and now is atarting a law degree. Another niece quit her full professorchip when the BS got out of hand. Good for her! Her brother is married and has a beautiful little girl who is fighting the battle against autism. Another niece finished her MA and has been approached about having her thesis published. She has two little boys who are so full of life they fill a room with smiles.
Life is good.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: GUEST,dianavan
Date: 27 Jul 07 - 04:13 AM

Pistachio - Does your child work in prison or work in the prison?

TRUBRIT - I went to Europe when I was 22 and hitch-hiked from Ireland to Morocco. I love to travel but the best time I ever had was "back then". I needed only a change of clothes and a bed roll. My first night was spent on the floor of an office in Victoria station. We arrived late at night, there were no rooms available and we were exhausted. A man in uniform took pity on us. In the morning he and his cousin took us to their home for something to eat. It was all very innocent and sweet. They were curious about us(American) and we were curious about them (Ghanaian). That would never happen now!   

Now I have to pack two suitcases (one with wheels) and need three meals a day. I also want to no know for sure where I am going to be sleeping each night.

When you are young, you can travel light and let the wind blow you where it may. There is nothing quite so foot-loose and fancy free.

I really appreciate that we all have kids that we can be proud of. I had one of each. The eldest, learning disabled, son and the youngest, gifted and creative daughter.

Barry - When you mentioned your son had help from his sister, it really struck a chord. The same happened in my family. Somewhere along the line my kids discovered that they could help each other along. He had the physical and social skills and she had the academic and creative skills. Together they are a very strong team. They have been in business together since they were teen-agers, and although the business(s) keep growing and changing, they are successful and happy in their work. Its wonderful to see your kids helping each other. That was an unexpected surprise for me as a parent. I didn't know such a partnership could exist. Sometimes I find I am in love with the trust between them. Each child is unique. One is not more precious than the other. Now that they are in long term relationships, its as if I have four kids. My family keeps getting bigger!

I don't want to pressure the girls but I sure would like a grandbaby in my arms. (I know, I know; don't push the river!). Being a parent gets better and better as time goes on and as the family grows, the more you have to boast about.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 27 Jul 07 - 06:15 AM

I too have some of my happiest memories from travelling in my youth. At 23 a friend and I came to England from Australia and spent 6 months cycling and hitching around Britain and Europe. It was a wonderful, wonderful 6 months and I never at any time felt unsafe. I met so many people who were friendly, helpful and kind. People who would give us a lift then take us to the door of the hostel we were heading for, go out of their way to get us to the right place, offer us a meal or a bed (no strings attached) a lorry driver who stopped to buy a packet of cigarettes and bought us a bar of chocolate each and many others who bought us cups of tea at truckers' cafes. I look back now and think..."Couldn't do that today!", but is that true? i don't think the world and people have changed that much, just our perceptions.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: ShadyLady
Date: 27 Jul 07 - 06:31 AM

Well done Limpit!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Jul 07 - 06:38 AM

Cynical and knowing kids, and stories of false accusations from female hitch hikers has scared me off offering lifts to anybody these days. Sad but true I'm afraid, innocence is becoming the rarest commodity in the world today.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jul 07 - 08:56 AM

Well Done Liz!!! You deserve to bask in the reflected glory. Really feels good to know you've done one job right!!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 27 Jul 07 - 08:59 AM

So many interesting comments...........Dianavan, I may have been hitchhiking round Morocco just about the same time you did!!!!!

I think the world is a much tougher place to make it -- I count my blessings simply, - no unwanted babies, three high school diplomas, one college diploma, one associate degree, no child of mine addicted to drugs or alcohol that I can see..........life if good.

The comment about kids helping each other is great. When they were younger my middle child (daughter) and son did karate and got all the way to black belt. That certainly helped. They followed their older sister into high school and there was a network between them -- even when they didn;tlike each other than much, it was 'don't mess with my sister/brother because you are taking on more than you want to....' Not violent or threatening -- just clear!!!

One of the greatest gifts of being a parent of adult children, in my book, is being able to talk to them as adults (not friends, you are right Mary) but as poeple -- people you can really enjoy. And my girls who couldn't stand each other in their teenage years are now the very best of friends and talk daily.......it is wonderful.

Finally Giok, I have to agree. I used to pick up hitchhikers for years and years and I don't do it any more....makes me sad that I can't be comfortable but I can't

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MMario
Date: 27 Jul 07 - 09:31 AM

I figure there is probably something to boast about with most kids. While I don't have any children of my "own"; I do have the nieces and nephews - two of whom I helped raise; and "chosen family"; and the kids from the drama groups, and the kids from summer camp, and the kids I baby sat for, and the. . .

well - you can understand something of why I wrote "Lullaby for a Borrowed Child".

All I can say is - knowing how much I am affected by the successes and failures of "my" kids - and the difference in intensity between the kids I taught versus the kids I raised;

How do you Parents stand it?

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Rapparee
Date: 27 Jul 07 - 09:44 AM

Well, my mother's children were the most intelligent, best looking, most religious, and most scholastic of any she ever had.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 Jul 07 - 09:59 AM

From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jul 07 - 08:56 AM - your comment... is that for her scholastic acheivements or the fact that she's just as proud to be as mad as a box of sausage frogs?!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Midchuck
Date: 27 Jul 07 - 10:01 AM

I have too much class to brag about my child in a public forum. Shame on all of you!

Peter.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Rapparee
Date: 27 Jul 07 - 01:32 PM

Oh. A UU grad. Well, that explains a lot.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 27 Jul 07 - 01:49 PM

Giok, those stories were going around when I was hitching. All my relations were absoultely sure I was going to be kidnapped for the white slave trade. Bad things happen. Bad things always happened. They are in the very samll minority though, it's just that they are the incidents you hear about. News doesn't give stories about all the people to whom nothing happens

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Diva
Date: 28 Jul 07 - 04:08 AM

Jane has a piece of her artwork exhibited in The Glasgow School of Art in an exhibition called Trying Childhoods. We are all thrilled to bits......when teling her its quite impressive...she replied..."yeah, suppose so"

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Hawker
Date: 28 Jul 07 - 07:09 AM

Liz isn't it amazing how one minute they can drive you tonear distraction ant the next leave you bursting with pride!
Well Done Limpit!
My Youngest, Amber did her sats last and got 554 (4 in English - Dyslexia 5 in reading 4 in writing brought the grade down) we were well pleased with that, This year her school report was brilliant and she got a 6 in science and this is her target for the end of year 9 (she's just finished year 7.) Yes, I was proud. The weird thing is, the child described in the report bears no resemblance to the child that lives at our house.......how does that happen?
We'll have to wait till August 23rd to see how well Tamsyn did in her GCSEs........Now I am alittle nervous about that one!
Tammy had me bursting with pride whan she sang at Mum & Dad's Golden wedding - she has threatened to sing at Dartmoor this year so look out for her! I'll be the one in tears in the corner!
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 02:14 AM

quick update for those that are interested -- he went back to England and spent a week or so   in Kent with family......then he went back to Dorking where we lived from age 2 ish to age 7 ish.....called me long distance on his cell phone to ask where a cafe we use to go to was. Called on some friends from way back in Dorking , spent a couple of nights ith them and they were very gracious and offered him s lift up to Scotland where he is curently hanging out.

He is getting by with regylar infusions of cash from us and a

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:18 AM

My family's two week stay with us in Maine is just coming to an end. I am so proud of my daughter and her husband for the way in which they are raising my grandson. It's a joy to see the three of them together and the little boy is obviously thriving in their care.

He will be seven in September and already uses words like eventually and exhausted in their proper context as a matter of course. He was asking yesterday for words to spell and does extremely well for year one - mostly his spellings are correct and, if not, he's using logic to work out what it should be.

He is a pleasure to take out, behaves very well in social occasions and hsa made quite a number of friends over here.

I shall miss them when they go back to the UK tomorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Midchuck
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:44 AM

He is a pleasure to take out, behaves very well in social occasions and hsa made quite a number of friends over here.

I shall miss them when they go back to the UK tomorrow.

"Mommy, visiting Gramma was fun, but who was that weird old guy....?"

P

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Pistachio
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 08:42 AM

Thanks for comments
Dianavan, Verity is not an inmate! She always wanted to work with criminals and started voluntary work with the Probation Service before getting her job. She's already had her first promotion - and I am proud of her - she simply won't tell me anything of 'her day'. Of course I know there's stuff she can't disclose but she doesn't even say where she's going socially.
Hi Hawker.
"The weird thing is, the child described in the report bears no resemblance to the child that lives at our house.......how does that happen?" I felt the same way and I believe we are not alone!!
I too have the 23 Aug in my sights and hope that my Phil and your Tamsyn have reason to celebrate.

Truebrit "I count my blessings simply, - no unwanted babies, .... no child of mine addicted to drugs or alcohol that I can see.........."

Yes, I had that thought a while back.   Unfortunately my son is a smoker and likes to have a beer. My husband has been totally tee-total since before he turned 18 so I think Phil is out to try booze himself. He knows we care about him. He just has this teenage stage to get through... i just hope it doesn't last 'til his 30s!

Thanks for all your supportive comments.

Hazel.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 11:50 PM

Well - my son is a smoker too (tobacco and weed) - the tbacco breaks my heart -- the weed I can live with -- he also drinks but so does everyone in their late teens in every country but this one (pretty well). I think if some of the money spent to police underage drinking went into health care we would all be in better shape.

Anyway my son is coming home next week after nearly 8 weeks gone -- we are proud of him, looking forward to seeing him back but know we will miss the wonderful quiet of the house the last 7 weeks..................

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Sorcha
Date: 09 Aug 07 - 12:01 AM

Well, both of our are still alive at ages 28 and 22. In this day and age I think that is something.

We are the grandparents of an 'accidental' grandson who is now almost 4. He says, so what is the big deal? He also says 'Why?' a lot. I tell him the answer is either 'Because' or 42. He just shakes his head at Nana.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 09 Aug 07 - 12:59 AM

'because' or '42' are wonderful answers to life's universal questions!!!!! We have a a 'kinda sorta' step grandchild - son of my younger girl's current (but I think not too much longer)boyfriend -- and he is wonderful.......was telling me all about how he is GOING TO RIDE THE SCHOOL BUS BY HIMSELF in the fall. I will mss him when the time comes. Grandkids will surely be wonderful.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 09 Aug 07 - 03:54 AM

Yep..also waiting with baited breath for August 23rd. Should be no nasty surprises though.

W
Last Friday evening in Sidmouth I sat listening while first my daughter then my son got up and sang at my session at the Volunteer and realised that, though their good results and reports make me proud, what really makes me happy is to see them taking their place in my folk world. Richard is developing quite a powerful voice which is also very clear. He also started what was apparently the best singing session ever in the marquee at the gate on the campsite.

Trubrit I think your son has done really well and I hope he has enjoyed it. I came home from Sidmouth leaving my son there....first time away on his own. All right, I know he's not really on his own, but it's still scarey. He's travelling back by train on Saturday. I have to keep stopping myself from texting to see if he's ok.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Hawker
Date: 09 Aug 07 - 09:36 AM

Oh Lynne,
Me too, My Tammy has just started to sing in public, she sang at Bude Folk Club this week and got a standing ovation! I was truly proud. She has a lot to learn, but plenty of time to learn it in and to see her sharing and enjoying our world is wonderful.
I am still reluctant to let her have the freedom you have given Richard, I know I have to cut those apron strings and let her fly sometime but not just yet!...................
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 09 Aug 07 - 01:54 PM

I think you tend to worry more about girls than boys..probably with good reason. Richard isn't really very free though. A large proportion of the people at Sidmouth have known him all his life and they will be keeping a weather eye on him. I think a folk festival to which you go regularly is probably a good place to start loosening the strings.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 09 Aug 07 - 09:54 PM

Lynne - I cant's text -- so can't check up on him that way.......!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 10 Aug 07 - 05:30 PM

well my wife just called me today and said listen...
I could hear my 2 1/2 year old daughter singing...
she had her animals in a circle and strummed a ukulele and sang them made up songs..
(she doesnt know how to play the uke - we just picked it up yesterday on a walk - someone had put it out with their trash..
but she just strums and sings)

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 11 Aug 07 - 03:33 AM

Awwww.....she has music in her soul obviously

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 11 Aug 07 - 07:20 AM

That's great petr - I hope she keeps on doing it.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 08:03 PM

thanks.. my wife & both play- me fiddle, she fiddle, whistle & piano..
so we hope it will rub off...
the younger sister whos 9months - is already singing whenever we have music around- its just a monotone ahhh.... but is definitely singing..
cheers
petr

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 08:22 PM

couple of years ago I watched a group of toddlers (well, some were crawlers!) have fun with music!

They jiggled around or danced, & played with simple instruments & had a ball. The lucky little mites were part of a formal class learning about music & movement. I wish it had been around in my day.

I've also attended a similar session in a festival, tho it was aimed at older children (up to 10 years) & the kids were so happy, singing along & playing the instruments supplied.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: GUEST,prince charles
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 11:15 AM

my son was born a king,beat that one you tossers

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 11:24 AM

OK troll - anyone of the kids above beats yours - they had to ACHIEVE, not have something as a birthright.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: GUEST,prince charles
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 01:58 PM

one feels a little jealousy dear girl

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 09:54 PM

Well -- my son made it back from his trip - alive and well. When I got home from work -- about 8.30 they had just arrived (they being my husband and son from the airport) and just one visitor was at the house -- within half an hour I counted about 10 more! He seems to have grown up a lot -- is planning on going back and is talking about getting a job -- can't be all bad!!!!! And I am very proud of him....

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Flatpick
Date: 15 Aug 07 - 06:32 PM

I'm proud of my son, the cop. he makes a difference.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 15 Aug 07 - 09:46 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Aug 07 - 07:52 AM

I think I might take it back....

Yesterday, on a shopping trip with her father, Limpit managed to come home with only one shoe - not having noticed it fall off as she was getting into the car.

An eccentric indeed!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 21 Aug 07 - 12:01 AM

My son is announcing he does not want to go to School for at least a year .... that is GOOD as he doesn't want to be there......bad from a medical insurance pov but there is always catastrophic coverage. He announced he intends to get one (or two ) jobs and save up for his next trip to Europe..........sounds like a good idea to me.....

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Aug 07 - 12:04 AM

Good to know he made it home safe and sound!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 21 Aug 07 - 12:27 AM

Yes, and slightly more grown up and mature (thank God....) -- so far all is peace and harmony in the home -- not sure how long it will last.....!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: MBSLynne
Date: 21 Aug 07 - 03:58 AM

That's great! Told you once he'd been bitten by the travel bug he wouldn't want to stop!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Pistachio
Date: 25 Aug 07 - 06:58 AM

My son has got into 6th form!
He's still on holiday but as I collected his results he texted me, from Crete, to open up the dreaded envelope and it contained good news. Yes, I am proud (and relieved) and have a big smile on my face.

Great news that your lad is safe, home and happy Truebrit.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 25 Aug 07 - 10:58 PM

Thank you Pistachio -- none of my kids were in the UK for the dreaded news from the O levels, or GCSEs as they are now called .......but I was == I remember the envelope!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: Alice
Date: 25 Aug 07 - 11:28 PM

Veteran Mudcatters have basically watched my son grow up. From when he had a broken leg in grade
school, played violin and then mandolin,
winning the talent contests in high school, now Ryan is starting his third year at Montana State University,
majoring in Film. He was awarded scholarships and grants again this year, and is working his way through
college.

Subject: RE: BS: Boasting about my child!
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Aug 07 - 12:27 AM

That's some wonderful pickin', Alice! Good for Ryan for doing so well and to you. You are a great mom!