Teenage Confession

With "The Teenage Years" in full swing at our house, I have learned I am not cool, I know nothing, and the human eye can roll really far back into the head.  The once cherubic face of a baby is long gone, and in it's place is an opinionated young lady who is learned how to live life.  I would be lying if I said that transformation has been easy on me.

Now, I am not complaining.  I know my teenage daughter is a lot easier to live with than most girls her age, simply for the fact she still fears God and her mother, dresses to cover all of her body, and is not boy crazy.  For this I am beyond grateful.  I do have a confession to make though.

It has been very difficult to connect with this "new" person as of late.  Things that would have never bothered her in the past, are suddenly monumental crises with little resolution in sight and the result is often tears, weeping, and the gnashing of  teeth.  I often don't know what to do or say, and when I look back at the What to Expect When You're Expecting book, I realize they left this chapter out!  

I had an epiphany last night as we were at obedience class though.  We were both training our dogs, laughing at how embarrassing they were acting, and for a moment I caught a glimpse of my "old" child, the one I shared a common ground with.  It made a heart sing.  Afterwards we went for ice cream, laughed, and chatted about her day.  It was glorious, and I can't wait to do it again next week!  Bonding with my daughter, better behaved dogs, and the chance to do it all again next week?!  Yes, please!