Today was one of those "payback" days as a parent. I went to Luke's parent-teacher conference at school. Like usual, I was running late and I ran into see Luke's math teacher first. I apologized for being so late and she immediately said "Well, the good news is Luke is perfect and we have nothing to talk about."
She went on to tell me he is respectful, kind, diligent and smart. She says he always gets his work done and has never caused her a single problem. She went on and on about what a wonderful kid he is. I actually started to cry because it caught me so off guard. (I'm blaming the tears on the pregnancy!) I guess I was expecting to hear that he messes around in class like he does at church! I then headed over to his language arts teacher where I heard more of the same.
Of course, I'm proud that Luke is smart and doing well in school but I think I'm the most proud that he is kind and respectful. He is the kid I make all of my parenting mistakes with and believe me, there are many. He is the kid I take my bad moods out on and I yell at the most (because he is the biggest and the one most willing to do what I say without throwing a tantrum.) But he has a big heart and always wants me to snuggle him in bed, even after I've yelled at him all evening.
I've been extra grateful for Luke this week because recently, I found a girl's blog whose 7-year-old son has cancer. I've been obsessed with following this little boy's progress and I can't read it without crying because I have an almost 7-year-old and I can't imagine my Luke having to go through what this little boy is battling. If you want to check out that blog. Go here.
Luke isn't perfect but tonight, I'm on cloud nine that he is doing so well at school. I'm even more grateful that he's healthy. I hope this post didn't come across as braggy. I guess my point is that sometimes our kids turn out despite our mistakes and shortcomings and for that, I'm grateful.
19 comments:
I don't think it's braggy. (you remember I just did a similar post:)) And I agree, proud parent moments are the best when you hear that your child is plain old making good choices. Luke is such a sweet kid, no wonder his teachers love him. It's good for you to write this down so you can both remember how proud you are of him. And I have to admit, I teared up talking to the girls' teacher and I'm not even pregnant...Glad you're on a mommy high!
I don't think it's braggy at all. I know what you mean about reading about other people's heartache and appreciating your blessings so much more. I read someone's blog last week whose infant died - it made me want to snuggle my baby so much more. Congrats on being a successful parent!
It's so funny to think of Luke being a serious student! He is such a good boy though and I will always consider him my first child. Congrats on the payback!
What a wonderful treat and reward for you both. He sounds like just the kind of kid I'd like my kids to hang out with. Keep up the good work--both of you!
I am so so sad for that other family. Many prayers to them. Many thanks tonight for healthy, crazy, rambunctious, messy, kiddos.
i wouldn't expect anything less from one of yoru kids, YOU are the ulitmate of KIND people brookie! you should feel proud!
and i get ya on the healthy thing! i read so many SAD blogs, (im sort of drawn to them in a weird way), and can't help but feel grateful abd blessed!
I know the Gooches. They are a wonderful family and it breaks my heart to see Spence so sick. I think the most successful parents are the ones whose children know they are loved :) You're a great mom, Brooke!
So glad he had a win tonight!
Yes Brookie, sometimes our kids DO turn out well in spite of all the parenting mistakes - you are exhibit A!! The most important thing is that they know they are loved - as your kids do. . . I, too, am SO proud of Luke!!
How wonderful that you got that great payback about Luke, and how fantastic that he is going well at school. I can tell (even from way over here) that you are a great Mum and that you have so much love for your children. Fantastic pics of your big boy.
Way to go Luke? The ultimate compliment to a parent is a kind,respectful and smart child. It's to time to bust out the bumper sticker?!!:)
Not braggy at all. Luke sure is a cutie. Sounds like he's the prefect 1st child. I have one of those too. He's my saving grace as a mother. Have a great Spring Break!
I want to be British so my kids call me Mum. It worked for Madonna, right?
I love this post, and I'm so glad that he's a serious student. He seems like the kind of kid who would grow up and not steal his wife's ice-cream under the cover of night. I wish Bon-Bon could say the same thing.
Brooke! I am a total lurker who adores your blog - But I had to tell you -and please don't think I am lame - but on facebook I am friends with the South Jordan Chick-Fil-A and they said they were doing a fundraiser on April 6 to raise money for a Spencer struggling with cancer - and then I read your blog and you talked about the same exact Spencer!Small world but I thought you might be interested because you love chick-fil-a and Spencer's story.
Anyway - Congrats on Luke and your payback. That has to be the best feeling!
Those are the moments that make all the other "crap" worth it. He reminds me of my Colton. We joke that we got Colton because we got the girls!
I think there would be no hope for us as parents if there wasn't a possibility that kids can turn out despite our mistakes! I'd be so hosed!
I'm so glad he's doing so well and that you had such a great experience hearing about how he does at school. It seems like many kids act one way at home and another in public, so that has always been scary to me. I am always hugely relieved after talking to the kids' teachers as well.
so sweet. really.
I also teared up reading- I'm not pregnant either.
You're real enough in all your posts that you can be braggy all you want- it's all real!
What a sweet post. And it is not braggy at all. Luke seems like such a nice little boy. Those photos of his sweet face smiling are perfect for this post, too. I hope that I can have a similar parent-teacher conference someday!
ps The name Luke is in our top three names for this new baby.
You should brag about him...parents spend so much time with and on their kids in trying to set a good example and get them to do what is right--YEA for Luke. That is great!!
This post makes me worry less about screwing up my kids. I'm sure you're a fantastic mom though--I can tell just that by the way they're dressed! And obviously their teachers can tell by how well-mannered they are. I hope I can do as well as you have. Congrats on having an angel in your son Luke!
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