Role Model? How did that happen?

Okay, so I remember some influential people in my life throughout the years. There were some that were only a few years older than me. There were some that were teachers. There were some that were my friend's parents.

Now it seems most of the influential people in my life are my friends. I've some how stepped into being a role model I'm not looking for one anymore. How on earth did that happen? Hubby and I were talking about high school and he's pretty certain the 90's were yesterday. I was the one that had to inform him that it was more like 20 years ago! I think I'm getting a headache thinking about this.

Grrrr! I grew up! Not that I wanted to have "Peter Pan Syndrome" or anything. I just didn't want to grow up necessarily. I was certain my babies would stay babies forever. I never thought I would say, "20 years ago..." and have memories other than stories my parents had told. I certainly did not think I would have children that would look me in the eyes without me squatting down, girls who stole (I mean borrow) my clothes & shoes or have to have a conversation with anyone about colleges!

I've had my friend's kiddos ask me for advice and look up to me. They wanted dating advice or a job reference. But those were my friend's kiddos. Now it's my kiddo's friends! What happened? I have Jr. High & High school kiddos! WHAT!!! Sorry, I don't mean to be screaming so much. I think I'm in shock. I need to sit down. Breathe in...and out. Okay, I'm calm.

Here's the thing...

I love it! I really do. I think high school kiddos are amazing! (There I go shouting again, sorry). I love high schoolers. I really do. I think it's amazing time in life. Okay, let me rephrase that. I think it can be an amazing time in life. I'm not sure I loved it but I remember the people that poured into me during that time. I remember the conversations that adults had with me when they actually treated me like an adult. I remember them telling me they loved hanging out with me and thought I was amazing and in the back of my mind I thought they might be a little crazy. The thing is...they probably were and that's what made me love them.

I didn't have to pretend with them. I didn't have to be "good" for them and try to make them like me (like with friends at that age). I didn't have to be on my best behavior or prove anything. They just liked me. It was a life changing time for me and I know how blessed I am to had these amazing types of people in my life. Hannah Silva, if you're reading this, I'm thinking of your mom right now. Tell her ;) Phylis Huerta you're one too!

Okay, I could actually spend the entire post thanking amazing people for being my role model, but I actually had another point entirely.

I think I'm becoming a better mom because I hang out with my kiddos with their friends. When I'm with their friend, I watch how I talk to all of them. I try to be uplifting and encouraging at all times. We all work as a group to speak positive words. We have fun. We laugh. I do their makeup and take them to dinner before Homecoming. They decide dances are boring and would rather go to dinner and movie (with me by the way).

I talk with them about boys and their silly high school antics. I talk to them about college. I talk with them about classes and homework. We talk about driving and laws. I listen to them complain about the world as it is. I listen to them try to figure out complicated "real life" issues.

I come home and talk to my hubby about high school woes. We laugh and remember thinking out world was so hard and our parents' didn't understand anything. I think I may owe my dad yet another apology because once again, his words are coming back to me...through my own mouth actually. Ugh...when did this all happen.

But in the end, I really do love it. I love having my house full of High School and Jr. High girls. I love listening to them laugh. I love listening to them encourage each other because we all know that during theses years, in just one year they grow and mature so much they can even see it. I listen to the upper classmen encourage the freshmen. I listen to the freshmen encourage the Jr. Highers. I just listen and laugh.

Then I go to bed at night and lay there and wonder...

When did I grow up?