On Hayley's birthday ...

Another year ... already. As of June 19th Hayley is 17 years old. Seriously? I just want to throw it out there that I had her when I was 5.

This past year has been a pretty mellow one with Hayley. Not too much drama or hair pulling or even screaming. I haven't thrown a paint brush at her or taken away the door to her room. Seems as if the tough teenage years are slowly getting easier. That, or my tolerance level has risen.

Either way ... I'm okay with how things are rolling at the moment. She's a good kid. With mostly good intentions. Except for when she leaves all her dirty dishes in the living room. Pretty sure that is intentional.

I'm bracing though. Maybe because her Junior year was so easy ... she's been saving to unleash her senior year. Maybe. Maybe not. I have learned as a parent to a teenager that nothing is certain. I can expect nothing ... so ... I won't.

She is still dating Jacob. Her best friend. I also wonder how things will be different this upcoming year for that too. He graduated. She's still in school. Again .. I'll just wait and see and have my shoulder waiting. Just in case.

In the past month a major event has occurred for her. I haven't figured out how and if or when I blog about that. But I'm sure I will. I won't be able to help myself.... that happens a lot.

This year her birthday fell exactly on Father's Day. She really really (I said really) doesn't like that. Mostly because she has to share. And I'm pretty sure she doesn't like sharing. So there was a balance on how to celebrate this year. And sure enough .. it was ON her birthday .. in conjunction WITH Father's Day.

We made it up to her though. She ended up getting her license and a car the week before her birthday. Really ... I do believe that is THE most bad-ass present EVER. Not to mention she got EXACTLY what she wanted. A lime green VW beetle. It fits her. She loves it. She cried. Sean had to take her on that adventure of car buying. It's a good thing he did ... she probably still wouldn't have one if left up to me.

I mean .. that was a hard day for me. The day she got in HER car and drove away. Away from me. Meaning I wasn't in the car. Not there to yell "WATCH WHAT YOU ARE DOING FOOL"... or taking the wheel from her (note - this is NEVER EVER a good idea) so she won't make any mistakes. Enter trust. Ouch.

But she's doing great. I guess. It's not like I'm there so I don't really know. But haven't gotten any phone calls from the cops or anything ... so that's a good sign.

I'm happy for her. My girl. In her green car. Wearing her matching green sunglasses.

And I'm happy with her. She's in a good place. My happy, calm, chilled 17 year old.

Happy Day Hayley!!