Parenting Teens

I would like to introduce you to one of the bravest girls I’ve ever known.

This is CC. I’ve talked about her here a few times before, but I’ve never given her name or her picture, so I’ll let ya’ll decide if you recognize her. She’s a lovely girl, and despite the arguments she gets into with other lovely girls that I’ve claimed as my own, she remains one of my favorite kids. Yes, I know. I tell them they’re all my favorites. That’s not the point.

POINT is, that I like it when she comes around - for many reasons, but also? She makes me laugh. From general chitchat, to trying to play “Mindtrap” (a game of stupid trick questions, that always seem to manage to trick her, much to our amusement) to simply hanging out - she’s one of the more fun kiddos to have around.

And currently, the bravest.

You see, my boys - my son and his friends - all went on vacation with Z. I know, I thought I was crazy, until Z’s mom invited the other boys to join them on a trip out of state! She clearly wears the crazy crown! They’ve been gone for a while, and despite the nagging I did before they left, the ManSpace - aka, The Boy’s room - is a disaster. I’m scared to go in there. Really scared. Things move out there, that shouldn’t move! And don’t even get me started on the stench…

But not CC, though! Oh no. She spent the day with us yesterday, and WILLINGLY and RANDOMLY said “I”m gonna clean the ManSpace.”

I KNOW, RIGHT?!

We begged her not too, we pleaded with her (SHES TOO YOUNG TO DIE!) but her mind was made up! She would at least put a dent in the disaster! She grabbed a couple garbage bags, and headed out to the ManSpace while we watched, fearful for her life, from the safety of the living room. All was well for a while, and we began to relax… then…

then…

The scream. She came hauling ass back inside, squealing and gagging and doing a jitterbug dance of the “GET IT OFF GET IT OFF OMG GROSS WTF GET IT OFF” variety. When we finally got her to tell us what she discovered, we all gagged appropriately, and assured her that we could just shut the door, and let the boys have at it when they got home. After all, it’s THEIR stench! We fed her dinner, gave her points for bravery, watched reality tv, and relaxed, forgetting what awaits the boys out in the manspace - forcing the memory from our minds with a gentle rain of Pushing Daisies, and Top Design.

Did YOU know Orange Juice could curdle?! Neither did we!
And she tipped. it. over.
Exactly.

Poor girl is likely scarred for life… but it DOES explain the smell…