In about a week and a half Lauren will turn 18. How is that possible? This past year has been a tough one for Lauren. To put it mildly, she’s had a few ups and downs. But, I’m glad to say that she has become very good at ending up on top following her downs! And, isn’t that what we all have to learn to do? She sort of had a head start on what I think many girls go through after high school. She’s heading into this year with a great attitude and is excited for all that’s before her. I’m really proud of her for her determination to push through discouragement. As a freshman, her soccer coach described her as a tenacious player, and she has remained that on the field and in her life. She is having a great Senior year, beginning with her soccer experience.
She was excited to get her number 20 back this year. It was a good omen. She’s playing as well as she ever has. She does not plan to play in college and we’ll see how long that lasts. Maybe intramurals will be enough…
This guy might be another reason for a good Senior year. This is Erik and he is a nice boy who knows the fine art of sucking up to his girlfriend’s mom. We like Erik. (don’t blow it Erik!)
Lauren and Claire have been bonding over make-up and clothing. That is, either bonding or fighting. I had to put a stop on the sneaking between rooms that was going on. Claire was very flattered to be asked to help with Lauren’s make-up for homecoming. I thought it was too dark but Lauren thought it was perfect (of course).
Since we’re close to family, we get to spend time with them at our family’s “farm” house in Idaho. Lauren loves hanging out with her cute cousins and her very cool aunts. I’ve found Aunts to be a very useful tool with teenage girls. I highly recommend using them. They tell your teenagers everything you do, except the teenagers actually listen to them and think their ideas are cool. How did I ever survive without them close by? To the right of Lauren is Kirk’s youngest sister Nannette and 2 of my cutest baby nieces ever. The cute brunette is Chloe. She is Claire’s age.
I think Lauren likes having Cole at the high school with her. The football players now know she is, “Cole’s sister.” They have their games on the same day so they get to dress up in their Woods Cross gear on the same days and don’t they look so cute. Lauren’s really breathing out threats to me while I am taking this picture.
Lauren’s room was also painted purple. But, she would want you to know that she chose purple first and Claire copied. Her room is in the basement far away down a long hallway. She likes it down there. I will have to take some “after” pictures because it turned out really cute (if I do say so). Claire helped us paint that day. This was a good bonding day with no fighting!
And so, Lauren has one more time to take the ACT and then she will apply to all the Utah schools and see where she gets accepted. Lots of big decisions ahead. Of course, we might have tried to sway her towards our preferred school…
But, Lauren’s in the driver’s seat on this one. We can’t wait to see where her road of life takes her!
