Leah goes to a competetive HS (tested to get in in 7th grade).  This school, over 6 years, gradually builds students into strong, independent learners (college will be a breeze LOL). There have been semesters when she really struggled; classes she couldn't get the hang of; and of course "mean" teachers who were "too hard and unfair".  But, here we are midway through Junior year, and she's doing amazing.  Her report card was "straight As" (A+  in Physics and Math, A in History and English, A- in French), even an A in PE (good skills and participation) which I can absolutely NOT take credit for - those are not MY genes LOL.

In addition, she has weathered tremendous strain in her circle of friends - drugs, sex, smoking, and overall b**chiness - and is struggling between self-preservation and loyalty.  I talk and talk and talk about choosing good friends, keeping yourself safe and sane, etc ....thinking it's not sinking in....and then in the last couple of days, I'm hearing it come back to me - she's using all this experience to learn about herself, what kind of friends she wants and needs, and how to branch out beyond the comfort of the same circle of friends.

She's the president of our Temple Youth Group - stepping out of her comfort zone last year - going from a follower to a leader and someone they younger kids look up to.

Finally, she has been, and continues to be, the kind of teenager that adults enjoy being around.  She's a great kid, a wonderful big sister, an amazing daughter.  Not perfect, by any means, she's a normal teen in many ways - but pretty close LOL.  On top of everything else, she's very politically aware, and can argue national and international issues better than many adults you know!

So, all those nights trying to get a baby to sleep in her own bed, choosing child care, navigating early friendships, listening to rants about teachers and homework and friends and boys and softball and whatever else is the most important thing right now.....it all pays off, when you see that you've raised an adult you can be proud of.