Roll with it, Baby

"You just roll with it, baby
Come on and just roll with it, baby"

Steve Winwood

Are you one who embraces the moment, the current stage in life? Or, do you wish it away, think of another day or feel unwilling to face the inevitable? I would encourage the former...be grateful for the current stage of life and roll with it.

Our current stage includes a 15 year old daughter. Ahhh, the beautiful age of 15 brings an exciting moment: the learner's permit. Exciting for whom...the child, the parent, or both?

She is definitely excited to drive and yes, we're excited for her to drive as well. Seriously! No, we're not thrilled about the possibilities of accidents or speeding tickets, driver's ed, insurance or extra gas money. But, we know it's the next stage of life for her and we want her to experience that. We have three more years with her in our home and want to take advantage of that time to teach her about driving, good habits, and proper technique; practice and practice under our watchful (and sometimes fearful) eye.

Excitement comes with the fact that we'll have another person to run to the store, pickup so and so, run this errand, and drive herself places. Yes, another go-to person at my disposal. We pay your insurance, honey, so you're mine! 

The day after Birthday #15 brought the trip to the DMV. Passing on her first try, she is now a legal permit holder and can drive the streets of AF with a licensed parent. Congratulations!!

No, I'm not a bad photographer - just had to crop out the personal info.

After teaching two other children to drive, this has been the best experience yet! Is it her fabulous driving skills and even personality, or is it my ability to calm down because I've been through this a time or two? Some of both, but I think the latter outweighs the former. Nothing can beat experience - both behind the wheel and for the mother in the passenger's seat. 

When the 16th birthday comes around, in approximately 9 months and three weeks (but who's counting), I will be more than THRILLED to take her to get her license. Why wait? Let's get you driving and make all of our lives easier and happier. Roll with it, baby.

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!