Mine have turned out well too. We worked real hard at that and made lots of sacrifices, as parents do. Held tight reins on them and gradually let them loose. But we worried and did our best to build good people. They are all out in the world, self supporting, have their degrees, and have good jobs. The oldest, our DD, is a stay at home mom with our only grandchild, and he is such a doll, at 2 years old the delight of the whole family. She married a really nice young man too. They have good heads on their shoulders and make responsible decisions. They are fine young people, and that is all we ask for as we raise our kids--healthy, good character, hard working, kind to others,independent. And we have the great good fortune that we all like each other and enjoy each other's company when we get together, sometimes with aunts and uncles who are also treasured family members.

That is so sweet, Trin! I am crazy about my angel, too! She was my last and BEST Christmas present I ever want. She is 7 1/2. She is not a materialistic child (she couldn't be as we share what money we have with our family and she knows this plus she had no grandparents to spoil her) She really, really wanted a Nintendo DS for Christmas this year. All her little friends had them already or were getting them for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, I said, "What if Santa doesn't bring you a Nintendo DS?" She said, "Mommy, I don't care. That's not what Christmas is about. It's about celebrating Jesus' birthday." That melted my heart. She is the sweetest child and I couldn't ask for a bigger blessing. (My only regret is that we couldn't go back and get her a sister like we had planned but I ended up quitting my job to stay at home.) I wish I knew how to put photos on the Internet so you all could see our sweet girl. (We have this new Apple Computer and my DH hasn't read how to upload pictures. We have a USB port we can run from the camera to the computer, but we don't know how to do that either! Maybe someone can help me!)

My two boys became very special young men, with their share of good and not so good qualities but I would not change them for the world. My eldest son gave me some tough times during his teenage years but matured, became a step-father at 20, a husband and father at 23, worked hard and fought a valiant fight against the cancer which took him from us at 30yrs young. His brother was easier to handle, less volatile. DS2 overcome his aversion to being around sick people to nurse, lend his shoulder and treat his big brother with love and respect plus lots of good humour and laughs along the way. He now has three little ones of his own, but spends time with his nephew whenever he can. He is working hard to establish his own business and rarely asks for help. He is a man of integrity and respected by everyone he meets. Through all the tough times of the last few years, I have an abiding sense of pride in the men I raised and the strong love we have for each other. I am very fortunate to be their Mum. Beth

My two girls grew up to be adults to be proud of. They both were great kids growing up and gave us no trouble or heart aches because of their behavior. The oldest will be 50 this year. Her sister would be 49 but sadly we lost her 2 years ago. I do think that they grew up in a much easier time than todays kids...so many more temptations.

A friend whose 4 teens gave him nothing but trouble once asked my DH what we thought we did that was right that made our kids turn out so different from his. DH's answer was , "If I knew what we did right, I'd write a book".

I bet she turned out GOOD cause she had a GOOD Mom & Dad!!!!! hugs for you all imabest

We have 3 wonderful kids. They are all married and doing well. All married hard working people just like them. They have given us 4 terrific grandkids and soon 3 more. Our kids knew early on the if they became pregnant or got someone pregnent they would be responsible for their care. We also told them that they needed to marry someone that was hard working like they were to have things in life. They knew we gave up alot to see them get a college education to get started in life. They all appreciate it so much. We were not rich by any means but we were rich in our values for our children. I read a passage a long time ago that says It is not what you do for your children but what you teach them to do for themselves that makes them ready for big world. I think it says it all...

Still raising mine.....(they are 11, 13, 15).....but so far they are the best. Hardworking, funny, helpful, good to each other, just everything I could hope for. Trying hard to keep them on this track. Sometimes I have to pinch myself cause I am so freakin lucky!

It's so wonderful that our teenages do grow up to be decent adults...just when we are ready to disown them...they get it together..

Congrats Trin

We feel so blessed as parents to see our adult children are good friends who keep in touch frequently and see each other just to socialize. There were years I dared not hope for this outcome, but knowing that they will always have each other to turn to, even when we are no longer here, comforts their dad and me.

It is so difficult to raise good kids in this day and age.
Too many temptations, and lack of respect. I will honestly say that my kids got a whooping when they were bad, or dihonest. Now all I have to do is say nothing to show my displeasure. They are now at the age, (thank goodness) they are on their own, and come to us for very little. At this point in time, I love creating memories for all of them. They listen and take to heart what we say now.

Life does get better with age, and I think this is why.

Trin