When She Tries

As we were leaving a cross country race last week Brynn told me that she doesn't care about trying to get medals anymore. This was possibly spurred by not winning any medals yet this season. Of course I told her that I didn't care about what place she finished in or if she won a medal, as long as she tried her very best.

Then she said it. And it knocked me off my feet.

"I don't like running and I'm NOT going to do my best!"

Whoa there little lady. There are a great many things you can say to your mother, but "I will not try" is not one of them. For a moment I just looked at her in shock and disbelief. She had said it aloud, to my face, with no trace of trepidation or remorse.

Needless to say a brief but heated conversation ensued about expectations. She was still not willing to say she'd do her best at her next meet.

The frustrating part is, when Brynn *tries* she can do some really amazing things.

Last night Brynn needed to draw a picture for a fundraiser they're doing at school. (You parents know the one: "Here's a free tiny magnet/sticker of your child's artwork. Please buy $100+ of additional items with your precious offspring's talent plastered on it! Aprons! Coffee mugs! Bongs! If you'll pay money for it, we'll put that picture on ANYTHING!")

Well she devoted almost the whole night to it.

A shining moment when the overachiever genes beat back the slacker genes.

Now if I can just find a way to channel that effort into other activities, I'll be the happiest mom around.