Growing pains...

There have been many cases of growing pains in my house lately... not my daughter or son, but me! As a parent, it is extremely difficult to watch my children grow up but at the same time so amazing and enjoyable- very bittersweet!

Lena will be starting first grade in a couple weeks. The thought of watching her walk into school that first morning brings me to tears. I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with her like it was yesterday and now she is starting first grade and will be seven-years-old soon. Where has the time gone?!?

While this is all very hard for me to swallow, I know I can't stuff my kids in a box and keep them from growing and experiencing all the good and bad life has to offer. It pains me to think that they will each get their heart broken and be faced with decisions at a young age that they shouldn't have to deal with ever. This is the world we live in today, however. Children are being forced to grow up younger and younger.

But, for now I'm going to stop focusing on the growing pains and focus on the joy of being here to see them grow and leading them through life. I got Lena a book today as she prepares to enter first grade and I will end with the first page of this book...

"Oh my baby, little one,
the hardest thing I do
is hold you tight, then let you go,
and walk away from you..."
Taken from Oh My Baby, Little One by Kathi Appelt