jena louise: "Raising kids is like being pecked to death by chickens"

So, next week I will officially have a high-school graduate and a middle schooler and I have mixed feelings on this. 18 and 12 yrs have literally flown by like the speed of light. It's had it's share of ups and downs and for the most part, I wish it wasn't over. Caroline Manzo on the Housewives of New Jersey summed it up quite well when saying, "It's one of the proudest times in your life but it feels like a stab in the heart at the same time". When the kids were little, I thought I would be so happy that the car trips with car seats were over. I thought I would scream if I had to search for Bailee's shoes one more time after she removed them on those car rides. Or how lucky I'd be if I didn't have to stop the car to threaten a spanking to the kid who weasled their way out of the car seat straps....AGAIN!! Now I think to myself (and to Rich at times), gone are the wet toddler kisses, baths in the kitchen sink and excessive band-aids for miniscule "owees". No more dances to document with my camera for my oldest (not that he attended very many of them which is all the more reason to be sad it's over). For my youngest, it's already started, the roll of the eyes, attitude and "Oh Mom" after EVERYTHING I say.

I know I have to look forward to the future. With that hopefully comes another diploma (even if it is from a JC), Alex if you are reading this Humboldt still accepted you, it's not too late! Then in the very FAR future, a wife for Alex and grand-babies for me which I can't wait to share with him. Let me clarify by saying that doesn't mean he should hurry. I will look forward to dances overly documented with my camera for Bailee if she has any say in it. I am also sure I can count on many more walks with just Bailee and I, her doing most of the talking (such a typical girl, I pray that her future husband has lots of patience and the gift of silent listening).