Growing & Graduating

How did it happen?  That my babies are growing up?  My little girl will graduate this year from high school and parents can purchase a tribute in the yearbook for their child.  Of course, being the photographer's kid I couldn't just send snapshots....  I had to design one myself.  My little chubby, 9 lb baby has grown into a beautiful young woman whom I am so VERY proud of.

I don't know how all these years flew by in the blink of an eye.

Watching her learn to use her spoon.  She was always the MESSIEST child. :)

Watching her learn to read, now that was amazing.  She wasn't even 4.

Seeing her daddy teaching her to ride her first 'big girl' bike.

Feeling my heart sink deep into the pit of my stomach the first time she was thrown from her horse.... and bounced off the ground face first.

Praying as I taught her how to drive.

Looking into her eyes the first time she rode an airplane and her nerves settled.

Marveling at her amazing spirit and heart when she learned what loving like Christ is all about.... in Haiti.

And now.... now I'm expected to let go of her.  Watch her become the woman we have raised her to be.  The hardest and most rewarding part of all.

Bittersweet.

I'm so thankful that God allowed me to raise his precious girl.  Because after all, she doesn't belong to me, I was just blessed to be her mother.