On Raising Kids

My babies are growing up.  How did it happen?  Just yesterday they were wee things clinging to my legs with their chubby little hands, unloading the pantry and taking their first steps.  Now they are practically grown.  And yet again I have sent them off for another new year of school.  I took their pictures by the front door and noticed how much they'd grown.  I packed their backpacks full of new school supplies and their minds with hopes and dreams.  They come home full of new knowledge and broadening horizons.  Every year as they advance and I get contemplative, I wonder and hope I am a good enough mom.  I start to feel like time is slipping more and more quickly through my fingers, that my chance is running out.  

Did I do enough?  Did I give enough time, kisses and hugs?  Did I listen enough and talk enough?  Did I give them too many chores or too little?  Have I done irreparable damage?  :)

But then there are those poignant moments when these children of mine shine, where they do something amazing or thoughtful or helpful or wonderful all on their own.  And I step back and I think to myself and I try to really let it sink in..."You are doing enough.  You must be doing something right.  So take a deep breath of relief, soak it all in, squeeze a kid or two tight and get back at it before they really are grown up and gone."
 

I caught Miss B twirling her dress and I love it.  It brings back memories from younger years.

* Q's very own photo shoot will be featured shortly.  Have no fears.