The days may be long... but the years are super short.

As most of ya know, I am from northeast Tennessee.  This past week - the kids started school.  My Facebook and Instagram was saturated with adorable pics, of adorable kids, getting ready for their first day of school.  (I also saw some sneaky pics of teenagers - who didn't want their pics made - but their parents got one in anyway...LOL).  But then I saw so many posts of parents who were sad.  Talking about how their kids are getting older, time flies, how did they get so big.... etc.  So, I decided to write out my perspective, maybe it can help someone.

Let's face it - I've been through quite a bit.  This isn't a "feel sorry for me" type of way.  It's just a fact.  That being said - I really think that my story has given me a different outlook on a lot of situations, and for that - I'm grateful.  So this is where I stand with my babies going back to school.

I've got an 18 year old, a 14 year old, and a 7 year old.  And do I dread them going back to school?  Yes.  I love being able to stay up late.  I hate homework.  I love dinner at 8 if you want.  No alarm clock for the kids.  So yeah, a big chunk of me dreads school starting - but it doesn't make me sad.  And here is why.

I love watching these kids learn and grow.  They are going to experience so much in the next school year, that they will be somewhat different people by next summer.  I am going to see chorus concerts, school plays, football games, laughing, crying, studying - and all the emotions that come with each one.  But, they are gonna be different.  Not in a bad way - just in a growing way.

I look at my 18 year old.  This kid has always been my roll dog.  Even when he was a baby.  When he was three, we drove from Tucson to Las Vegas.  We went on a road trip to San Diego.  We drove across the country.  We went to museums in DC.  Then I watched him begin to sing in middle school. Perform.  It was like the cutest little caterpillar turning into a butterfly.  Then I got to watch him adapt to a whole new state, a new school, and watch how he made friends that he had not a lot in common with - all during his freshman year of high school.

In the four high school years, I watched before my eyes this kid turn into a sweet young man.  I went to concerts, plays, I watched him sing in Carnegie Hall.  I watched him learn respect.   Restraint.  I watched him become considerate of others feelings - even when it's hard.  I watched him turn into a man that I think will be an amazing husband and father one day.   The basics are there.  He graduated high school - did fantastic - and continues to impress me each day.  Now time to see what college has in store for him.

My girl is getting ready to go through that - and I look forward to seeing her grow and change.  To find herself and her own self assuredness.  It's gonna be great.

And then little J.  We are just starting.

Are there gonna be a bunch of ups and downs?  Of course.  But quit worrying about the hills, and enjoy the ride.  I promise... It is gonna be fantastic.

Love you guys... and those that are sad - just think how great it is gonna be.  And you get to have the honor of watching these humans blossom.  Enjoy each moment.  Xoxoxo.