Today was picture day for Ben and Gabby at school.  They got dressed in their picture clothes and before they left for school, I turned around to look at them and, with eyes that still viewed them as babies, saw this:

Ready for Picture Day!

SLOW DOWN CHILDREN!! Stop growing up so fast before my eyes! Ben looks like a little man and Gabby has lost her baby face and looks like a full-fledged girl.  I guess that’s a good thing, huh?  But before I know it, this little first grade/kindergarten picture is going to be of them graduating from high school or college.

I guess I better enjoy these days while I can.

Gabby and Ben with Santa

Gabby and Ben had their annual encounter with the bearded one last night and (as usual) a camera was on hand to capture their antics.  In looking back, we realized that this is the FIFTH picture that they’ve had with Santa (aka “Shanta Kwas”).  I am indeed very grateful that God has allowed me to live to see another Christmas with my family and friends.  For that mercy, I’m truly thankful.

I’m also thankful that Ben and Gabby don’t need to be coaxed into taking pictures anymore.  They are both all too willing to ham it up for the camera (as evidenced by Benjamin’s WIDE smile).  If anything, we have to remind them to smile a “normal” smile and not one that’s contrived! Gabby got it right, but I suspect that Benjamin’s smile has more to do with the XBOX and 20 plus other items he just asked Santa for than actually trying to pose for the camera!

And as a sidenote, can I sit on Santa’s lap myself and make one request of my own??? Dear Santa, look in the North Pole yellow pages and get yourself to a DENTIST pronto!! I’m jess’ sayin’!

I’m feeling some kinda way this morning.  I was cleaning my computer’s hard drive of clutter and ran across some photos I hadn’t seen in AGES and had a quick trip down Memory Lane.  Wow!  Vanessa, my first baby, is going to be leaving home before I can blink!  And while I am so excited for her and looking forward to doing college tours and getting ready for the prom and being a part of her selection of her path, I still remember the moment this little, beautiful person made her entrance center stage on earth!  I remember the sound of her voice in the delivery room. I remember seeing her smile for the first time.  I remember her first steps. And yes, I even remember her first temper tantrum!

So much of my life has been spent fiercely protecting her from all harm and danger and making sure that she has everything that she needs. And while she certainly has not been spoiled or over-indulged, God has blessed me to give her a safe and comfortable childhood.  But the realization that this mother lion has to let her cub leave the safety of the den  and enter into the jungle to fend for herself has me feeling some kind of way this morning.

So while I’m looking forward to 2013, I can already tell it’s going to be a HARD year for me! Lord, give me strength! (smile)