This mama is hitting the high road

We all know that time flies, but in 3 days, changes in those around me happened so fast, I am spinning!

SH was gone for 2 weeks doing more engineering graduate course week (12 credits completed since JUNE! Good job SH!!)...anyway, when he came home the most distinguising thing I noticed was how distinguised he is starting to look - in the form of grey hairs beginning to riddle through his beard and temples. Not even 35 years old yet! My dad didn't start turning grey until his mid-60s!!

And then, on Sunday, Princess Sprout wanted to learn to tie her shoes. When she decides she is ready for something, she is ready!! She was 2 years old and 1 day when, as I changed her diaper, she looked up at me and said, "Mommy, no more diapers. I go in the potty." Shocked, I decided to abide by her request as any little sprout that can formulate her thought that completley must know what she is saying. Sure enough, she was potty trained within a few days.

So, I showed her about 5 times how to tie her shoe...within 10 minutes she came running to tell me that she did it! Sure enough. Tied.

A step closer to independence.
Older, in an instant.

And then, that same evening, that same 5 year old sprout came running to me to announce that she lost her first tooth! NO!!! My heart screamed, glue it back on! You are too young. Your brother was 6 1/2 - not 5! I am not ready!!!!

But, she proudly proclaimed that she is growing up, no stopping her.

So for all these moments that came slamming in on me this weekend, I am so grateful for our teacher lifestyle that allows us to be together so much. We leave today for 5 weeks on the road - no phones, no computers, no appointments, no distractions, no work, no more "not now honey...I am busy"....Instead, we get to say YES more to these little sprouts that are beginning to look like little trees.

Giving up good careers in civil engineering (StudHusband) and marketing (me) was the cross-road in our lives that I will never regret. We love the copious amount of time we have as a family - for the next 5 weeks, we will live as millionaires - 'cause if I had millions, it's EXACTLY what I'd be doing. And then again in November when we get 10 more days to be together, and again in December for 2 more weeks and again in March for Spring break....this muchTime together - PRICELESS.