Pausing for WOW

In my busy day to day life, it is very rare that I notice when something has changed dramatically over time. McKenna went up two shoe sizes this year and can almost look me in the eye. I see that now but when did that happen? Avery’s grades improved so much this year but I didn’t realize it until I really looked at her report card. It’s been going on all year, but I never noticed until today. There are times when a pause is needed so you can stand there, take it all in and just say “WOW” for a minute. I have had so many of those in the 11 years that my big girls have been on this Earth. Today was one of those days.

 
Six years ago I sent my babies off to school for the first time and I cried the ugliest cry walking to the car. I thought that moment was the end of their childhood. I felt like my job as their mom was coming to an end. Little did I know it was only really beginning. I joined PTA, became the cheer coach when they cheered, became the room mom for their class, went to almost every party, yearbook signing, teacher meeting, choir concert, etc. You name it, I was there. We spent long hours doing homework and reports. We fought over what was appropriate attire to wear to school, and what to pack in a lunch. They made friends, they made salt dough projects they insisted on keeping for weeks in pizza boxes. We spent hours searching for just the right pencil case and backpack for a new year. There have hardly been any mornings where an “I love you” was not exchanged. Together we learned new things, took risks, and grew up a little more. Today they walked into the same place they have walked into day in and day out for over half of their lives to say goodbye to friends and teachers they love and walk out as a middle schooler. I have two middle schoolers. *PAUSE* WOW. It may not seem like such a big deal, but in my heart, it is. My teeny tiny 2 and 4 pound NICU babies are graduating 5th grade and moving on. At the very least this moment deserves a WOW. How did I not notice my little Avery in red rimmed glasses growing into a young lady and my shy sweet McKenna blossoming into someone amazing? Maizy finished Kindergarten today and I can’t help but think about how fast this day will come for her as well. I guess she gets a WOW too. She survived Kindergarten (barely) and by the grace of God!

  My girls are my world. My WOWs may not be as grand as other people’s but nevertheless they are worth pausing for, and this one today may just last a little longer than a moment. The girls deserve it. Congrats girls, you did it! Now let’s SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First day of Elementary school

Last day of Elementary school