You...are Never, Ever, Ever....going to grow up!

When my baby was a toddler, I used to say that to her quite often.  She was too darn fun and cute, and I just wanted her to stay that way!  Well, now all of my kids are older, and my baby is 16!  She gave a talk in church today on Fathers, and did a wonderful job.  She is growing into a beautiful, intelligent, kind young woman.  But I have "moments" when I think I haven't trained her well enough in some ways, or she has moments when she just wants to NOT be around Mom!  A natural part of growing up and becoming her own person I know.  But sometimes I miss those early years of she and I grocery shopping, running errands, going to PTA meetings and play dates.  The pure innocence and joy.  But I can't complain too much, because I know compared to some parents, I've got it really good.  She is hyper careful to get homework done on time, be places on time, and do well at whatever she's doing.  Sometimes I have to make sure she's not overscheduled or pushing herself too much for an impossible perfection. She has good friends, is involved at church, and cares about her family. Lest you think she's perfect, one look in her bedroom will tell you she's not.  But darn it, she didn't listen to me, and she IS growing up!  At least sometimes, when we're sitting in church, she'll lay her head on my shoulder, and I can enjoy her being my little girl again.