Time Flies

NaBloPoMo 2012 - Day 16

Wow. Time really does go by quickly.  Years are flying by.  Faster as we get older.

I have been looking at my digital photos trying to find specific photograph.  When I find it you will be the first to know. But in the mean time, another trip down memory lane.  This one goes back a little further in time, all the way to November 2000.  Carmen is about to turn 8, and Stephen is about to turn 4.  I love the beaches here on the Emerald Coast.  No matter the time of year, sunsets are always beautiful.

 Playing in the sand. 

 Carmen.

Stephen.  I get this look more often now that he is 

almost 16 than when he was 4. 

Love your children.  Hug them. They grow up in a blink of an eye.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

Homecoming 2012

Well, we all grow up, eh?

Stephen.  Almost 16. Homecoming 2012. 

And with his date - far right -(Christina) and friends.

Life is about having fun, right?

Love this photo.

Blessings,

Jerry Ann

P.S. I don't like looking at how old my children are getting

...means that I am getting older as well. Pooh. 

Beginnings Continued...

I say in the title continued, mainly because I am tired of all of the endings.

I was on vacation last week (my staycation), and accomplished a lot , but not near what I wanted to.  But it is back to the daily grind with a little change.

My biggest accomplishment, I believe, are my children.  Carmen left today for Camp War Eagle (Freshman orientation), at Auburn. It is the beginning of her being away from home. It is the beginning of just Stephen and I as far as school is concerned.

But a wonderful new beginning for her.  She is truly excited, and for me it is bittersweet.  I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished.  Sad because she starts a new chapter in her life, full of adventure and without us.  Truly the beginnings of adulthood.

Carmen at 2 (daycare picture), and one of my favorite photographs of her.  Carmen's smile is contagious. And, isn't just like parents to remember them young and sweet.  One of my favorite commercials is a little 3 or 4 year old getting ready to back out of her driveway, and her Dad sees her like that.  But in reality, she is a grown woman. And the Dad just watches her go.

I believe her smile still is contagious.  She is going to have a great time at Auburn.  I also believe that we have raised her with a sweet spirit of fellowship and love.  I pray that God places in her path godly friends that are strong in their convictions.

He has blessed us with such a precious gift.  I love the woman she has become, and look forward to hearing of her beginnings.

Have a wonderful week.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Our road to college...

Carmen has decided to look in the State of Florida for colleges to attend.  And, if I may add, thank you God.  Money alone is enough justification, but add travel costs, especially now with gas prices, helps in finding one that is right for her and us.

I will say, I thought I was ready for this transition in our lives. I have been encouraging Carmen to look at lots of different schools, in and out of state. She has applied and has been accepted at LSU, Auburn, FSU, and Spring Hill.  All are absolutely wonderful schools, and well worth every penny just not our pennies.  FSU still may play in her decision, but right now, she isn't feeling it.  Feeling it?  Really? 

She is 18.  An adult, I suppose, legally anyway.  But, if she continues to not be able to locate a place in her home town, how is she supposed to locate things at a university?  I want to let go, and let her find her way.  How do parents do this?

How do we do this?  Train them up - right?  Let them go?  They are not ours, but God's - and for His purpose.  I know this.  I trust in Him to guide her path, and ours.  He has done an incredible job with Carmen so far.  I can't wait to see what her future holds. 

College...her new adventure...and it continues...