Firsts

My first born is about to start high school, for this mama it has been less than easy.

My first born, made most of my mistakes on him.

My first to nurse, to potty train, to walk.

First boo boos, first love, first everything.

He is nervous, although I am not sure if he is as nervous as I am.

 I know in my heart he is ready.

 I feel for him though,

 it is difficult starting new things. 

Today we took a tour around the high school,

checking out his schedule and his locker.

 Of course I was snapping pics all the while.

The lockers at the high school are huge so I told him to get in it for a

funny pic and his reply literally broke my heart.

Ethan looked at me and said,

"Mom, I will probably be spending more

time then I would like in this locker".

Is that really what he is thinks about high school?

That he is going to be shoved inside his locker by older, bigger kids?

I mean, Ethan is a good kid, a likable, funny kid.

It was all I could do not to cry. I held it together and said

Absolutely not!!! No one is going to do that. That will not happen.

The truth is, I guess it could.

 I mean Branson is a good, safe school

 but there are good schools everywhere and bullying is on the rise.
There was a mom with her son close by and she overheard
our conversation. She turned to Ethan and asked him if he

would ever do that to another student and 

his reply was "no way".
She then said, then dont think that anyone will do that to you.
I was happy that she spoke to Ethan too.
Sometimes hearing reassuring words
from someone other than your mom really helps.

I know God will protect him, give him courage and wisdom when he needs it.

So I am praying that my precious first wish

 has a wonderful first year in high school, and

that the only time spent at his locker is that of grabbing books

 and talking with his friends.

I am linking up with Bits of Splendor for her Monday link up. I hope you will stop by her blog.  Laura is partnered up with Project Hope and it really is a beautiful cause.

Ready, set...

I know we are only at the beginning of summer but my mind goes elsewhere when I look at Ethan.
 We went by the high school the other day to pick up his sweetie and
 I just can't believe my boy is a freshman. 

As I drove, I kept finding myself glancing over at him and reminiscing

 about how it seemed like yesterday that he was in his car seat giggling one minute and
throwing up on me the next,
 my little pooh bear, that was E, my pooh bear.
He loved Batman and Kermit the frog.

This boy who now stands before me as a young man is ready, nervous but ready.
I think about his heart and how open it is...open to new friends and new adventures.

I am so happy that he has Madison to talk to to besides me and his dad. She is a good girl, kind, strong of faith and smart. She is beautiful inside and out.

Friendships like this are hard to come by.

High school can be a scary place. But no matter what happens, I know E will be ok. He has a good head on his shoulders. I know he will mess up sometimes, but we learn from mistakes.

 One of the most important things we can teach our children is to hold true to who they are and what they believe. To be leaders and not follow what everyone else is doing. To know that they can count on us to be there no matter what, and to have faith that everything will turn out ok because God has their backs.

I know that it will be ok, even if I do catch myself wishing to turn back the clock at times. I really wouldn't trade this time in life for any other.  It is a part of parenting, of childhood, they grow and we have to let go.

  As Christian parents, we are committed to the purity of our children until marriage. I will be posting more about this in the months to come.

I am linking up with Laura over at Bits Of Splendor today. Hope you will stop by and be inspired to appreciate the little moments.