Stop, and smell the Oranges!

So today the words were real again, "Children get older, I’m getting older too" from Landslide by Stevie Nicks. The sadness brought me back to this day in 2005, the day we took the "Orange" pictures. You were 23 months old, almost two and so full of energy that even eating an orange with you was an adventure. It seems like only yesterday. I remember because I was there - not just physically but watching the juice drip down your fingers, seeing you taste the sweet fruit, watching you smile as the pulp touched your tongue. I've never forgotten about that orange. That was a GOOD one!

I'm grieving a little today because the "Orange" days are gone. We don't get any re-do's. Being an only child means not only that you don't have the little brother you so desperately want but also that we don't get any more toddler moments in our household, and today that hurts. Cameron talks about blogging being therapeutic, most of the time, our blog is not but today, I'm getting that. And free therapy is certainly a good thing!

I know that I was here for you, but I have missed alot over the past seven years. Even today, as I try to do the very best I can, I am tired, and "busy" and crossing things off the "to do" list while I write another one in my head and time is S-L-I-P-P-I-N-G by. In spite of my inadequacies, you have turned into this amazing, unique and wonderful person that I am privileged and so incredibly thankful to know.

You set the bar pretty high with my birthday card this year. I'm almost embarrassed to talk about it because I don't feel worthy of this level of devotion. You started the card in August, six months ahead of time and kept it under your bed, getting relatives who popped into town and friends to sign it. It's blue, our favorite color and adorned with jewels, cut outs, many beautiful and shiny things. It completely overwhelms me! : )

So we didn't get the Sunshine Math done and there was supposed to be some sort of lesson there, but I get who is doing some of the teaching around here. I want to remember today, a clear reminder that it ALL goes by too fast. Sometimes it does take drastic measures to get my attention, I'm sick, the butterflies keep flying off my car, Kids Bop 19 absolutely ROCKS your World and we have more homework to do tonight than we can possibly complete but I still want to remember this day. I want to remember your amazing love that I do not deserve. I want to remember how you love to wear your "Rainbow Brite" colors and how it's so easy to make your day just by bringing you a snack in the car after school. I really meant it when I said you didn't just make my day - you made my year! Don't grow up on me too fast, little girl, I'm just not sure how I'm gonna make it - maybe we should get some more oranges! : )









Hey! Who's coming after my Orange?



Yum! : )