Don't Blink

My Mommy-Lijee-Love days are numbered. 

It wasn't very long ago that I walked away from my teaching job to move to the UK. When asked of my occupation I said out loud for the first time "homemaker" and was a little embarrassed that I did not have a job. The British immigration officer asked if I built homes; when I said no he informed me I was not a homemaker, but a Lady of Leisure.

That was 10 years ago. My job as a homemaker--not Lady of Leisure, as it far from leisurely-- has been the most fulfilling thing I have ever done. It has been the hardest, most tiring, non-stop thing I have ever done, but by far it has been the most rewarding. So much so that I am not ready to give that up.

And just like that, today I watched my baby boy graduate from pre-k. My job for the past 10 years is done. I should consider this a promotion for work well done. All three kiddos have earned good grades in school, they do not get in trouble, they're healthy, they love Jesus and are happy children.

I should be elated. I should count my blessings. I should be excited for what the future holds. And I'm all of those. But I'm also a little sad that this chapter is closing. OK, a lot sad. I have spent nearly every day of the past 10 years surrounded by the people whom I love the most and who love me the most, even on my worst days (there have been more of those than I am going to admit). 

On many occasions I have told Abe that I wish I could save time in a bottle. While I'm being honest, you should know I actually sing that old song instead of just say it. At any rate, if that were possible, these last 10 years would most definitely be bottled up and treasured forever.

Let me put my selfishness aside for a moment.

 I want you to know how I am so proud of my Lijee! He had a very successful pre-k year. He has a lot to offer the world with his funny sense of humor, his big belly laughter, his clever wit and his never-ending orneriness.

 This is his ornery grin when he spotted me as he was marching in to Pomp And Circumstance.

 Graduating is serious business.

 Singing 'This Little Light of Mine.'

 Listening to Mrs. Shelia's graduation speech.

 Telling the audience he is going to attend Alice Carlson next year and he wants to be a fire fighter when he grows up.

My precious little graduate.

 Elijah and his teacher Mrs. Shelia.

 Grannie was there to support her little monkey.

 Mommy and my little buddy, who loves posing for pictures, as you can clearly see.

My oldest and youngest loves.

 Isn't he the cutest?

 Cheeky little monkey.

 Eating cake with the bag of goodies Mrs. Shelia gave them, including a teddy bear the whole class signed.

 Sipping juice at the reception.

 He got a box of special work they had done throughout the year.

 official certificate

 Celebrating after school with some ice cream!

Bestill my heart.

I don't wanna blink, because when I do this little guy will be graduating from high school. Then I'll really be a hot mess.