How did this happen?

My sweet babies are all growing up. How did this happen and how can I stop it? My realization that I am too young for these kids to be mine and that they are growing up WAY too fast has been forced upon me. It all started after Christmas break.

First, Gretchen's teacher sent home books for HER to read to ME!!! WHAT??? Now everyone in my house can read? That is the first step to independence. Before you know it, she'll be driving. Her and her dad have already picked out the car he plans on buying her when she turns 16. Might I add on a side note that she is the only one he talks to about buying a car. You know that Carrie Underwood song, American girl? Yep, that's her. She has got him right where she wants him. :) She did tell me this week she is watching everywhere we drive so when she gets her license she will know how to get places like the mall. FYI, the girl will be 6 next month, not 16.

The next revelation came with the baptism preview at church last week. Yep, its time for Parker's baptism. He will be getting baptized just a few days after his birthday, May 2nd. I can still remember like it was yesterday Dallin getting baptized and how shocking it was to have an 8 year old, and now I will have TWO of them. I still look at him sometime and wonder where is my little freckled baby with the buzz cut and shark fin mowhawk?

Then, as Richard says, the crap hit the fan. At least my "how did I get this old crap". I took Dallin to an open house for RISING 6TH GRADERS!!! What???? Now, this was the icing on the cake. The whole time we were there, he pretended I was a strange lady sitting beside him, definitely not his mom. What was I doing? Trying not to have an anxiety attack. I am scared to death of middle school. I am sure he will love it, he has told Richard and I at least 20 times since Tuesday night that he is sooooooo excited. Well, that makes one of us because I am freaking out. 1200+ kids, changing classes, lockers, hormones, more homework......

So, that's it. I am old. My kids are growing up at warp speed. My goal now is to wear out my camera getting all the pics I can, giving more hugs than they care to have from me and being thankful I am at home with them, just thinking of how to keep my babies little forever. Summer 2004: Myrtle Beach

Dallin's first day of Kindergarten: July 2003
almost 5 years old-year round school starts 2nd week of July
Parker: July 2004-3 years old
Gretchen: September 2005-2 years old
Parker on preschool graduation night with his favorite teacher, Ms. Ingrid.
The family at Dallin's baptism: July 2006
January 2009