8 is great…

On the 15th my first born turned 8 years old. Eight…wow, that actually makes me feel old.

I seriously thought that raising little kids was tough (which in my opinion the first 6 months of a baby’s life is THE TOUGHEST time a mom will ever go through in her child-raising career…but I’ve only been doing this for 8 years…so my opinion may change:) ). When the kids were babies, I thought I was overwhelmed, I thought I was dealing with tough situations and crazy decisions to make…and I was. But for me, nothing compares to the gut wrenching difficulty of talking to an 8 year old about her first crush on a boy, or why she isn’t allowed to watch “Hannah Montana” like the other girls do, or why some behaviors were cute at 4, 5, or even 6…but now at 8 they just aren’t acceptable anymore.

It’s confusing. To her and to me. She’s asking extremely personal questions and I full well know that she needs the answers, but as I speak the honest words to her, inside I’m saying, “No! You don’t need to know this right now! Stay a little girl for as long as possible!” So I pad my answers and tell her as much as an 8 year old needs to know…which isn’t much.

I have been told that I shelter my children. Yes, I do thank you very much for noticing! 🙂 Every parent needs to raise their children according to how that child needs to be raised and loved. I have always taught her that each family is different and she gets to do things that maybe other little girls don’t get to do and vice versa. She is happy with that answer, although I know it may not keep her content for much longer.

I am so thankful to have other mommy friends who are either going through this coming of age with their girls right along side, or have gone through it not long ago and can help me relate. I’m so glad I can call upon the name of the One who knew Abby before she was even a twinkle in my eye. Wow I would be so lost without a husband who believes in the way I want to raise our children and stands behind me a 100% united front.

I’m so very thankful for this beautiful ball of endless energy, she makes my heart happy and puts smiles on my face.