In be “tween” the holding and the letting go

While cleaning out closets, getting ready for a new round of birthday presents, my almost 11 year old daughter decided it was time to pass down her collection of Barbies.
I wasn’t sure that I was ready to be mother to a girl who is “too old” to play Barbies. I tried to talk her out of it. But, with logic beyond her years, she expressed the same sentiment that was ruminating in my own heart.
“I want to be sad about saying good-bye, but I’m not.”

I looked back at the passing of each parenting season with melancholy longing, the memories were sweet. Sure I ooh and gooh over newborns. I love to reminisce over their baby books, but I have always looked forward to the maturing of my kids. What and honor to see the blossoming of my closely guarded prize rose crop. With much pride I parade all my visitors near to admire God's handwork He has so graciously allowed me to be a part of. I cant wait for the late night talks and the excitement of all the new things this tween season holds. Memories are sweet but the anticipation of the delights to come is sweeter still.
“Good-bye, you have always been my favorite princess. Fare thee well and Live long and prosper." She said, as she placed her Belle into the give away box...

Spectacles

Les Grandes Eaux Nocturns is the evening program around the gardens and fountains of the Castle (Chatau) of Versaille. So large it will take more than one visit to see all the grand statues and water features, music is piped in and sometimes even fireworks to enhance your enjoyment. After the tulips of Holland Rich was a little underwhelmed by the French formal gardens but for those who enjoy art, classical music and a nice evening stroll, this seems perfect.

Click on the title and follow any or all of the links for a taste of classic French culture.

Precious Pearls

Like a tiny seed, a child enters our lives, not much more than an annoyance and a promise.
You hold her, feed her and protect or as she grows bigger and stronger every day.
The seed pearl must remain inside it’s protect shell of the oyster in order to continue to grow as it is daily bathed and nurtured.
So must our daughters remain under the authority God has placed over her, inside the safety and protection of her home, daily bathed in the word and nurtured towards wisdom..
Parents of the precious pearls of the future,
we must make sure they are safe and protected
until the day comes that they are ready to emerge,
full grown with their own protected surface to guard them.

ICRS

Hello from International Christian Retailers Show in Atlanta. Maddy and I have met lots of celebrities (Her favs, Hawk Nelson, Casting Crowns)
I had my book signing yesterday, lots of great responses and comments. Who knows what God has for us now.
We went to a Faith Girlz mother/daughter event yesterday. It was fun. I met Nancy Rue, the author of on of the tween series I've been recommending. We had a chat later about the need for parent training and her possibly speaking at an event next summer. Good connections and a love for little girls hearts. She was especially taken by Maddy.
Maddy's favorite book is called "Paddywhack Lane" It is for a book and doll line of Toddlers, very sweet.