NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT, NO, NO, NO!!!!

No, I will not allow Paityn to grow up so fast. That is all that there is to it.  No need for more blog.  I just won't let it happen.

Oh, if only it was that easy.  As the last few months have passed I have seen such change in my little girl and in some ways it excites me.  I get to watch her become the amazing woman that God has planner her to be.  However, at the same time it saddens me.  I mourn the time of having a little girl who could crawl up on my lap. Or one that enjoys the laughter that comes from her Silly Songs Veggie Tales CD.  I have cherished every moment with her and know that many more amazing moments are coming, but this Mama is having a very hard time with it.

So, what has changed in the last few months you might be asking.  Well, in August she started middle school, at the same middle school my brother, Tom, and I attended.  Talk about a weird feeling walking in the doors as the parent and not the student.  

She is now in youth group.  As important as youth group was to me as a teen, this one means the world to me.  

In October she had her first school concert.  She is in choir and orchestra.  Unfortunately I had to miss them as my surgery got scheduled for the same day.  Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for filling in. 

In November she went to her first school dance.  

 

December she started working out with me and went on her first hunting trip.  

She is only inches shorter than I am now.  She is only one shoe size away from sharing my shoes. And, she will kill me when she someday reads this, but she started shaving!  Shaving, my little girl.  NO, NO, NO!!!  

Ecclesiastes 3 tell us that there is a time for everything.  I know that in my mind, and on some levels cling to that in my heart, but when it comes to Paityn, I am not ready for accepting this idea.  I want to stop time.  I want to forever keep her where she is.  However, my desires are not the Lords plan.  I know that.

So, as I watch this amazing girl turn into a young lady I am going to do my best to remember that each day is an adventure.  Each moment is cherished. Each smile is a blessing and each laugh a gift.

I love you Paityn Rylee and am SO proud of the young lady you are becoming.