I can't remember exactly what I thought motherhood would be like before my children were born. I know I pictured snuggling with cooing babies wrapped in fuzzy blankets, and reading bedtime stories to toddlers in footy pajamas. I looked forward to first words and first steps and visits from the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus. I don't think I ever thought it would be easy, but I'm sure I never realised how hard some of it would be.
I never thought about how heart wrenching it would be to leave a crying child behind on their first day of preschool, even if it was the right thing to do. I didn't think about how badly I would wish to trade places with them when they are sick or how my heart would ache when someone hurt their feelings. I certainly didn't know how hard it would be to watch them become independent and need me less. Time goes by so much faster than you think it will. Somehow, I think all of those parenting books I read when my kids were younger left that information out.
Last night, we passed another one of those bittersweet milestones when my son graduated from high school. While I was extremely proud to see him receive his diploma, I can't deny that I had a lump in my throat. I know this is how things are supposed to work. You raise your children to be able to move on to the adult world the same way you did. You let them go the same way your parents let you go. It's the way it's always been and the way it will always be. Still, it's not easy.
On a lighter note, I took some fabulous pictures that I'm dying to share. I know you'll never believe that these were not taken by a professional photographer because they are such high quality images, but I swear, I took them, myself. I really do have a talent for lighting and composition.
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| Filing in to "Pomp and Circumstance" |
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| Waiting to take their seats |
It's been a while since I shared current photos of Mr. Willoughby and myself, so I got a few shots of us dressed for this special occasion. As an extra added bonus, I added a picture of my daughter.
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| Me. Did you notice I always seem to be wearing boots in these pictures? |
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| Of course you recognize Mr. Willoughby |
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My daughter
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Don't you love family photos?
Comment Difficulties
I've been reading your blogs, but I've been having trouble commenting on some of them. I haven't had an issue with blogs where a new windows opens for comments, only those that have a comment box at the bottom of the post. It never shows me as signed in. When I click on "Google Account", it takes me to the sign in page. After I sign in, my comment still shows up as anonymous and won't post.
Is anyone else having this problem? I would appreciate it if you could email me and let me know if you are or if you have a solution. I don't know if it's just me, or if it's a Blogger issue.
Giveaway
There is still lots of time to enter my
Novica giveaway. You can find more information, including the rules for entering,
right here. If you are having trouble leaving your entry (see above), please feel free to email me and let me know. I'll be happy to add your name to the giveaway.
Willoughby
Is anyone else having this problem? I would appreciate it if you could email me and let me know if you are or if you have a solution. I don't know if it's just me, or if it's a Blogger issue.
Comments
This could one of those male/female differences - I don't know - yes I had a tear in my eye at our kids graduations but I was singing hallelujah in my heart. Also, I want to add that the kids don't understand this feeling.
Great lighting on the pictures. I can't see a thing. You're a genius.
As for the commenting issues, I noticed that sometimes when I try to leave a comment, a window pops up telling me there's a problem. I simply X out of the window and click the comment button again, and it then allows me to comment.