Happy Birthday Danielle!

Then.......

and now......

My daughter Danielle has grown into a beautiful caring young woman. It was her 18th birthday yesterday, and I could not help feeling that time flew by like the snap of fingers. People always told me to hang on to each day,because before you know it, they will be old enough to leave the nest. We are not quite there yet, as she is a senior in high school, but everyone was RIGHT! The time has certainly flown by and I don't know where it has gone.

When the kids were little, I was to say the least "frazzled". After all, I did have 3 kids in 3 years span of time. I wanted them to at least grow to where they did not need me to carry them everywhere, referee them, or panic when they were out of site. Now, I want all that time back and I never want to let it go.

Danielle will be off to college this time next year, and our house will be one person short...the following year it happens again and then again 2 years later. Don and I will be empty Nester's before you know it. I am thankful for every moment I am with my kids. Yes, even the past curfew arguments, the, "I want a Chi hair straightener" demands, the bumps and bruises, the, "I'm hungry, what's for dinner" wales and everything else that goes with it. I am a Mom and I love my job. I love to be needed. I hope Danielle is never to old to need me.

Happy Birthday Danielle! I love you!