high school bound

Last night, Anna and I went to an orientation at Roosevelt High School, and as we got out of the car, Anna was looking around for some of her friends who were also heading to the event. She said to me, "Mom, I may or may not sit with you" as we headed into the auditorium.  It wasn't said in a mean or dismissive tone at all- it was just so funny to actually hear it out loud as it is so telling of this stage. This is an incredible time of growth and independence ahead, and I'm so thankful to watch our little girl spread her wings and fly.... She's so ready!  ( And not to worry-- my sweet neighbors Brooke and Libby had a seat next to them where I could sit while Anna found her own spot. And for the record, I've always got Anna's back if she decides she wants to sit together, but I'm so thankful she is navigating this season well of finding belonging and identity. She's a gift indeed. :)

Anna sitting with friends across the auditorium :) 

Pictures Anna and I picked out when I was helping her with a school timeline project yesterday: 

Small Piece of You

by Sara Groves 

I just want a small piece of you
A token to put in my pocket
And I will own that one things
And it would make me happy
I just want a small piece of you
Somethin' to put in a locket
And i will look at it daily
And that will make me happy

I guess it's human nature to want to hold you very still
I guess it's in a mother to inject a little guilt
Go on son and see the world; I hope you see it all
But please please please don't forget to call

Free to fly free to go free to not look back
That's how free I want you though it scares me half to death
Free to wander miles and miles and free to come back home
That's how free I want you though it chills me to the bone

...Go on son and spread your wings; I hope that you take flight
But please please please don't forget to write

I know you're just a baby sleeping in your bed
And you probably have other thoughts drifting through your head
I know this conversation's a little premature
It's just that I've heard eighteen years goes by like a blur

...I know that it's not fair for me to hold you down now is it
But please please please don't forget to visit

Free to fly free to go free to come back home...