some time...

Earlier this week, as I was about to crawl into bed after a particularly long day, I pulled back the covers to discover this yellow Post-it note on my pillow.

I was immediately touched that Ashlyn wanted to spend time with me.  As she gets older I have this fear that she won't come to me anymore.  She won't want to share what is going on in her life or any of the struggles that she may be having.  I pray that God will continue to grow the mother/daughter relationship that we have and that she will always feel like she can come to me.  

I decided that a lunch date was in order and Chris agreed knowing that Ashlyn would love to have some one-on-one time with me.  As we expected, she was thrilled when I told her about our lunch date.  I explained that I would pick her up from school at lunch time and we would spend the afternoon together before going back to pick up Landon.  

I have to admit that I had a hard time with this.  I instantly felt guilty taking her out of class.  I am really not one to pull my kids out of school for no reason.  I actually felt like I was going to get in trouble when I walked into the school office to pick her up.  I never ditched class once while growing up with the exception of "Senior Ditch Day" which was a school sponsored event!  I guess that "good girl" who tries to follow all the rules is still inside me.

After going through a few restaurant options she decided our lunch would be at The Counter. 

She only had a few special requests which included a shared plate of parmesan fries and vanilla milkshakes. 

Throughout our lunch we talked about school and friends and many, many other things.

She didn't even flinch when I pulled out my camera in the middle of the busy restaurant and took pictures of her to document our time...  and she even offered to take a couple of me.

After our lunch we made a trip to Target and browsed around for a while looking at clothes, room decor and accessories. I am amazed at how grown up she has become.

I cherished that time spent with her.  Sometimes it is difficult to watch my kids grow up.  Ashlyn is still and will always be my little girl, I know that.  I don't know why it is hard to know that she is becoming more independent.  Maybe because of that fear that she won't need me anymore.  In the car on the way back to the school she sweetly reassured me, saying, "Mom, it's okay that I'm growing up."  I am so thankful that God also gives me reassurance that the role I play as her mom is still something that is needed.  All of those times that we are walking and she slips her hand into mine or comes over and gives me an unexpected hug.  Those are gifts from Him and I will remember to treasure them. 

I always want my kids to feel like they are special to me.  I want them to know that I love them unconditionally.  A love that is unending...no matter what.  Children are such an amazing gift from God.  They are on loan to me from Him.  It is my job to raise them, protect them from harm, and teach them to honor Him daily with their lives.  I feel so blessed to get to be a part of their lives, to be an eyewitness to what He has for them.