First of all, this is the title of one of my very favorite books, by Katherine Center, about a lady firefighter who moves from Austin to a smaller Massachusetts station and has to ‘earn’ their respect as, the, aforementioned ‘lady’ firefighter.

Anyway – but that’s not what this post is about! But every time I say, “I’m rereading a book” the kids all say YES ABOUT THE FIREFIGHTER. And, often, they are … right.

Anyway x2! My middle child, my sweet 9th grader, has either adjusted slightly better or is pretending to — no more nightly chess, or even weekly — she is busy with homework and texting friends. And this weekend is her homecoming, which she is going to with a group of friends. But she still has a new dress, a makeup appointment, and a hair appointment. I was mad — why is she spending so much without a date — and then I got mad at MYSELF — do I want to teach her we only dress up for MEN? No!

But yesterday her 9th grade school picture arrived in the mail. She’s, heartbreakingly, gorgeous. So grown up. And the biggest treasure I have other than my family, more than jewelry or other stuff … are my three photo frames of the kids from kindergarten until (now) 9th, 10th and 6th grades. I just love seeing them grow, in one glance, from tiny babies to almost grown kids. It’s a magical frame that encapsulates so many years — especially now as the ‘unfilled’ ones have baby photos for all three kids …

Anyway — I put her photo in (with Jason’s help) immediately, and then can’t wait to get home today and see it (and the kids). The days are long, but goodness do the years fly by.