ch..ch..ch..ch...changes ....

as David Bowie bellows. Ah, the wheel of life spins, and turns, and weaves, and bobs .... it's 2006. Where does the time go?

We had a fabulous vacation! I loved having the kids home, and playing, and gathering with friends and family. The Holidays were terrific, we had a full house, and had loads fo gifts to open, and loads of food to eat. The kids enjoyed themselves fully, and S and I were good to one another for sure. Santa always is ... ;o) New Year's was a good party with the neighbor's and the friends we have made here. I love our life. It is good, for sure.

I found myself begin to feel sadness, well, more meloncholy-ness with the entrance of the new year. I resolved a few things, goals that are attainable, and goals that are reachable with encouragement, and support from the places I seek it. I cherished the moments we've had for the last 365 days, and look to creating the new memories of good times to come.

But the day after January 1, our son turned 7. Seven. 6 plus 1 = 7 years old.

{sigh}

ah, the prospect of being the mom to a seven year old is unbelievable. The baby is gone. The boy is ever-present. The tender heart is visible. The go-get'um guy is emerging more everyday.

7.

I remember 7 days old, 7 months old. Heck, I remember 7 months pregnant with him like it was yesterday.

And so, with that thought, I then turned to thinking that with a 7 year old son, my daughter will be turning 6 during this year.

6.

5 plus 1 = 6

{sigh}

I can't help but reflect on the fortune and the sheer luck I have with these two phenominal creatures. The bring me my every joy, and they find a way to break me. They allow me to breathe fully, and they escort me to the edge on a daily basis. They make me smile, and they make me feel fortunate. Gifted, even. I want the next years to pass slowly, feeling every single drop of them. I want to be sure to embrace the child, and I don't mean hug my kids - I can't get enough of that already! I mean embrace the child in ME, in each of us. I want to be more patient and let them be kids.

I have enjoyed this past year immensely. I have changed quite a bit. I will be sure to keep the changes that have allowed me to take that breath, and check out the big picture more often. I like those changes.

That is the feeling I need to have about the changing of my kid's age. He will change, he will grow. She will change, and she will grow. I am changing and growing, and finding a way to be the best mom I can be. Together, the changes we have will build the structure that makes us work.

But really, 7? 6?

Who would've ever thunk I'd get here?

Life is good. Change is good.