One of the most amazing dates of the year

Wonderful day yesterday. In an odd twist of fate, I gave birth twice on the same day, four years apart. So I am now the proud mother of a 10 year old and a 6 year old.

I took the older kiddos to their P.E. class yesterday, and the little kiddos to the store. While checking out after getting groceries, the newly 6 year old told the cashier, "Today is my birthday AND my sister's birthday. I was born on her fourth birthday so I was basically her birthday present."

As usual on the kiddos birthday, I mentally go through the actual Birth day, and remember the thrill of meeting them for the first time. I remember those moments so clearly, clearly enough to bet I won't ever forget. This year, my daughter and I celebrated the exact moment she turned 10 by hugging and watching the clock. For two entire minutes, one before and one after the moment, we embraced and she excitedly looked to her "double digits" and to the future, and I tenderly looked back to the first moment I laid eyes on her. Isn't that so much a part of motherhood, watching your children look forward with eager anticipation, while the sweet and tender moments of their childhood and infancy pull our thoughts backward? I think that is just one more talent of parents, looking forward and backward at exactly the same time.

To my lovely "middle" daughters, I love you, I am grateful for you, and I have been so blessed to have you share my life. I anticipate watching you grow into the women God has made you to be with great joy. Happy 6th and 10th birthdays, girls!