I just noticed a smiley face sticker on my phone speaker button... Today is Anna's fifth grade end of the year party. It is not only the end of the school year but the end of an era, as she is headed to middle school next year.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified. Well, terrified might be too strong of a word, but I am experiencing a plethora of emotions that range from nervousness to excitement. She's getting into that preteen stage where friends are a life line and everything is laced with the thrill of newness.

As my precious baby girl catches up to me in height, I find myself straddled between wanting to stop time while enjoying the ride of growing up with her all over again.

Letting go is tricky. We get comfortable and would sometimes rather stay put than move on. It's just another lesson in transformation and I'm hoping to be graceful about it as my child blossoms into a beautiful young woman.