I remember then

One of our teens came home last night, giddy. She had been called beautiful at school.
By a boy.  She's thinking of asking him to sadies.

This same daughter announced later that she had decided what she was going to do with her future: where she wanted to go to school, and what university she wants to attend, and where she wants to live. And she registered for the SAT and the ACT.

Within 24 hours, she'd planned out her whole life.

Another teen son of ours  has started texting a girl.
It's called "talking." He paces and chats and acts more mature than I remember him being the week before. He's taller. He went straight from a size 5 to 6.5 shoe-- MEN'S shoes! He's in MEN'S shoes now!

Our other teen daughter just made the varsity cheerleading squad.
It'll be her senior year. She chimed in with her forever plans-- which include a study abroad in Spain. She's applied for scores of jobs and is looking forward to WORKING.

Our oldest son just turned 16 and wants to get his driver's license.
Sixteen already?  He also wants a job, but is more interested in transportation. He doesn't want a car... he just wants a way to get to where he wants to go.

Our tween has been beset with hormones.
Those darn tears happen. Just because. I know exactly what is next in her little world and I vow to sit down and explain why she feels sad for no reason at all. Or quiet. Or suddenly burns with rage.

All of our children are on this march they've been on since birth; I've been where they are and I know where they head. I've faced similar challenges and held similar dreams...

...and they move forward with confidence and purpose, and the sense that they know exactly where they are going.

I am in awe of their optimism. And envy it, maybe, just a little.