The Best Days: Never Grow Up

Yesterday, was Caden's last day of first grade. Do you know where it went, because I have no idea. I know time flies, but my heavens, we just started. We began the year with Toy Story 3 and Super Heros, and now he wants to be head to toe in Under Armour and wears Clark wallabees (because thats what the big boys do, but he would never admit that). He had his first "girlfriend", and "break up" and another "girlfriend", which all led to their PE 1st grade drama. It scares me to death knowing that each year goes by faster and faster. In case you cant tell, this boy is my whole world. I cant imagine having another child right now, just because I want everything I have in me to be for him. Do I sound silly? I know that parents always say that their heart just grows and you love the next one just as much. I know I will one day, but for now, he has 100% of my focus, energy, love and time.

Since I have been so busy with "end of the year" events, I havent actually taken in how this year is ending and he will be in 2nd grade next year. The big kids of our school. On our way to school that morning, I held his hand. And normally, were reviewing spelling words and reading our AR book one last time. This morning I played "Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift. Mercy, those tears came flowing.

Your little hand's wrapped around my finger

And it's so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyelids flutter cause you're dreaming
So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light
To you everything's funny, you got nothing to regret
I'd give all I have, honey
If you could stay like that

Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple
I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart
And no one will desert you
Just try to never grow up, never grow up

You're in the car on the way to the movies
And you're mortified your mom's dropping you off
At 14 there's just so much you can't do
And you can't wait to move out someday and call your own shots
But don't make her drop you off around the block
Remember that she's getting older too
And don't lose the way that you dance around in your pj's getting ready for school

Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple
No one's ever burned you, nothing's ever left you scarred
And even though you want to, just try to never grow up

Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room
Memorize what it sounded like when your dad gets home
Remember the footsteps, remember the words said
And all your little brother's favorite songs
I just realized everything I have is someday gonna be gone

So here I am in my new apartment
In a big city, they just dropped me off
It's so much colder that I thought it would be
So I tuck myself in and turn my night light on

Wish I'd never grown up
I wish I'd never grown up

Oh I don't wanna grow up, wish I'd never grown up
I could still be little
Oh I don't wanna grow up, wish I'd never grown up
It could still be simple

Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple

Won't let nobody hurt you
Won't let no one break your heart
And even though you want to, please try to never grow up
Oh, don't you ever grow up

Oh, never grow up, just never grow up

It wasnt that long ago, seriously like 5yrs ago, when I moved out on my own like in this song. However, I know it wont feel like long before it is him going. I try so very hard to take in every moment good and bad that we have. I try to remind myself that I will miss the messes and little mistakes he makes, just as much as his sweet face and little laugh. When I found candy melted in my car floorboard 30 minutes ago, I wanted to yell because it isnt the first time. I did make him clean it up, as I was asking a neighbor with a 16 year old boy, "Please tell me Im going to miss melted candy in my car when he's grown!"

A friend that I look up to very much, sent me this in a message about a year ago. He has no idea I printed it out and look at it often. "I would encourage you to focus on his spiritual growth. All of the school stuff will happen. All of the social skills will come. It is his faith and reverence for the Lord that will be the foundation he needs. With deep roots, he will be a better student, a respectful young man, a better friend and a reflection of Christ. So that is where I would focus most of my energy if I were in your shoes. And it sounds like you are doing just that...." It brings tears to my eyes everytime I read that. It is by far the best advice and compliment I have ever received.

Yesterday, they had classroom awards. I was to be there with pizza at 11:30. I ran into Little Ceaser's to get "Hot and Ready". 3 pizzas took 25 minutes and made me 20 minutes late to the classroom. I wasnt happy, but the other parents were understanding. Caden gave Mrs. Cleveland her gift. She was such a wonderful teacher, and I honestly would have hand picked her if I couldve. We have been blessed with wonderful teachers the past two years. The students each received their awards, then had pizza and popcicles. And out we went, just ended as fast as it began.