The Bigger Picture

As the kids got older, they resisted more and more having their pictures taken. And they certainly don't want them on a blog.

But tonight I wish I could take a picture. I'm pretty proud.

Mostly because they're my kids.

But particularly tonight because now they're both working "real" jobs. With gusto. And that's a beautiful thing at 14 and 15. I guess we didn't screw them up irreparably.

They're both doing manual labour, for different people. In both cases, because they'd been "checked out" while working at other jobs. I love these lessons. We've always told them that anything they're doing out and about gets noticed, but to have it come home like that is an excellent thing. They get it, for real.

And tonight I'm pretty proud. It's so cool to see your kids growing up and being so independent. Not that we want rid of them, but it's good to see that they can make it without you if and when they need or want to.

Did I mention that I'm feeling pretty proud?