Can you imagine the trouble ahead if this gorgeous, powerful boy right here in this very picture is only eleven years old?

Although I am thoroughly enjoying all of the stages and little changes of his growth into a man, I find myself full of melancholy and even a little angst at the prospect of the entire thing.

I was always annoyed as a child when 'grown ups' would say things to me such as "If I knew then what I know now"..."It all goes by too fast"..."Before you know it you'll be grown and gone"...

And now I hear those things fluttering and slapping around in my head like a wild bird caught in a cage - they even sneak out of my mouth at times much to my own chagrin.

So I am working on a new mantra that rings more true to me...

This is it, right now, this is the moment.
Live it.
(and I'm gonna.)

p.s. PickleBoy broke the 38 second mark in the 50 yard backstroke over the weekend for the first time in his swimming career! Congratulations, beautiful young man of mine. Every day, in turns, you make my heart sing and ache :)