big changes this year

Today is a big day for both of my step-daughters...Jordan (above - 14) begins her high school career (9th grade already?!) and Natalie (below - 11) begins sixth grade in a new school. As they struggle with butterflies in their belly from both excitement and nerves, Lee and I struggle to accept the fact they're both growing up much quicker than we'd like.

When Lee and I got married these two beauties were our flower girls and at age 8 & 5 that was entirely appropriate. What I see before me now are jr. bridesmaids!! While Lee's history with them obviously dates back much farther than mine, I met them for the first time at a random run-in at the grocery store when Jordan was 6 and Natalie just 3!! Seriously, I truly don't know where the time has gone. I've seen them grow from scared little ducklings into confident young women and I couldn't be more proud of them if I tried. There may be bumps in the road but these two are the best step-daughters a gal could ask for!! I'm so excited to be a part of this next chapter of their lives!

I've been successful in recovering some of our beach vacation pictures (yay!) but still have more work to do since I can't get the recovery software to recognize the memory card from my new camera (boo!) I figure this big day calls for sharing a couple with you (unfortunately the ones missing include a plethora of "people pics," while the ones saved are more landscape oriented). Luckily there were a few that seemed good for today. Above is one of my faves of the two girls (the real shot is a litle better but wanted to crop in on them for better viewing on the blog) and the one below is a favorite of mine of Jordan (please ignore the piece of heavy machinery in the background - they were building a new home on the lot adjacent to our rental house and I didn't notice it when I snapped the pic of J)...


They are both sweet as can be and I wish nothing but the absolute best for them as they tackle their nerves and embrace the changes this year will bring.

Other changes this year in our family include the fact that my nephew (Jordan - 13) began his high school career just about two weeks ago and from what I can tell, he's already changed a ton since this pic was snapped back in March...

I have a distinct feeling he is now taller than his Aunt Cyndi and has a deeper voice than his Uncle Lee. Again I wonder where in the world the time went! I still remember the day he was born and I raced from college to the hospital (about an hour and half away) to meet my new nephew. I was overwhelmed by him then and there's not been a day since that I haven't been overwhelmed by just how awesome he is. He truly is the best nephew an aunt could ask for. He shares many of my traits and I think that's kept us as close as we are even though I moved a gazillion miles away when he was just 5 years old. I'm so thankful that the distance in miles didn't affect the bond we share. He continually makes me beam with pride and I love him with all of my heart!

He's attending the same high school that both my sister & I attended and I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me feel just a tad bit old. I'd also be lying if I said it didn't make me a little nostalgic for my high school days. Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to go back to those days for a million dollars, but it does make me miss my friends and the excitement that seemed to surround us as we graduated. Guess it's a good thing I'll have the chance to get caught up with those friends this coming June at {gulp!} my 20th high school reunion!

Congratulations to my three favorite "kids!" You all totally rock and I'm incredibly blessed to have each of you in my life. XOXO...