Eighteen years ago, today, I gave birth to a beautiful little girl. Today that little girl is officially "an adult." My oldest turns 18 today and I'm amazed by how fast time goes by. I've been remembering all these "little" things that I've held in my heart for all these years and realize they are now "big memories."

The husband and I are both on vacation this week. Yesterday, we finished getting her birthday presents. I literally was crying in a Hallmark store trying to pick out a card. He laughed, but I couldn't stop. The tears are coming as I type.

I just can't imagine life without her being home everyday. I'm proud to say that we are very close. She confides in me, sometimes things I wish I didn't know. She likes to shop so that her mom "looks good." She also likes to just hang out and talk over coffee.

I know that our job, as parents, is to raise them up with morals and values and then set them free. That seems so easy when they are little and going to the park is a big outing, but it's so hard now!!

I've been very blessed that all my kids have made pretty good choices, so far! They get good grades, have good hearts, do for others, and listen to their parents, most of the time! So today will be a celebration of who my oldest daughter is and the woman she is becoming. I'll just keep the tissues close!