She's graduating today...

My little curly-girl is growing up.

Her smiling eyes and crooked-tooth grin has won my heart these past 5 years.

Tonight she will walk down that aisle to "Pomp and Circumstance" and receive a kindergarten diploma that says she knows a few fun things: painting, beginner reading, scribble grounds, identifying bugs and butterflies, adding numbers, baking cornbread and manners.

Anna, this is the fun part of your education. This is the beginning of many things for you.

I will be sitting there watching you, with cap and gown on, gracefully walking toward the front with tears in my eyes. Because, I will be remembering.....

"Bizz me up, momma!"

"Idea, memaw, let's wing"

"Let me fix my hair."

"I want to wear that gown-night instead."

"I never want to get married!! I want to stay here and live with you and Daddy forever."

wild flower bouquets given so freely and full of love...

singing your little made-up songs with that beautiful voice of yours.....

finger paints smeared all over the table and clothes...

hand-written love letters to me that I'll save forever...

hearing you sing those beautiful made-up songs with your sweet voice....

your homemade peanut butter and honey sandwiches smeared all over the kitchen....

curls falling into your beautiful, blue eyes....

"grounding" me from the computer and emails, because, "They take up all your time!"

those sweet hairdos you fix that require a thousand bobby pins....

little princess tea parties in your room....with only you and me...and sometimes the twins....

the day you were born....

the moment I held you in my arms...

nursing you and cuddling you close....

playing games with you and reading stories..."The House That Jack Built"

now you read me stories!

knowing that I've been your teacher and mommy...

watching you take that first step...

"Daughter's of Zion" with you each night....

Listening to the ballet music and watching you dancing around the house like you were floating on air....

Hearing you whisper, "I love you, momma".

My baby girl, I will never take those beautiful moments for granted. And, tonight, you will be entering into a new arena...a new chapter...a big girl world. I know you like to wobble around in heals sometimes. It's so cute. Your mismatched outfit for the day and my squabbling over it all. I love you, my graceful princess. I am so proud of you. I've been where you are going...that big girl world is far more educating than textbooks and curriculum. My prayers are that you will find friendship with Jesus and let His wisdom and guidance be your desire. Life's education can be cruel at times, but as I refer to often: It's all in how you look at it! Keep a positive attitude and stay away from negativism, junk food and bad influences.

Thank you for letting me be your mommy.

Congratulations, Anna Elizabeth Kaye Jones!

Love, Momma