Junior High - Growing Up

It begins gradually...my son starts dressing himself...learns to ride a bike...gone to school for so many hours...spends time playing ball with his friends and wants to spend more time with his friends. BAM! He is growing up and will soon be a TEENAGER. I have to face the fact that I only have 6 years left until he moves away to college and then a mission and then marriage. And I know once Allan leaves, shortly thereafter, Nathan will leave and Joshua and Emily and Rachel. And instead of wanting to shrivel up in a corner and cry because he is growing up too fast, I found that I actually love it. He is turning into himself. I enjoy talking to him. I am so glad he is helpful with his sisters and that he helps Joshua with scouts. I rely on him to help me in the kitchen and when things get crazy. Allan truly loves his brothers and sisters and looks out for them. I have mixed feelings right now about Allan growing up.