Eleven-year-olds are the new teen-agers

Peter is growing up so fast! And he is growing up strong and well and I love him so much, but I was not quite prepared for the adolescent/puberty challenges...yet.  I thought maybe in two years he would start showing interest in girls, needing to wash his face daily, having some specific talks about intimacy and such.  But he has always been ahead of his peers.  And he is doing so well.  He really is.  Adolescence is not necessarily easy.  It wasn't for me, but it doesn't have to be scary.

I am the kind of mom (I've decided) who can talk to her children about anything and everything, and who doesn't shy away from difficult topics.  I am the kind of mom who listens and whose kids can come to her with any and every problem and concern.  I am a mom who loves her kids fiercely and forever.  And I love having (near) teenagers.  They are fun, and funny, and smart, and helpful, and strong, and kind, and excited, and driven, and fascinating and wonderful and handsome.  Because they are my kids...well, my kid.

Peter is also strengthening his testimony, praying, repenting, listening to and following spiritual promptings, seeking the Holy Ghost, asking for grace, and helping me to see that truly....truly,      

"(We) can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (Us)."