She’s 8, she’s 8 – our baby girl is 8 today!  And lest ANYONE forget it, she’ll remind you.  In fact, she’s been reminding people for weeks!!!

I have to go make no-bake cornflake peanut butter cookies to take to her class, then we have to attend the “Star Student” ceremony, as DD#2 has been chosen as this month’s star student for her fifth grade class.  Once done, I may have a minute or two to collect myself before I have to start cooking her BIRTHDAY dinner (smoked pork chops, macaroni & cheese, green beans, rolls) and somewhere in there, I have to whip up a batch of brownies, then frost and decorate them!  I feel like the Mad Hatter with so many places to go and be and whoa … will I get my head chopped off if I forget something??!!

My baby is 8 today!  I don’t know whether to celebrate her milestones or sit in the corner and cry over her disappearing childhood!

Tonight, I will receive the sign of the cross, smudged in ashes across my forehead.  The humbleness of Lent is upon us, and the blessed time of Jesus’ rise at Easter brings a whole new, reflective and contemplative meaning to my life.  This time, beginning with Ash Wednesday, really is for the preparation of the death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  May you, too, be blessed with the Grace that He has bestowed upon us.  May you and your family show your love to Him, as He is the only way to our salvation.

(Praise God, and I thank Him for allowing me to enjoy a means to guide my mental stability through chocolate and quilt therapy, too).