I am liking

being a mom of a 'tween'. I think this age 10, 11, 12, is so great. Kim is just blossoming! Yes, she has the odd teen attitude and she wants to sleep forever in the morning but it's a neat time in a girl's life. She's so smart and capable and kind and compassionate right now. She's excited about basketball, good at her schoolwork, interested in boys but not to the exclusion of other interests, helpful around the house, trying out her own style, ... just a neat young woman. If you can call an 11 year old a woman! I'd love to have more time to spend with her alone- maybe a mom and me holiday/spa day. That's tough though with all the other kids. And of course they all need time alone with me as well. And they all have their neat aspects as well- Corey is so enthusiastic, meeting life's challenges head on with panache. And Eli is so inquisitive and friendly, Alia smart and beautiful but so insecure and reserved. They all need so much.