When life changes....

E~November 1997

3 years old

with her "B"

....to this
E~April 2009
14 years old
a heartbreaker

....not a bad change just different. At our home we are entering a new phase of life. My oldest is 14 ~little missy, we will call her E has her first boyfriend. She is in 8th grade. I told myself this will last a few days and be over. Not true. It has been 4 months!?!!???! The last month they have actually moved from just texting and seeing each other at school to wanting to spend time together on the weekends. I feel like I am in wayyy over my head. So far I have been able to have them (and friends) at our house where I am the supervision. How long that will last is unknown. E is a great kid, straight A's, has a few friends at a time, and is reserved and generally a good and level-headed kid. She is I think what we could call it "blossoming" and I don't like it one bit!!!

I have always been of the "it takes a village" philosophy, unfortunately, it seems as if I am the only one going through this stage. I need help-----how do I handle this life transition with grace??