They're growing up!

Why is this such a SURPRISE to me????? I look at these 2 wonderful boys God gave me, and *I* see the little towheaded toddlers running towards me with huge smiles and dirty hands outstretched ready to hug me. Everyone else sees something different. Especially with Trey. They see a tall slim boy almost as tall as me with feet that seem to go on forever! My grandmother (God rest her soul) would have said he was setting a solid foundation. LOL
His soccer coach told him he looked like Prince Harry ( and he really does!) so now he goes around insisting that I call him "the Prince. " He's such a goof! :o) He decided that would get him out of his chores but soon realized the QUEEN (me!) thought he should still do them.
When they start growing up, the worries change. Where before I had to make sure he was safe from things that could hurt him physically (scissors, knives, broken glass) now I'm more worried about things that will hurt him emotionally or spiritually (bad language, violence, sex). Bullies at school do more damage with their words than they do with their fists. And how does a mom battle those??? All I can do is make sure he knows that he is loved, that he knows what we believe is right and wrong and pray for Divine Guidance for him when he's not with me.