Here at The Appleseed, a lot of our team members are going through big life changes. Whitney recently studied abroad in Spain, Victoria just got married (you may have wondered why her last name changed), Kassie is graduating this summer, Naomi is finishing up her first year of college, and Andre’s baby just turned one. We were talking the other day about how time flies and how before you know it, you’re an “adult,” even if you don’t feel like one. Growing up can be exciting...there are new adventures, new privileges, new experiences. But it can also be hard. Sometimes we just want to be like Peter Pan and escape to an island where we never have to grow up. Although growth can be painful, it’s a part of life. Today’s stories are all about kids with both emotional and physical growing pains.

A Ride to Remember by Glenda Bonin (1:41)

Dusty, a 6 year old girl, decides to go for a ride by herself, but the horse isn't exactly on the same page. Learn more about Glenda Bonin by visiting: www.storyworksgroup.com

The Mumps by Laura Pershin Raynor (7:51)

One summer all of Laura's friends go away on vacation or head to camp so she starts hanging out with some brothers who are in a nameless band together and play pretty intense rock covers of various songs. Halfway through the summer Laura gets really sick and almost misses the boys' first concert. Learn more about Laura Pershin Raynor by visiting: www.lpraynor.com

When I Was Ten by Finn Billie and Rick Davis (27:56)

Finn remembers his brother gifting his mother a painting and feeling sad that he was left out of the moment. Decades later Finn publishes his own work of art, a book of poems, and gifts it to his mother just like his brother gave her the painting.

Grownups are Strange by Bill Harley (37:10)

A song revealing the oddities of being an "adult". Learn more about TELLER by visiting: www.billharley.com

Water Torture by Antonio Sacre (41:37)

Tony shares his birthday with his little twin brothers which isn't his favorite thing in the world so when water balloons are present at one of their shared birthday parties things get a little out of hand, which Tony refuses to apologize for. Years later his little brother wrecks his car and Tony has to choose how he'll respond. Learn more about TELLER by visiting: www.antoniosacre.com