So many times people will see the kids after a long absence and be shocked by how much they've grown and changed. This always stops me in my tracks. They have? When did that happen? Why didn't anyone tell me what was going on? I expect this response when it comes to the baby, but not so much the older kids.
Other times I'll watch them from across the room or walk behind them down the stairs or see them sleeping in their beds and it will hit me. How is it that she carries herself with the confidence of a young lady? When did he stop holding on the the banister? These beds must be shrinking because those toes are poking over the edge!
Time is flying. I am with the kids all of the time, yet I fear that I will miss these growing years by being caught up in the "urgency" of dishes, laundry, shopping, schedules and the dailiness of life.
In a couple of years our oldest will be going to High School and after that there will be a steady stream of birds leaving the nest. I am beyond thankful that we have been able to have them home together as we have. I love it that Lydia reads to John for his afternoon nap. I love it that I've had time to teach Hannah how to cook and bake. I love it that Miriam and Joseph enjoy building lego cities together. I love it that Rebekah has her older sisters around to teach her how to dress up like a princess and play kitchen.
Life is not perfect, but it sure does have its sweet spots.
Sean is leaving for Texas tomorrow and we are headed off the pick apples with our homeschool group. I'm going to keep driving south after that and surprise the kids with an overnight at a State Park. I'd considered all the work I could get done here at home, but there won't be many more fall days like these. I don't want to miss the opportunity to make another memory for the kids. I don't even want to blink.
9 comments:
Oh Monica...you are killing me. I can't even stand it how fast it is going. I need to remember to thank God every day that He has blessed our fmaily enough to be home with our kids and enjoy those good tmes and even the bad ones. You know they say...we always remember their "firsts" but we don't always remember their "lasts" ie the last time he held on to the banister. Thanks for the reminder :-)
You are so right, and my oldest is only 6!! I pray that God allows me the time to spend with them - the time that I so desperately need!!
Have a WONDERFUL time!!!
You said it, Momma! I'm trying not to blink either! Keeping the priorities straight is so important, since we are just vapors in the wind here on earth...
Andrea
Rock on momma! Have a great time. This is so true! Thanks Monica.
Isaac will be 7 on Saturday and I am feeling the same way. Where has the time gone? I hope you are having a great time down south. I can't wait to hear about it! :)
I just love this post (as I do all of them of course!) but this one especially because it's so true...we blink and our children are grown...how I know, and have experienced, that very thing! After proofing Kyleigh's personal narrative for her American Lit class at 2:00 am, I realized (again) how fast she has grown into the beautiful young lady that she is, and how these fleeting moments of staying up late with her will end before I know it. Thanks, Monica, for your inspiring notes of wisdom! So glad you were able to take your children for a little time away to enjoy God's beauty! Love ~ Margie
I hope you all have an awesome weekend! Life is all about spontaneity...they WILL be gone before you know it!
So true! I often say I had a baby and then blinked and now she's a preschooler. I'll probably blink again and she'll be going to college!
Looks like you are having a wonderful fall with the schooling projects and trips. You inspire me!
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