It’s started already so go ahead and be warned.
Last night, as the kids were doing their various kitchen clean-up chores…
The high school senior starting fighting with the 4th grader. He glared at her fiercely; he shot daggers with his eyes. “Don’t,” I told him, putting a protective arm around his sister. “Life’s too short. Plus we’ve only got this one last year with you…”
I burst into tears and grabbed my son, who stood there awkwardly regretting that fight.
“Just be glad it’s not your college campus,” I sobbed. “Just be glad I’m getting it out of my system now.”
(Except I’m not.)
(I’ll be just as big a wreck on that college campus.)
THIS is why I work out and such. I need that seratonin to keep me sane!
(Except I’m not.)
(Sane, that is.)
Happily, I did my first very first 12-minute “Fat Blast” kettlebell workout this morning and have two—no, three—things to say about this. One, never in my life did I think that I’d be using one of these weird, Russian devices of torture.
Honestly, I hadn’t even seen a kettlebell before Michelle “graciously” sent one to me.
The second thing, though, is that I loved the workout! It was only 12 minutes long and it was fun.
Who hasn’t got 12 minutes to do a fun workout?
The third thing I want to remember is what my 5-year-old said to me when I’d finished: “Are you all mine now, Mommy?” My heart, still beating vigorously from the workout, flew out of my body and melted on the floor at his feet.
5-year-olds are awesome. They’re like heaven in a milk mustache.
Right now it’s Trio blocks so I should probably go.
I'm already mentally preparing for the empty nest. I'm hoping that if I start thinking about it now while they are 10 and 11, it will be easier when they are 18. I'm betting it doesn't work that way though.
And here I am lamenting the fact that my 5yo has discovered girls… I'm going to be a WRECK when he's ready to get out of here! Never thought I'd be that mom, but apparently I am 😉
Hmmm. I just don't know what to say.
Except maybe that on the other side of all that you're facing, when they come out the other end…it looks pretty good from my seat. (They actually start to believe you know something about life. And they look, and sometimes even act, like grown up people.)
And that I'm praying for you.
Well this sort of conversation has been going on in my house as well. However, it is my kids who keep lamenting that they are getting older and will be moving out of the house soon and that the baby is getting so old. (mind you that is coming from the 6 and 10yr olds talking about a 10 month old!). What is up with my kids! You made me laugh out loud about the toddler stuffing stuff down his pants.
Hmm. Maybe I should blog so you can learn about my sanity (or lack there of). ; ) Still praying for you.
My Katie left a few weeks ago. My first to fly and I have to tell you when we left her at the campus I was a hot mess. A HOT MESS. I couldn't talk for crying, gulping, snorting. My husband thought I was losing it. We miss her a lot but she is very happy and doing well so it's all good. I know how you feel though, it's a big deal and it really bruises a mother's heart.
My husband is the second of eight children, and left for the military at 19. He was gone close to ten years, until we got married. He is from Louisiana, and ever since he left, she has to go years sometimes seeing him. When we first got married, it bothered me that she basically wanted him all to herself. Now, having children of my own (and loving my MIL to pieces) that she just was heartbroken having her son gone for so long. And so far away. After every visit with them, they both cry (he's 42 years old). It's quite beautiful, their love for one another. I have a feeling you have that with your sweetie too.
The emotions are so different for every mother. Because some only have one baby like my Aunt. Her daughter went off to college this fall as well as my son. She said her home is so quiet. Unlike me, I still have lots of noise. Like you…so thankful for the little ones still at home. The first 3 days after we dropped him off…it was hard. My oldest is having a good time at college and doing well. I do still miss him. I asked him last night if he misses home????? He said, "I miss moon-moon". (the cat). good grief.
I'm right there with you, Margaret! The first few weeks of school this year, I was in tears frequently – just thinking about the fact that (insert drama) this is the LAST start to the school year with my high school senior. I keep trying to remind my self of the 'roots to grow… wings to fly' thing, but it ain't easy. No sir! I just hope and pray that your son – and mine – end up at a college where they will be happy, learn much and most importantly – grow in their faith.