Has it really been three whole weeks?
Three whole weeks since we shipped these kids off to school…
…and three whole weeks since the rest of us began our TWELFTH year of homeschooling?
Three whole weeks since I’ve {gulp} written a blog post?
(Yeah, well, who’s counting? ; )
You may ask how I’m doing since my last weepy post and I’ll tell you: still weepy! But thanks for asking. It doesn’t help that I’ve got my first high school senior this year and will have to PLAN A GRADUATION RECEPTION IN JUST A FEW SHORT MONTHS!!!
(I’m really quite good at sweating the small stuff.)
This morning at breakfast George was pondering Joe’s leaving. “Is Joe really going to pack up all his things and leave this place? What if…” His brown eyes grew wide with dismay…
“What if he takes all of his Lego’s?
Son Number Two will need to start a collection.
And while we’re on the subject of Son Number Two…
I hate to admit it but he’s growing up too. Want proof? Compare the above photo (taken the day he got back from Philmont Scout Camp) to this one from four years ago:
He’s still got that charming dimple, though!
(But don’t you dare tell him I said that.)
Jem, a sophomore, will need to step up to the plate. Jem’s already stepping up to the plate! That’s how it goes in a family, right? We say our goodbyes to one while clinging tight to the others…but then, before you know it, every last one of them’s spilling out the door.
So sometimes I’ll grow quiet as I try to process all this stuff. In truth, it’s not as easy as it used to be for me to write it down, especially in such a public forum. Blogging has changed, at least for me. It’s harder for me to be the “honest blogger” I was because the devil’s been filling my heart with doubt. “Nobody cares!” he tells me time and again. “Who are you kidding? Get a life.”
I know to fight back by being joyful. I know his lies but they still hurt.
And with that I’ll stop revising this post. I’ve pulled it and re-published it three times already but will try–I’ll try!–to leave it up this time.
Margaret – I care!!! I had been enjoying your recent posts and kept checking back during your absence. I really love your insights … you always come across wise, kind and humble. Keep at it! From a first time commenter, Laura.
Laura, thank you so much for your {first ever} comment. It came on a day when I really needed it!
Blessings! <3
I'm glad you did leave it up! I needed to read it today! Blessings on a joyful week!
Hello? This is Nobody. Yep. I'm here and I care. And I love you.
Loved the pictures, especially your 2nd son, oh, my goodness, love that dimple too. (Shhhhh!!)
So many prayers, and empathy, and love sending your way Margaret! This whole growing up and no longer homeschooling thhing is very hard. It just is. {{hugs}}
One day at a time. One breath at a time. Keep breathing. In Mary, out Jesus.
PS I bet the girls love that dimple, too, but don't tell him I said that!
Well, I care. And I am so glad to have read this. (((Hugs))), motherhood is so very bittersweet.
Love your posts. And although I only have two children they are a Senior and a Sophomore this year and I think I'm in denial that next year my girl will go off to college. So.. we're in this together š
I'm right there with you on the senior boy & planning a grad celebration…makes me appreciate the littlest so much more.
I love your posts and I've shared them with friends from my home country (the Philippines), in Bangkok (where we lived for 4 years), and now in Shanghai (2+ years as of now). As empty nesters of two kids in the U.S., I can only say what you already know – that you must treasure each moment with each rascal!
Oh Margaret, I care. I have been anxiously awaiting to find out how you have been! What sweet pictures of your kids – those of Jem made me tear up. I am not ready for my little guys to grow up!
Now, how was the 30 day diet? Can I ask – are you back on gluten? I only ask this because one of my main symptoms of gluten intolerance is depression. I don't know if it is honest to Pete depression, but rather an ominous black cloud that weighs down on everything. š Did you feel good when you were off from grains/gluten for that month? If you felt good then – get off from it again. Maybe try it to see if you get feeling better? Even a little bit affects my mood tremendously. You are in my prayers. Blessings.
I'm a Nobody who cares, too! You've been in my prayers. I recently read a quote – and I wish I remembered where as I'd give credit – "The days are long, the years are short." How true when applied to motherhood! Love reading your blogs. Even though my littles (and not so little) can grate on my nerves and make me wonder why I ever wanted to be a mother (sad but I do have those days!), you remind me that motherhood is worth it, and I need to accept it, surrender to God and carry on. ~ Natalie
I missed your posts. I have been reading your blog for a while. I'm one of those who never comment. I grew up in Minnesota, but I haven't lived there in 26 years. All of our family is still there. Seeing your pictures reminds me of home. I, also, have a senior, and we will be bringing the graduation party to Minnesota.
Glad you wrote today. I enjoy reading your blog, and always get inspiration to live life God's way.
Ann
Love you and all your little (big) ones!! š
I care too! My oldest graduated last year (homeschooled all the way) and is a full time college student with a couple part time jobs, but still living at home. He is gone a lot, but I am thankful everyday that I still get to see him (even if only for minutes) everyday. My youngest was watching Toy Story 3 this afternoon, and again I thanked God that my big boy is still local!
Margaret: Yours was the first blog that I ever read and checked back regularly to see if you had posted anything. That was a LONG time ago. I'm still following your posts and praying for you when you are struggling. Have you ever been anointed for your depression? Stephanie G.
Love your blog. I was also wondering about your Whole 30. Would you recommend it to others? Thanks for writing, Lori
Oh, Margaret… I love your posts and I love that you're in Minnesota too. I just sent off the 2nd dd to college and unlike dd #1, the college soph, this one is out of state! That leaves 5 littles. 3 at the catholic grade school, one preschool helper and a 9 month baby with special needs. (So I lost both drivers/babysitters/right arms). Everything is different this year. I'm anxious to see how it works out. Keep blogging, I'll continue to read and pray for you. B in MN
I read your posts and I care. My 14 year old went to Philmont this summer too. It changed him! It changed me. I want to know where my shirt is that says "I survived my son going to Philmont."
Charlotte in OK.
Self care, my friend. If your reservoir is empty, you cannot give from emptiness.