2. Throwback Thursday: Choose a photo or blog post from a previous April…how have things changed?
In 2012 all three of my kids were under the age of 10 and I wrote a blog post that April about how I had a feeling those were the best days I would have:
“Our days are relatively mellow. And happy.
Their little personalities have not been scarred by heartbreak or loss.
They are easily entertained with markers and new coloring books.
They do not stay out late, they do not go to parties, they do not date, and they do not drive.
They are in bed by 9pm every night, they delight in all of life’s simple things, I am one of their favorite people in the whole world (a privilege for sure), and they are safe.
I hate knowing how quickly it can all change. In just one minute, one bad friend, one wrong turn, one bad choice, one irresponsible adult…all our happy work can come undone.
Why can’t I keep them safe in bubbles forever?”
It has been NINE YEARS since that April. Everything and nothing has changed since then. They are older and have experienced the loss of friendships and breakups. Nail polish and shopping has replaced markers and coloring books. They drive (well Maile does) and stay up later than me. I have woken to the sound of Kainoa sticking something in the microwave at 2am more times than I care to admit.
I do miss the routine we had back then and the chitter-chatter of younger kids, how excited they would get over the simplest things, but I know it had its own challenges. I actually JUST said to Pat the other night that I think we’re living the Golden Years right now. All our kids are home, they are self-sufficient and lovely and are still tucked into their beds safely every night. I told him these were the days we would look back at and miss someday.
I think it’s kind of funny that with every phase of life I seem to think “This is the one I’m going to miss the most!” It just goes to show how much I thoroughly enjoy every phase. Every age is a joy even when they come with their own set of hardships to overcome.
But this time I think it’s really true that this stage is best because the next phase is adulthood and I am not going to be okay in this house without them. Ever.
It’s not too late to put them in those bubbles right? I was on to something there!
Now it’s your turn!
Choose a prompt, post it on your blog, and come back to add your name to the link list below. Be sure to sign up with the actual post URL and not just your basic blog URL (click on the title of your post for that URL). For good comment karma try to comment on the three blogs above your name!!
The Prompts:
1. Write about the last vacation you took.
2. Throwback Thursday: Choose a photo or blog post from a previous April…how have things changed?
3. Write a blog post inspired by the word: ready.
4. Share your favorite spring break memory.
5. List your top 5 favorite desserts
Patty says
Hold on to every moment, every second, Kat.
In some ways, there are times I feel like I’ve been punished for wanting my children to grow-the-heck-up as we all struggled with their adolescent years. They all did make it over the endless hurdles and I’ve been blessed with grandkids as a result. It seems that the time I enjoyed holding and coddling my grandbabies has just flown by. Now, half of my six blessings are driving, in college, or on their way to both.
Your family is beautiful!
John Holton says
Your daughters are two beautiful young women. After a while I think you realize they’re all golden years…
Abby says
Maybe John’s right, and they are all golden years..
I love my kids for who they’ve become, and I miss every other version of them along the way.