I have no idea how we got here so fast, but we now have three children in “double digits”. Yep, our third son, Elias, turned the big 10 last week.
What happened to all those long days of chasing babies and toddlers around the house – those never ending years of diapers, spills, potty training, and sippy cups? Yeah, they ended. I sometimes miss those crazy days of sweet little boy chaos.
And now, here we are in a new season with a houseful of four big kids who are eating so much food I can hardly keep up. Potty training and sippy cups have been replaced by biology labs and soccer practices.
I have loved every season in our lives (okay, maybe I’ve not loved some of the painful seasons – although God has taught us so much about Himself during those times too). This current season, with our teenager, pre-teen, ten year old and seven year old – it’s just pretty stinkin’ awesome.
I’m working to embrace every season in life, no matter what it brings. Right now? Bring on the big boys with their big appetites and big ideas. I’m lovin’ it. :)
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It goes by sooooo fast, but sure is fun watching them grow!
All I need to do is *breathe* to have something to be grateful for! Besides giving me the very breath of life, I’m grateful that He has also given me health, family, friends, intelligence, love…every single good and perfect gift has come from God, and I pray I never take that for granted. Thanks for this Gratituesday reminder!!
Thank you so much for hosting. I am new to your site and can’t wait to explore some more!
I’m rather scared of the big kid scenario. I have a few years to go before reaching it. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
Actually I love my big kids. Well, except for the grocery bill. Admittedly, there are some cranky
moments presently from my 15 year old son with raging hormones, but that is more than offset by
the joys. Now we get to see a lot of results from all our years of work and prayers… They are kind,
have a work ethic (that is still developing), wonderful hearts and souls… They are people I really like
to spend time with. And the “coaching” side of parenting I find really fun–helping them think about
becoming adults, what kind of people do they want to be, what kind of future and careers do they
want to be prepared for? It’s less about doing things for them, which I found exhausting, and more
about helping them to become independent people. And, I still give an awful lot of hugs, cuddles,
kisses on cheeks, and pep talks. Just that two out of three are taller than me. And when my 20 year old
comes and sits on my lap, I have to gasp and move him over. :)
I think I’m just worried about the big kid issues that come along with the older kids! You know, it’s easy to help them put their socks on and button their coats, and while it gets exhausting, I know how to do that. When they hit the bigger relationship issues, maybe not so much. I’m glad that God doesn’t just hand us teens and expect us to know what to do but teaches us gradually as they grow!
I have six months before we have a house full of teenagers with not so much as a tween left. I probably only have only six months before they’re all taller than me, too. Like you I have enjoyed all the seasons, and even in the difficult ones I thank God for my children.
How blessed you are with four handsome young sons. :) I enjoy watching my own son grow and change.
I love ALL the seasons. At one time we had 4 teenage boys under our roof. Think it’s hard to keep up now? I loved watching our boys gobble up anything I prepared with love. At one point we lived in the Azores, a tiny island 600 miles off the coast of Portugal. They have one season only. I never thought I would tire of green but I did. Every season we have brings much variety and for that I am truly grateful! Give those boys hugs from the Roper crew Laura.
I have finished raising my two children and now I am enjoying my wonderful grand kids. I enjoy being with them and watching them change. Being a grand parent is such a gift. I am truly blessed.
Oh, I am SO with you on that grand thing. I waited 10 years for my
first. My Mother in law started on me after we’d been married about
a year and I swore blind I’d NEVER say a word to my daughter in law
about “when”. I’m on sugar overload from that baby boy. nothing but
sugar sugar sugar.
I can’t visualize your home without 4 LITTLE boys running around in it! How can this be??? Give them all a hug and kiss from me. Tell them I need to see them before they all graduate high school!!
Aunt Karen
thanks for the opportunity to link up and for making every tuesday a Gratituesday :)
Thanks for the reminder to slow and enjoy my little ones while they are little!
Sign ’em up for 4-H and let ’em raise a calf. LOL
Don’t blink, they grow so fast and the years fly by…
Sharing about our weekend get-away. Thanks for hosting, Laura!
Blessings!
~Lisa
Wow! I have three in double digits – all boys- and you are exactly right about the groceries. Wowza…! So thankful for them, though. They are such treasures!
~Janna
Thanks for hosting Laura! Time does fly by. My kids just turned 18 and 19 in December. Wow!
My 4 kids are now 7, 9, 11, and 13 and I love it! I think this is a great age (most of the time).
I’m still in the diapers & potty training phase, with another baby due in 3 weeks. And it really does feel like we’ll never get past this point! But I’m trying to enjoy it as much as I can. I’m sure it’ll go fast in hindsight. =)
Mine are 4, 3, and 10 months… This is a wonderful stage! This is where you are serving them, and teaching them to serve others. My baby girl is learning to say mama and dada and bubba. My little boys are best buddies and do every thing together. The looks of excitement at learning.on their faces warms my heart. The way they play and work around the house while singing hymns to God is wonderful. The look of pride and sense of accomplishment when one becomes potty trained. The brand new life about to be placed in your hands. Enjoy these moments. I am :)
Made me cry. I’m in that stage with 3 girls, 5, 3, & 1. Plus watching a baby 3 days/week now. It’s crazy and it’s hard to remember somedays to slow down and enjoy it. There’s always food on the ground, diapers to change, sippy cups to fill, and so much more that can get overwhelming and feel like I’m going in circle. I’m glad God can give me/us peace to enjoy those moments, even when they are challenging.
Right now I am really enjoying the little baby stage with my first :). I’ve heard these years are precious and go by quick, so I am trying to soak in every second!!!
Yes! Soak in every second. Take TONS of pictures! My first will soon be 5, and while that seems young, it went by so fast.