My children are growing up at a crazy pace! While I’ve been wrapping up details for Mimi and Andrew’s wedding, Eby lost his first two teeth, Sweet Pea started her third year of med school, and Little Man learned to jump off the side of the pool. The middle seven are working full-time or part-time, taking swimming lessons, reading books, and doing the things kids do in the summer.
It’s an unbelievable mental stretch some days. I go from warming milk in sippy cups for bedtime, to talking over the challenges of getting to know new roommates.
I love it all — and I am stretched by it.
As my friend Signe says, “So many needs, so little Mom.”
In wedding news — only eight more days! Seven of us got haircuts today, the front porch got one last coat of paint, tux rentals were confirmed, and I’m working on a schedule for the next week. It feels a little unbelievable, but Mimi and Andrew seem to look happier every day.
Thank you for sharing my life.
~Lisa
Oh yes … very stretching indeed … to parent on both ends of the mommy spectrum at the same time.
While many people assume that my life got so much easier this year, because the Big Kids moved out. That does NOT mean that I am not still parenting each and every one of them. Last summer, we had 12 kids living at home. This summer we have 6. But … those older kids are still challenging this mama's time and energy all the time. They want mama's thoughts on relationships … jobs … moving across country … college classes … their faithwalk … Now, of course, sometimes they don't want mama's opinion, which stretches me to KEEP QUIET sometimes (which often leads to deep and burdened discussions with Papa).
While one minute I may be discussing possible engagement/wedding plans … the next minute I am, once again, teaching 2+2. While one minute I may be discussing the "emergent church" movement, the next minute I may be, once again, trying to teach a child how to tell time. While I often have midnight conversations with my Big Kids, I have to be ready to snuggle the little ones at 7:00 am.
GREAT post, Lisa. And … THANK YOU for the posts on the Restorative Sabbatical. I am on Day #3 of my Restorative Sabbatical, and it took me until today to really believe that the Lord could restore me. Even last night (Day #2) I did not yet have HOPE for tomorrow. Tomorrow, Papa will be joining me for 24 hours of "marriage time" … something we have not had in many months.
Be BLESSED, as you have BLESSED me with your encouragement.
Laurel :)
mama of a dozen
they do grow way too fast!!!!! i can't believe how old Eby looks!
I'm breathless just thinking about your schedule and the lists you must have these days!
You talking about the porch getting a coat of paint reminded me of my own wedding reception at my grandparents' house – it was so, so special to me to have it there! What a blessing this will be to Mimi!