Some Thoughts
Both of my children will be home for the summer by next Thursday, can you believe it? Honestly the time has whizzed by for me. They both had a great year and they each like their schools. That makes it easier for us parents while they are gone. I spent the last 20+ years staying at home raising them and it's nice to see them happy and excited about their futures.
I purposefully made sure that this past academic year was filled with weekend trips for the two of us. My husband and I loved going away and setting a pace that was perfect for us. Sure we missed the kids. Sure we had the cell phones with calls and texts but it still was without them and fun.
This blog has made my empty nest journey so much easier. I truly believe hobbies of any kind are what sustains happiness. I started this blog almost two years ago because I loved reading blogs. I kept thinking "I want to do that someday". During my child raising years, I always maintain interest of my own, so that when the kids left, I had pieces of me to build upon. It was natural for me to keep on knitting and reading. Photography and blogging, well those were added only a few years ago. An empty nest is what you make of it. I made mine an enjoyable natural part of my mothering journey.
So today is the last shopping trip that will be under a hundred dollars. Next week I will see stars when the cashier rings up my grocery bill. There will be more food in the house. When I make cookies, they will not last over a week while I worry if they are growing mold or not. Oh and the laundry!!! Massive massive amounts of laundry. I am ready for my stay-at-home-mom job to return for 10 to 12 weeks of summer :)
You're so right about having your own interests because kids do leave the nest eventually. I'm so happy to have several hobbies that I love. Since mine are still young and at home, I can only imagine what it's like when they're away for most of the year!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post. You sound like my mom. She always had her hobbies when we were growing up (many of the same ones I have now...she taught me well). And now that she has an empty nest she is more busy then ever doing her things! And always willing to stop everything and enjoy the full house when we all stop by with our families. A good balance and a great example to your kids.
ReplyDeleteIt pinched my heart a bit to read this...because I know even though I am in the thick of it now...the kids have to leave. I appreciate reading your post...gives me some perspective as well as something to look forward to. Have superduper time with your fam!
ReplyDeleteKaren, even though I still have two living at home [well, one is part time] I do know how you feel. I started my blog about two years ago for the same reason as you did. The years went by so fast didn't they? I know you will enjoy having your babies home, even with the mess! ;)
ReplyDeleteGoodness...You and Tracey give me hope. Empty nest will start next year with one leaving and I have to admit, I'm having issues. This makes me feel better. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI hope I can move on with life with the grace that you have when it's time for my kids to venture further away. It's hard to imagine now with two toddlers and a nine year old. But.. I do sometimes think about it.. and worry. Because I'm really good at worrying. (:
ReplyDeleteKaren, I want to tell you how much I love reading your blog. As a relatively new mother, it is so enlightening, inspiring and encouraging for me to read the blog of a mother in a different season of mothering than most of us "mommy-bloggers" are. Keep up, I love this space! And have a fantastic summer as a fulltime mama!!! :))
ReplyDeleteWhen we became "permanent" empty nesters (when our children married) is when we downsized....and I think that our tiny cottage helped to mold our "new" lives. (Bigger yard, though, for grandkid romps now!!!) Our son came to visit a couple weeks ago with his wife and 5 children---and our daughter and her family joined us for meals......how quickly I fogot about those grocery trips! I THOUGHT I had bought enough food for their entire stay---thought I had made enough cookies and brownies........and can you believe, we all ate it ALL up in a day! YIKES! I was seeing stars, too!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think you are sliding into the empty nest routine very very gracefully---but do enjoy (and treasure) those last few summers of togetherness!!!
sweet. i'm hoping that by pursuing my hobbies and passion now, it will come naturally once mine start leaving the nest...help make the transition a bit easier on my heart.
ReplyDeleteenjoy this last week of quiet...fun is on it's way!
Oh Karen, I have a little taste of empty nest when my children are gone to school in the day. I can't wait for Summer break either. I love having my children at home, it brings me comfort and peace. Enjoy your day, Tami
ReplyDeleteKaren I loved loved LOVED this post! I still have a ways to go with my children leaving home - although I know that time passes quicker than we realise. My girls are early teens already! I often wonder, 'what will I be/do when the children leave?' but this beautiful post has brought a little comfort to these thoughts. There IS live in an empty next - LOL. I hope to still be visiting your beautiful blog when my chicks have flown.
ReplyDeleteKaren, beautiful post! And very helpful to me as I navigate empty nest syndrome!
DeleteOh I can only imagine the anticipation! I think that is what I look forward to most when it comes my time to empty nest, the feeling of having them home for a visit. Like Christmas morning. Great advice on the hobbies. Have fun fun fun Karen. I bet they can't wait to see their mama!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I bet you will have good times this summer. I always loved going back home after I moved out. Mom and Dad's house was "home" muntil I had my own family :)
ReplyDeleteI bet you miss them soooooo much! I'm sure they're excited to get back home too :-)
ReplyDeleteoh, how wonderful, karen! this will be such a nice time for you, savor every moment!
ReplyDeleteA lovely post!!! I am sure it will be wonderful to have them home again.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful post!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI always "worry" about those years that come after they leave only because of what people make it out to be.
I don't want it to be anything other than wonderful! It's a natural part of life and the sign of healthy children.
You are healthy and your perspective is awesome.
XO
C
It's neat to hear your story! Best of luck with the re-adjustment to the kids! LOL
ReplyDeleteBeautiful thoughts, Karen. It's been so interesting to read blogs of mamas on all different points in their journey of motherhood. I'll bet it will be a fun summer!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely Karen. You must be so excited! x
ReplyDeleteStars are good to see sometime... (I 'complain' about cookies not lasting a day around here too but then again, I like baking them with love and with the intention of being eaten, not just stared at)...hope you savor your time with them when they arrive home. Very exciting for you!
ReplyDeleteYes-maintaining your sense of self. You provide a good example of how your life is still your and it can still remain full, even when the kiddos are up and out! You are quite the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYes, there are good times to be had when they are off on their own... but, I'd take the days with them... filled with chores and all anytime. ;) I know you will enjoy yours being home for the summer. blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteI love this post! I can't even imagine a time when my children aren't here, but it will happen eventually, won't it? I'm glad you *all* had such a wonderful year, and I hope you enjoy these summer weeks just as much. xo
ReplyDelete