The winds of change

Every week a long time friend and I chat on the phone for a few hours. It's always such a welcome change of pace. I love putting my boys down for naps and sit with my feet up while venting and listening to her vent about different troubles we've been experiencing in our lives. A few weeks ago when we spoke on the phone it just happened to be my birthday. We were saying how we don't feel this "old"! (I turned 27 but still have the mind set of a younger person. I'm not sure how old but I certainly don't feel almost 30!) When I was a kid people who were 30 were ancient! Clearly I was wrong. Well, today my nephew turns 6 (Happy birthday, G!)! He is 8 months older than my oldest. I can't believe how fast these past few years have gone. My daughter is learning to read. My 2 oldest children are memorizing bible verses. My youngest is starting to say a few words (like Dada, Mama, Cinda, Titus, Thank you, yes, up and a few others). Its fun to see the changes the Lord is making in them but it makes me sad as well. Before my husband and I got married I said "I want to be done having kids by the time I'm 30." And we had discussed having 5 or so children. I guess I better get on with it, huh? We only have 3 children and I'm 27. So that would mean 2 or so more kids in the next 3 years. Another little glitch, our house is only 1,000 square foot with 1 bathroom. Its already frustrating to live in this little house with 5 of us. The thought of bringing 2 more in makes my head spin! My daughter has said many times "Mom, we need to move into a house with more bathrooms!" And she's right. We do. But we will need to pray for the Lord's guidance in this. We are so blessed I hope I don't come off as anything but thankful. I am thankful I guess I'm just feeling extra old today. I don't feel like I've done anything in the past 27 years. Okay so I got married at 19, my first child was born when I was 21, my second child was born when I was 23 and 26 when my youngest was born. I guess I've done something. And I know, my life isn't over yet and being a wife and mom is a great job to have. I wouldn't trade it for the world! And there's nothing I would rather be doing.

Okay, back on task. I am thankful for my wonderful life. I am extremely grateful for my family. And what a blessing my family and friends are to me.

So here's my question. Why do I still feel (and sometimes act) like a younger version of myself? When will my age hit me? Does anyone else feel younger than the actual number age they are? I know I'm not alone here, folks.

 My Lucindarella

 Princess Lucindarella and the brave knight Tine

 Me and my precious gifts.

 My fantastic husband and our youngest Thanksgiving morning.

At Chuck-E-Cheese to celebrate my nephews 6th b-day.

What a wonderful life!

My Mom had a plaque on the wall when I was a kid. It comes to my mind when I'm feeling guilty for sitting on the floor with my kids instead of cleaning, doing the dishes or laundry. Take time with your children. They are your job for this short time. Raise them in the grace and admonition of the Lord, pray for them and leave the dishes till later. :)

Babies Don’t Keep
by Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I’ve grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due,
Lullabye, rockaby, lullabye loo.
The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew
And out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo,
But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo,
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs;
Dust go to sleep!
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.