Thursday, February 26, 2009

Growing up


There was a time, not that long ago, when my life as a mother was basically "hands on". The job description required little in the way of, counseling, disciplining, deep talks etc.

Although it wasn't that long ago, I sometimes forget about those days. Those days which were filled with having 3 children in diapers all at once, 2 kids drinking from bottles (which were kept seperated in the diaper bag and with different kinds of nipples so wouldn't get mixed up), Ben being gone at school a lot, days spent at home because who is crazy enough to take all those kids out at once. Life was a lot of work. But it was, dare I say...simple.

I had a lot of people tell me that, it is easier when your kids get older. I don't think that is true. I think it is just DIFFERENT. You go from being completely hands on to dealing with bullies, fears, anxieties, school situations, and all that good stuff!

I may not need to run the kids bath for them...but they do need me to explain things to them.

Where is all this coming from you might ask? Well, last Saturday, Harmony spent the day at a GS activity. When we got home, we all worked to move our freezer from the garage to the house. This was a lot of trips back and forth to the house. And as we were finishing up, Ben said, " ugh, Harmony smells." I went over to her and the stench of BO was overwhelming. I sent her straight up to take a shower. PU!

And so it begins. Harmony is going to be 10 this summer. That means a lot of changes coming our way. I just ordered an American Girl book for her that goes over a lot of it.

Needless to say, this Mom is wishing she could go back in time and enjoy those days when Harmony was little, dressing up in princess outfits and cooking in her little play kitchen. **Sigh**

4 comments:

Beth said...

My mom and I were just talking about this stuff today! It maybe hard to have little ones who need you for all the physical stuff , but it's also hard having older ones who need you for all the emotional things. Good luck and I look forward to you being able to give me pointers in a few years!!

The Barton Family said...

Not looking forward to that!! My girls will be xtra stinky too- my parents bought me my first stick of deordarant at 10! Hope you are feeling good. Did you ever get your lemon bars? I tried a new recipe for them the other day and they were very yummy! I thought of you.

Cindy said...

It is different and hard sometimes, frustrating, and a little heartbreaking! I totally get where you're coming from! Been there done that (doing that) so they say! But I think you'll find things that you love about this new stage of life, just like you did when they were all little. Hang in there. There's blessings in every stage of life! I"m thinking about you lots and hope you're doing well! :)

Angie said...

I got Jessie one of their books a few months ago. I told her to read it and come to me with any questions. After she read it, I asked if she had any questions for me and she said "nope!" I felt a huge wave of relief at having dodged the bullet! One conversation down and one to come soon and I'm really not looking forward to that one..... Keep up the good work Marie!