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Michaela
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| Posted: Sept 15 2011 at 8:54am | IP Logged
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Today is my first born's 15th birthday. I feel like our time together is coming to an end....quickly! 
Traditionally, since moving here, we head to the fair for his birthday. He is growing up....he would rather go visit the retirement home to be with the elderly residents. He enjoys the conversation there. This is my son who is seriously discerning the priesthood.
When I was his age, time seemed to move at a snails pace. As an adult, a parent, it's almost a blur. If 15 brings me to tears, I'm scared what 18 will do! 
I don't want to be the drill sergeant or grump. I want my children to WANT to be home. To MISS home when they leave. Most of all, to come back! To visit.
DH and I both left home at 18. The military took us far from our parents and once a year visits became the new normal.
For all of you mommas with adult children:
share with me how to hold on to these moments better.
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Michaela
Momma to Nicholas 16, Nathan 13, Olivia 13, Teresa 6, & Anthony 3
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Chris V
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| Posted: Sept 15 2011 at 9:21am | IP Logged
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I don't have adult children, Michaela, but I'm wishing your boy a wonderful birthday. And I think it is just wonderful that he enjoys spending his time at the retirement center and is discerning the priesthood.
I think you ARE holding on to these moments because you are *present* with your children. You are *aware* of the time that passes. You long to hold on. ... the moments that escape me, my memory, my heart, are the ones that I'm not paying attention to. Being present in the midst of our lives as a family is what keeps the moments in my heart forever. ... when I stop with the BUSY-ness, take a deep breath, stare at my family, my children, and give all my gratitude to God for the blessings before me, are what makes the moments in our shared lives become forever a part of my heart. 
We can't stop them from growing up, but we can be with them as they do.
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Chris
Happy Wife with my Happy Life
Mama to My Five Girls ('04~'07~'09~'11~'11)
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anitamarie
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| Posted: Sept 15 2011 at 11:05am | IP Logged
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Actually, that was the deciding factor in our homeschooling decision. After discerning for a long time whether this was what God wanted for us, my oldest son turned 9, and I realized that he was halfway to 18. Then I realized how fast the first 9 years went, and I wanted every second possible with him before he was gone. Then I knew for sure. Now my youngest is almost 5, and I just want to stop time and keep us all here forever.
Happy Birthday to your wonderful boy.
God Bless,
Anita
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Barb.b
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| Posted: Sept 15 2011 at 11:32am | IP Logged
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Well, I don't call my ds an adult yet - he will soon be 19 and is a freshman at college. I worried how our relationship may change when he left (out of state). But, if you are close when they are at home - you will be close when the leave! Ds and I email daily (multiple times usually - like an ongoing conversation) and he phones often. Tuesday he phoned and we talked for 1 1/2 hours! Yesterday I got at least 2 quick calls - one about a grade he was excited about, and another about an internship fair at school and a possible summer internship. . . So hang on to the "now"; and realize that homeschooling and cultivating your relationship with your kids when they are home pays off and your closeness WILL CONTINUE when they are away!
Barb
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Erin
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| Posted: Sept 19 2011 at 4:06pm | IP Logged
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Michelle
I HEAR you. My oldest recently turned 18 and I'd like to know where the years went??
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Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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kristinannie
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| Posted: Sept 19 2011 at 5:57pm | IP Logged
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Thanks for posting this. On some days (like today) I just start to wonder if it is all worth it when the house is a complete disaster area, the kids are fighting, etc... It is easy to forget how quickly time travels. I am going to give my kids a big hug and thank God they are still little (little tornadoes, that is...  )
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John Paul 8.5
Meredith Rose 7
Dominic Michael 4.5
Katherine Elizabeth 8 months
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anitamarie
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| Posted: Sept 19 2011 at 8:14pm | IP Logged
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kristinannie wrote:
| Thanks for posting this. On some days (like today) I just start to wonder if it is all worth it when the house is a complete disaster area, the kids are fighting, etc... It is easy to forget how quickly time travels. I am going to give my kids a big hug and thank God they are still little (little tornadoes, that is... ) |
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Your "little tornadoes" reminded me of something. The first year we homeschooled, my youngest was a very active toddler. We started calling her Hurricane "Child's First Name". We felt really bad when there actually was a hurricane by that name that year!
Anita
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4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Topic: They grow up so fast
