Witnessing my four boys grow up is both exhilarating and heartbreaking. I’ve watched as each one of them has embarked on the adventure of boyhood. I have one now that is beginning the journey toward manhood.
It’s scary at times.
Have I done enough? Am I doing enough? Do they know how much I love them? Have I completely screwed them up? Will they be prepared for what life throws at them? Will they grow up to be men of integrity? Hard workers? Compassionate? Content?
And then I look at myself in the mirror and ask those same questions.
Ouch.
Work in progress, right?
At one time, I thought I knew the flawless formula for parenting. I followed it the “T” and failed. Imagine that.
Thankfully, I know better now. I’ve learned that parenting these boys of mine is something I will never completely have figured out. I’m okay with that.
I can’t worry about the unknown. I can focus on the here and the now. They need me. They need my love. They need my encouragement. They need my guidance.
In a blink of an eye, they will go from toddler to teenager.
Don’t miss it.
Laugh with them. Cry with them. Be with them.
They’ll love ya for it!
This is so precious, loved it.
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Awe…love love love this post! It is amazing how they grow isn’t it! I have asked myself those same questions in the days since becoming a mom. I think love is the key…they need it! And so do we. When I think of the love I have for my kids and then think of the love God has for them it is overwhelming. I know for me sometimes just living in the moment with them can be tough sometimes when there are 200 other things I know need to be done…thanks for the reminder!
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Cool Hand… =-.
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Oof. Such true words. And they sound so much better coming from you than from my mother.
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I am dealing with this reality as my daughter is a senior in high school this year and I am only 35! I used to look back when she was a baby and I was just a baby too (in certain ways) and I would say, “Wow! I will only be 35 when she graduates!” AND now it’s here!! It seems like I time warped into the future. Kinda like LOST.
)
.-= 50centlove´s last blog ..Things Running Through My Mind =-.
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Ruthanne Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 7:57 am
I will be 35 when my oldest graduates, as well.
And I will be 47 when my youngest graduates. I’m fairly certain I will be covering the gray hairs by then.
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Ruthanne, your boys are precious! I hope I do as good of a job raising my children as you and my Mama do.
.-= Hannah Braboy´s last blog ..The Real Me =-.
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Were you ‘trying’ to make me cry?? Your boys are simply adorable. Simply. Adorable.
.-= H-Mama´s last blog ..Maybe the next Pioneer Woman? =-.
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Awe!!!!
.-= Tracy´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
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It really does go too fast. I was going through some old photos this week and I just got so sad.
Darling pictures.
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Well said! You have beautiful boys, and girl.
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:sniff: He is a big bowling boy! I wuv him.
That is a great picture of your oldest! I am glad you had some special family time together.
Hey, are you working on your sweet talking? Bc even if that doesn’t work out, I have to tell you that I think you take smashing pictures.
.-= Marsha´s last blog ..the old man’s club =-.
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Ruthanne Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
I tried the sweet talkin’ yesterday. It went over like a lead balloon. He was *so* not ready to hear that! *snort*
I’ll keep workin’ on him . . . .
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awww handsome little fellows you have there! they do grow up so fast {sigh} wish we could make them slow down, just a little.
.-= michelle´s last blog ..Homemade Bread =-.
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What sweet pictures. I am 35 and we haven’t started. Imagine! It scares me on a normal basis. I love your approach, and your honesty.
Blessings.
.-= Tracy´s last blog ..Hard Times Bring Broad Places =-.
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Gorgeous pics, and yep – they DO grow up soooo fast.
*sigh*
Cate
.-= Cate´s last blog ..Sunday’s Share #3 wk 9/3 =-.
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What a beautiful post. My heart breaks watching my kids grow each day and I’m so proud of them. I think we forever question how badly we might’ve messed them up, eh? Just keep pouring on the love and it’ll work out in the end. I loved your pictures
.-= Sarah @ Mum In Bloom´s last blog ..Buy Handmade: Recent Etsy Purchases =-.
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Adorable post!!! : )
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