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!
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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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