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they grow up too fast
September 21, 2009
We all say it because we know it to be true. Even through those difficult stages; the colicky baby boy, the strong willed toddler (she's still strong willed and always will be but it's not quite so exhausting anymore) and the growing pains of independence.
Our mama hearts know the truth, our children grow up too fast.
I've had a very difficult day at home with the kids (thankfully days this bad are rare) and the thought of a quiet house with no more homeschool lessons, sewing machine instructions, craft projects, endless cooking and daily interruptions sounds simply heavenly. But I'll change my tune tonight. After the activity of the day has finally come to an end and we're snuggling on my bed reading Charlotte's Web. And then later when the house is all dark and quiet and I peak into their rooms I know my heart will ache a wee bit at the thought of them not being here - always.
Brienne one year old
I'm praying that after a good sleep I'll wake up as my "happy mommy" self tomorrow. With extra doses of patience, wisdom and kindness. Because someday I will no longer have the chance.
Hum... those were the thoughts that came out as I sat down to share this photo and decorating project with you. How ironic that the day I plan to post this project is the same day that all the mothering/homeschooling s*** hits the fan. (just being real with you here because it ain't all lollipops)
A couple months ago Dolly (Brienne's nickname) informed me that she had outgrown her painting shirt. She was the only child with an "official" paint smock. The other two used old, worn out adult t-shirts. Not very lovely but they worked really well. We must of gotten that painting smock in a hand-me-down bag from friends. I would never of bought a "painting shirt" for her when an old t-shirt would work just as well! But now I'm so glad that she was given that sweet smock because now I have a piece of art for our walls.
It was perfectly clean when she started with it 3 or 4 years ago and at the time it was very big on her. And now it doesn't fit so instead it will hang on our wall. I just happened to have a frame that I bought on sale months ago that worked perfectly. My very own Monet. I was so pleased with this idea I thought I'd share it here because this is a very easy way to display a piece of your child's history without sewing, quilting, stitching or knitting - all of which take me a long time to complete. But this little project took me about 15 minutes . Perfect, unlike my day!
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Naomi on Sept. 22, 2009, 1:25 a.m.
"I'm praying that after a good sleep I'll wake up as my "happy mommy" self tomorrow. With extra doses of patience, wisdom and kindness. Because someday I will no longer have the chance."
How many times have I thought this myself? I wish I could be the perfect patient mommy, but however patient I normally am, these kids certainly push me to the edge! It upsets me to see how much turmoil I let grow inside me, when I know and constantly remind myself how little those things matter in the long run. That one day I will be wishing these days were still here, that I could still cuddle my toddlers in my arms, and have them ask me to sing them a song every time they get a boo boo or have to go to bed.
Two songs I really like that help to remind me of the important things in each day are Trace Atkin's "Your Gonna Miss This" and Darryl Worley's "sounds like life to me". Have you heard them?
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Karen on Sept. 22, 2009, 1:54 a.m.
Life is made of 'todays' but sometimes we really need tomorrow to be better. I pray yours will be. Luv, Mom
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Kika on Sept. 22, 2009, 2:35 a.m.
Brienne is so cute - I wonder if all third children are "challenging"? My third, Ella, is so darn cute and active and noisy and mouthy... she also makes us laugh tons and I cannot imagine life without her :) Lately, I've been thinking of empty nest. I do have lots of time but I think as we're not planning more kids I am so aware of the passing of time and wonder what I'll do with myself once the kids are gone (hopefully launch myself into another grand adventure). I've said this before, Renee, but I'll say it again: you're someone I think it would be great to live by and share life with... not b/c I think we're 'the same' but b/c you are so real and down to earth and determined and willing to grow.... so many wonderful qualities.
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Jenn on Sept. 22, 2009, 5:16 a.m.
it does rather look like a bouquet of flowers! amazing!
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Jody on Sept. 22, 2009, 12:37 p.m.
And the morning has arrived, in all it's chilly glory...... My hope is that it finds you refreshed & eager for the day's adventure. A toast to the last day of Summer & to the changing of seasons ~ both in life and in the weather!
I am always telling young mommies ~ "Enjoy every second, it truly does go by soooo fast.....it's not just something 'old' people say. It's true."
Live each day to it's fullest, whatever that may be for you. I love you & your family. You have each been a blessing to myself & my children. Sending you 'Kisses in the wind' ~ Jody
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Jakki on Sept. 22, 2009, 2:49 p.m.
What an idea! Ive got 'special' baby clothes that I have saved that the boys wore or was their fav's. I have no clue what to do with them but I knew i wanted to keep them.
Brienne is so pretty now but such a cutie at year old!
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kate on Sept. 22, 2009, 3:21 p.m.
Ah, so true, mama, so true. Your words spoke right to my heart-- and the truths behind them, how our children do grow so very fast-- are most important to try to remember (after a good bathroom-door-locked-cry;)) on those hardest of days. Here's to a fresh morning...And I love, love, love the decorating idea. I have two such smocks that no longer fit....might be an art space wall hanging or two in our future as well!
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Annette on Sept. 22, 2009, 5:17 p.m.
I love to display my girl's artwork - they are 14 & 15 now; little women. sniffles
Not too long ago, it seems, I was holding my little babies wondering who we would be as they grew up.
Ok, tearing up now. =) Glad to hear that my feelings were normal - nope, it is not all lollipops!
Annette's last blog post... Socking it
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nicola on Sept. 22, 2009, 5:37 p.m.
oh, it really does go so quickly. and it really isn't all lollipops, is it. we had the weekend from he** as far as behavior went. but i am the same....after 20 minutes of bedtime quiet and the sight of sleeping babes....pitter patter goes my heart (and stomp stomp goes my mamma guilt for any less-than-calm reactions i had!)
i LOVE the art smock as art idea. thank you! lala has an old shirt of mike's, but we could do this for finnian!
nicola http://whichname.blogspot.com
nicola's last blog post... play
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renee on Sept. 23, 2009, 1:56 a.m.
Thanks all for you nice comments and kind encouragements. Nice to know I'm not alone, in good days and bad.
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Rodney and Cindy on Sept. 22, 2009, 12:27 a.m.
Nice post Renee. And it's so true! When the teen years hit, you can't wait for a quiet house either. And then, when they have all flown the nest.... you get REALLY BUSY!!! Enjoy these days!