Thursday, February 15, 2007

These Are The Good Ole Days





I was sitting on the floor playing with Roman this evening, and I felt compelled to say out loud, "Thank you God for my Roman." I am so surprised to see how much he is learning and growing every day. He is even wanting to feed himself with a spoon. No more mama feedings for this little man. I love to see him gaining independence, but its surprising at the same time.


I sat and watched him play for a good 45 minutes. Just watching him, jibbering with him, just being part of the moment, and he was eating it up. I have to admit, so was I, after all, I know how fleeting these moments are. There are times when I am watching him and I try to think back on River and Isaiah, when they were at that age and its pretty fuzzy. I don't remember very many details at that phase of their life. How quickly we forget, and knowing this makes me try that much harder to just be in the moment more.


River and Isaiah headed off to Tacoma to the State Tournament, and it seems to be more of the norm to have them gone on weekends anymore. They are at the age where they get invited to go a lot of places, and they don't NEED mom and dad to attend, like not so long ago. I'm thrilled with it, yet I also recognize the fact that they are gaining their independence faster than my mind can catch up with.


Levi is about to turn 12, in exactly 7 days. This is a pretty big deal for him. I asked him what he wanted for his birthday, and instead of him saying he needed to go to the toy section, he asked me for an Itunes card to make his own cd. What? No more legos? What happened to my baby?


Earlier today, Abram asked me if he knew how to read. I reassured him that he was at the beginning phases. He said that he thought he was, but he wanted to make sure. I remember teaching Levi how to read, not long ago, and how so many doors began to open in his mind once he could read signs, as we drove down the road. That is where my Abram is, at the threshold of new beginnings as well.


I can celebrate all of these new beginnings, but with age comes wisdom. Wisdom is a good thing, and one that I seek the Lord for continuously, but the bible says that with wisdom comes sorrow. What does that mean to me? It means that I have a better understanding of change and what that brings with it. Its a wonderful thing to see in my children, that they are starting to sprout their wings. I am so thankful, everyday, for their intelligence and desire to be on their own with each ones age appropriate benchmark, but I also know that my life will be dramatically different without each one in my daily life. I guess that is what being a mother is all about. Raising your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and watching them prosper independently in it. Thank you God for these beautiful moments in my life, and helping me to recognize and savor them.


12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gosh, I can only imgagine what it must be like to see all of your kids get that old. Mine being 6 & 3 blows MY mind..so I can just imagine what it must be like once they grow as big as yours have! I love the variety of ages you have. I wish my hubby wanted more. =( But nope...he's done. I guess I should be glad I got my girl & boy..otherwise I might not back down on having another one QUITE so easily! LOL Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

Your boys are so handsome! What a great picture of them all together. I seriously can't imagine having so much manliness in my house at one time. My two boys keep me on my toes, for sure. All action, all the time! ;)

They grow quickly, dont they? In one sense, it is sad, but in another sense, it is exciting to see them use the tools we have given them to build their own lives in Christ. "These are the good old days" is a truth!

Mrs.Martin said...

I love the photo Trina. And I understand all that you write. It is a great joy in having all ages, but you also see in your baby how fleeting and quick it goes. I use the camera more today than ever, even though I am busier. I am afraid, well I know, I will forget without the camera.
The girls saw the pics and miss you all.

marykathryn said...

I know you always tell me that the time with your older three has passed by so quickly and for the most part I can get that. But when you were talking about sitting on the floor with your little Roman and couldn't remember those times with the others very clearly, it made my mind try to wonder back to when Jake was a little one. Honestly it just comes back as small piecs of time almost a different world. Makes me sooo sad. His little face and chubby fingers are all gone, and now I have a boy who is almost 8 and goes about his day with only a little help from his momma. I know he is still dependant on me, but for how much longer? Time with our children is sooo precious..Thanks for the reminder!

meNmykids said...

Beautifully written! Chantels parents are here and it has brought back a lot of memories to my good ole days. I sure want my children to have awesome days to look back on like we did. I love seeing my children grow up also, but I hate to think of the trials they will face. With Gods help they will be fine, and tomorrow it will be their children. Fleeting. I also am trying to catch and treasure every moment for each of my children, it's now or never.
Gale

Heth said...

A wonderful reminder to savor the everyday moments instead of always looking toward the next milestone. Thanks for this.

momto3blessings said...

Very Beautiful Trina.

I know what you mean about trying to remember details from when the older boys were little I just have vague memories of when Joshua was little.

Anonymous said...

What a terrific picture! You've got a good looking bunch of boys there! I bet you are proud of them. =)

KarenW said...

My oldest will be 16 next month. It is so hard to believe. I cherish the time I have with all of my children.

Nadine said...

I love the picture-what a good looking bunch of boys. My oldes is 23 years old and it's so good to savor the moments and appreciate them as they come. You have the right frame of mind and seem to be such a loving, caring parent. Your boys are blessed to have you.

la bellina mammina said...

I can relate to you. Even though my eldest 2 are only 9 and soon-to-be 11, they have their own social lives. I am trying hard to enjoy the baby's every antics. I can't remember much about the other 2 when they were babies!

Nicki said...

What sweet and true sentiments, Trina. I love the picture of your boys. They are all so handsome!