Wednesday, May 28, 2008

My How Time FLIES!!


Today on my way home from work I was hit square in the face with a case of reality (we won't call it sadness - LOL).  We have 5 days of school left.  This year marks the end of 10th grade for Cameron and 7th grade for Chad.


Here's where the reality comes in - Cameron will be a JUNIOR next year and Chad will be in 8th grade!!  When I say it seems like yesterday that Cameron was going to Kindergarten at West Foundation it is not an overstatement.  Realistically we could have a child move out of our home in TWO years!!!  And both of them could be gone in FIVE!!  I use the word "could" because I am strongly encouraging them both to live at home while going to college - but we'll see.

Lest anyone take any of these comments wrong, let me set the record straight.  I have completely and thoroughly enjoyed every part of their lives.  My Mother taught me well to enjoy each phase of life that comes your way.  


Our boys have been a joy - even through sleepless nights, sick times, teenage attitudes - all of it.  They have been an example to many on how to follow the will of God with your parents - even when it didn't seem like the "fun" thing to do.  They have both made the best out of situations when I might would have seen it otherwise.  They have been such a blessing to me and to our church through their musical abilities.

Sometimes I catch myself thinking of the regrets - we didn't do this or that while they were young, I wish we could have done...  But I have to remind myself that we have made MANY memories as a family - Branson, Disneyworld (Florida), Disneyland (California), San Diego Zoo, San Antonio, SeaDoo's, countless Youth Camps & Camp Meetings - the list could go on and on.  

If Cameron and Chad didn't have any of these memories, one thing I KNOW they can hold on to is the memory of laughter.  Not a day goes by that we don't break out in a fit of laughter.  This generally happens at the dinner table, but sometimes it's in church, driving down the street or just sitting around the house and something funny will come up.  The boys and I enjoy debating sports and Gene enjoys interjecting totally off-the-wall statements during these debates.  These comments often bring laughter.  Gene also enjoys making crazy faces while we are eating.  These faces always bring on the laughter.  These are times that can never be taken away from us as a family.  Chad can make all of us laugh at his crazy antics and can make Cameron laugh more than anyone.  This is another lasting memory.


I don't exactly know why my mind drifted to these thoughts today - maybe I'm getting old.  LOL!!  I just know that we have to enjoy every minute.  Take time to enjoy your life and your family today - especially if you have little ones - because tomorrow they will be walking across the stage in a cap & gown.  

10 comments:

janet anglin said...

WOW! What a timely and beautiful post! You're very fortunate, Sis. Karla, to have 2 awesome boys that love God and their parents!!

Tracie Smith said...

Time certainly has a way of moving too fast! I remember your boys being litle playing on the campground. Enjoy these last few years of them @ home....

iluv2prshim said...

Yes time does fly. I have to smile at Gene's antics. I love it when he gets on a roll. :) Cameron and Chad already have a bucket load of good memories and there will be whole lot more I'm sure. :)

Keith and Carla said...

Our minds have been going in the same direction! I was cooking the other night when Mallory came to stand beside me. I did a double take, because we were standing eye to eye. I don't look down to her anymore! Our favorite time is at the dinner table - there is never a dull moment. Sounds like we might be related?!

Linda Elms said...

It's just almost unbelievable! They are good looking guys, for sure! I'm glad they are my nephews! Ya'll have always had fun with the boys and they have GREAT memories of "home". I'm sure you'll be making a lot more before they are gone for good!

Christina said...

Thank you for reminding me to slow down and make sure I enjoy every moment of my childrens life as possible. I too find myself thinking of how fast mine are growing up. It's Haiden who really gets to me, I guess cause he is the oldest. It makes me sad to think about it so I try not too, but it is good to be reminded so maybe I can have more patience with them and enjoy it all!

Karen Prince said...

Yes time flies very quickly. And the older we get the faster it goes!You have awesome boys, good lookin' too!

Lynn said...

OKAY, I feel old now!

Jana Allard said...

Yes, time seems to be going much too fast! We just did some remodeling in our bedroom last week and I was putting my husband's things into his new armoire when I came across Blake's baby book. Well, I had to stop everything and look at the whole book and then felt a lump rising in my throat. He lacks about an inch to be as tall as me. Memories - they are precious.

Ashley said...

I am doing my best to make sure I enjoy every moment spent with Heidi. She is such a blessing to Eddie and me. I can't believe she is already 4 months old.