How on earth did I become a mother of a 17 year old?
Last summer at the beach
It’s crippling me to think that this guy is just a year or two away from leaving me.
I know, he’s not leaving me – he’s going to move out, go to school – become his own person –
BUUUUUUUUTTTT
All I ever wanted to be when I grew up was a mom.
That’s it.
No big dreams. No big aspirations. No huge goals.
When he was just a little guy
I wanted to raise babies. And I have. And it is a glorious life’s work if you ask me.
I can’t imagine pouring myself into anything more important than the 4 little people who live under this roof. To arm them. To challenge them. To teach them. To encourage them. To equip them. And of course, to love them.
I take my mommy-job seriously and always have.
They are growing like weeds and it is devastating to think that in a few years they will all be moving out and doing all sorts of independent, wonderful things.
What am I going to do when all my children leave?
Uuuuuh – cry.
Anyhow – it’s My oldest child’s Birthday and we are celebrating him today!!!
He is the first born so of course he’s
- Responsible
- Dependable
- Reliable
- Trustworthy
- Honest
He also has a quick wit and the perfect commentary for general life. He makes me laugh all the time.
Last week it started raining while he was mowing 🙂
Oh – if I can just take a second and boast on this amazing boy – he is the poster child for homeschooling.
Really.
- The dude has wanted to be a dentist since he was 12 years old.
- He finished high school in less than 2 years (when 13 & 14 years old).
- He began earning college credit at age 15.
- He started taking classes at our local State University (University of Louisville) this January (16 years old). He just finished his first semester & did fantastic in all his classes.
- When he started at U of L he had 60 hours of credits completed – In order to get into his preferred Dental School he has to receive his last 60 hours (all the upper level science classes & labs) from a 4 year university.
- With his first semester at the university under his belt he has 72 credit hours (I think) and 3 more semesters to go!
- He is on track to be graduating from college with a BS in Biology around the time his peers (the same age) are graduating from high school.
Yay Homeschooling!
Will my little guy be a dentist someday? I certainly think he can do it. I want my kids to dream HUGE and go after it. I want them to live for others and to the glory of God. I want them to soar, make an impact and love like crazy.
They may be growing up and leaving – but I am a proud mama!
Roller skating with mom
This guy makes me laugh, brings tears to my eyes, is the giver of the best hugs, baker of the best cookies and has my heart.
Time to bake an apple pie! No cakes for this guy – he wants mama’s apple pie with vanilla ice-cream for his birthday cake.
I love you, Buddy!
Happy 17th Birthday!
XXXOOOO
-Mommy
Daniel Pruitt
05/04/2017Happy Birthday to your 17 year old…..and the ones who will follow. I share your enthusiasm for home schooling. Our children were home schooled for most of their school years (went to a Christian school for the rest). They grew up great. Youngest is now 39, happily married, father of one and 1/3 children (one “in the oven” is 3 months along), with, of course, a precious wife.
Candi
05/04/2017Thanks! Although I’m not too excited about everyone leaving the nest, I’m pretty pumped about the idea of grandchildren. Joy!
Blessings,
Candi
cszmagno
05/04/2017I’m cuddling my sleeping 17 month old baby on my lap while I feel new baby kick in my tummy and I’m smiling as I listen to big sister (3.5 years old) read books in her room. I can’t wait to home school them, keep having adventures, teach them all about God’s love and watch them grow into amazing people – but they aren’t allowed to actually grow up and leave one day! That’s too hard?! 😉
Happy birthday to your sweet son and way to be a home schooling champ!
Candi
05/05/2017Thanks bunches!
🙂
Candi
Christina
05/05/2017Awww, Happy Birthday to you him! Oh Candi, you and I are two peas in a pod..Everything you said about being a mom describes me to a T, its all I ever wanted too and its all I wanna finish doing!! The reason I have almost 9 year old twins (May 31) is because when my first two boys became teenagers (13&15?), I just knew I wasn’t done, I felt the same heart wrenching at the thoughts of them going off into this big ole world and questioned what on earth would I do now? My oldest are now 24 and 21 and I will tell you that yes, you will cry your eyes out and you will feel like your nest is empty as each one leaves your door. BUT, I promise you, it gets better over time and as you find things to do with that new empty space in your life. Also, as you watch them apply everything you’ve every taught them about life, you start to relax a little knowing they are going to be just fine 🙂
For me, I’m still raising two but I also have two super amazing and beautiful grandbabies. One is 3 the other will be 5months on the 7th 🙂 And oh man, if you think you love your children, you just wait until you hold your first grandbaby! I didn’t think I could love anything more than my children, my grandchildren have proved me wrong. NO rush of course on your end, but when you get there, you will be crying some more lol…You are such an amazing mom and person. I love reading everything you write, your soul and spirit are beautiful and so is your family! They are all, one at a time, going to be just fine momma and so are you! That’s the other upside, they leave ONE at a time so that gives you even more time with the ones still at home 🙂 “Every ting gonna be alright”
XOXO
Candi
05/05/2017Christina – You are such an encourager – God has definitely given you that gift! If someone wanted to give me twins right now I would gladly take them! How precious to be able to be a mommy ‘a second time around.’ I can imagine I would be a lot more relaxed, enjoy them more and not stress as much.
You are blessed & so are your babies (even the grown-up ones).
Grandbabies – Squeal!
Christina
05/05/2017Thank you Candi!! Ya, know? Everyone has been telling me that same thing lately! I’ve always enjoyed helping others in any way that I can, its what defines me! I have never actually viewed it as a “gift” but me just being me, its very humbling to hear so many different people lately thank me for putting perspective on something, seeing something in a different light and change the way they think. I don’t know, it kinda feels weird because I’m just me being me and thats all there really is to it! To be mommy a third (& fourth) time around truly has been such a blessing, because you’re right, you are so much more patient, “educated” and less stressed! You come to appreciate things that used to drive you nuts! I used to sometimes feel guilty and wish I had had my older two later so I could have the same experience. But ya know? It still would never be the same, because with each baby you have you learn something new, you grow a little more patient, and enjoy them each just a little more because your pulling from your experience from the first however many! I truly am blessed in SO many ways and honestly more now than ever believe it or not!
Granbabies, oh yes, Squeal indeed! SO MUCH FUN!! I can not wait to read those blogs someday 😉