Empty Nesters Practice

Growing up, I was never one of those girls who said I couldn't wait to be a mom when I grew up. I knew I'd be one, Lord willing, but I didn't obsess about it like some of my friends. Being a mom, however, has become one of my greatest joys in life. As the boys get older each year, it brings a new element to parenting and a new kind of joy. But, it also comes with a new reality and a new bittersweet feeling.

You see, now that the boys are growing up more, they are becoming busier. They are working and have a social life. Which means that Rob and I are getting a taste of being empty nesters. There are afternoons where both boys are at work and Rob and I are at home. There are evenings where the boys have gone to a youth event together, giving Rob and I an evening together. 

At first I worried about it just being the two of us. Our world revolves around our boys. What do we talk about? Do we have enough common interests to keep us from getting bored? What I'm finding out is that I really enjoy dating my husband again. We go on fishing dates, go for drives like we used to do before having kids, go out to eat once in a blue moon. Sometimes we just sit and watch a ball game or talk about our day. Regardless, I enjoy our newfound time together.

So, as our boys grow older and begin branching out more, I will be thankful for this new chapter. I will be thankful for the time spent with each boy, time spent with both of them, time with just me and Rob and time as an entire family. It's a beautiful phase of life and I will soak up every moment of it!

Fridays Are my Favorite!

I naively thought that when E decided not to do travel ball this Spring, that it would free up our schedule. And it has.....to add different things to our calendar. Travel ball has been swapped out for fishing tournaments. But that, for the most part, does not include me. I watch the blast off (when I don't oversleep) and go to the weigh ins. 

Despite having my Saturdays free, Fridays have become my favorite day. I was laughing with E the other day, telling him that most people are busy on the weekends but just go to school/work on the weekdays. We are just the opposite. Between school events, church and work, we are so incredibly busy during the week. But, the weekends for me, are spent cleaning, catching up on laundry and doing projects around the house. Most weeks I am on countdown mode to Fridays, when I can relax and be on my own agenda.

Fridays are when I can take a deep breath, make dinner (sometimes) and read a book or catch up on shows that I've missed during the week. Fridays are when I can put the stress of the school week behind me. Fridays are when I can shut off my phone and enjoy family time. Fridays are when I can fall asleep in the hammock or walk Rebel for more than a half mile. Fridays are when I can lounge around and doze off on the couch as the TV plays in the background. Fridays, at 2:30, are when I can begin to reset for the new week ahead.

As with a lot of families, it is that busy time of year. School is wrapping up, sports are becoming the weekend norm and Summer plans are being made. So, I will enjoy the quiet Fridays when I can because they are my favorite!