Due to my recent injury at Buttkill Falls, I’ve had extra time to ponder life, and when that happens, I tend to get a bit nostalgic. 🙂 Maybe it’s because I’m currently medicated, or maybe it’s because I’m missing out on some family life lately. For whatever reason, when I’m separated from my people, I tend to think about them more. I miss them. I appreciate them.
I miss them. I appreciate them.
I appreciate them.
As I’m resting and pondering, and thinking about how quickly the first day of school came this year, I realize that we’re about to enter a new season of life as parents. We have just one more year left with littles at home, and one year before our oldest enters high school. For thirteen years now, I’ve been a mostly stay-at-home mom, but what will I do when all of these firsts lead to lasts?
First smiles and first steps.
First days of school and first solo bike rides.
First baby food and first big kid beds.
First instruments and first crushes.
So many firsts that we’ve been blessed with.
But these firsts lead to lasts, and what will a born-to-be-a-mama girl do when all of her children are at school for the day? It seems like these lasts come oh-so-quickly.
It seems like these lasts come oh-so-quickly.
Last days of kindergarten and last days of twin high chairs.
Last days of baby clothes and last days of soccer on Saturdays.
Last days of sweet toddler cheeks and last days of bedtime stories.
The truth is, the lasts stink. I know I’ll miss them. But those firsts that led to lasts will once again lead to firsts. Firsts like driver’s licenses and shaving and so much more independence.
But those firsts that led to lasts will once again lead to firsts – firsts like driver’s licenses and shaving and so much more independence.
And while my children are enjoying a whole new world of lasts followed by firsts, I’ll be opening up to a whole new world of firsts, too.
In the meantime, I’ll enjoy it while it lasts.
Jen 🙂
It’s Five Minute Friday again! We gather together over at Lisa-Jo’s blog and free-write for five minutes on a single word prompt. No planning, no editing, just writing. It’s glorious freedom! If you want to know more, join us at: http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/
Somer says
Great post on “lasts” I get nostalgic thinking about my lasts and one of mine is just starting kindergarten…I hope you will find some new firsts for you personally to discover
stultsmamaof4 says
I think I’m already learning about what some of those firsts might be, like writing and serving alongside my husband at our church. Those are things I will be able to devote more time to when our twins start school. Of course, the Lord may have something completely new lined up for me, too. Thanks for stopping by!
Jen 🙂
lonistel says
Ohhh, do I understand this, and YES, it goes so fast! We married three of our children off in 15 months and now looking forward to our first grandbaby! ENJOY and savor each moment!
http://wp.me/p97XK-5dJ
stultsmamaof4 says
Wow, three in 15 months! That’s a lot all at once. 🙂 I’m happy you have the joy of the first grandbaby to look forward to. Thanks for visiting.
Jen 🙂
Debi Stangeland (@DebiStangeland) says
Awesome! What a great way to look at this idea of firsts and lasts. I loved your take on today’s prompt. Thank you for sharing. (And how exciting to see where He takes you next. Since he’s prepared a good work for you and all.) 😉
stultsmamaof4 says
Yes, although thinking about this next phase of life makes me sad once in a while, I’m also excited to see what new possibilities will open up before me. It’s bittersweet! Thanks for visiting.
Jen 🙂
4givn1 says
too sweet! It is hard. My youngest starts kdg next fall and my oldest started high school and then I have one in middle school zooming straight through. I keep telling myself that someday I will miss the hectic schedule. 🙂 hugs FMF friend!
stultsmamaof4 says
Yes, it’s bittersweet, isn’t it. 🙂 We spend all of this time teaching them new things and rejoicing when they reach milestones, only to find that we miss those baby days! Thanks for stopping by!
Jen 🙂
Danita says
Thanks for this…I loved that Lisajo’s prompt was ‘last’. I have never done the five minute link up before, but this word surely hit me right now in my newly almost empty nest 🙂 Thanks for your words. I love the way you phrased it’ that lasts lead to firsts and it really is just a crazy endless cycle until heaven, isn’t it?? Blessings on your day, new friend!
stultsmamaof4 says
It IS a crazy cycle – that’s exactly what I was thinking as I wrote! Thanks for stopping by.
Jen 🙂
leelee says
The saying when one door closes, another opens seems to fit perfectly here.
stultsmamaof4 says
It certainly does! Thanks for stopping by.
Jen 🙂
katherine says
beautiful post, it’s so true too, there’s always something to look forward to
Mel Caldicott says
Childhood is indeed all about firsts and lasts. I love this post. Change can be hard to adjust to but new things exciting opportunities.
Thanks for linking up at Essential Fridays. Blessings.
Mel from Essential Thing Devotions
stultsmamaof4 says
Thanks for visiting, Mel!
Jen 🙂
Jennifer 'Miner' Ferguson says
Love how we were totally on the same wavelength this week!! 🙂
stultsmamaof4 says
Me, too! I noticed the same thing among other posts, as well. Thanks for stopping by!
Jen 🙂