Time is a Thief

Time is a thief.  It steals our babies. While we are busy mopping floors, and making a buck, time sneaks in and steals our tiny ones.  But time is also kind. With just as much stealth, our stolen babies are replaced with cherished friends.  From where I sit, those events happened in the blink of an eye.

We sat at the dinner table tonight, just the four of us, feasting on chicken enchiladas. (Ryker says the best place for Mexican food in Hawaii, is his Mama's kitchen.  That boy has a way with words.) It is probably the last time we will have a Sunday dinner like that in a while.  Ryker is leaving for Utah on Wednesday.  His ticket is one-way.  That doesn't mean he will never be back, just that the return is not yet defined.  He has a place to live, a job, and a pretty good plan for the next year or so.  His future awaits!

As we sat around the table tonight, we started talking about the old days.  It's funny how big changes like this make you think about the past.  Milestones in life cause our minds to look back at the path we took to get here.  When they were small they did funny things and even today they made us laugh.  Those are the unexpected joys of parenting.  The little gems you treasure for a life-time.

When your tiny boy (Ok, so he was never really tiny. He was tiny only in contrast to how he is today.) shows you his amazing new skill, and the most amazing thing about it is the words he uses to describe his accomplishment, it is unforgettable.  Words beyond his years, words perfectly strung together, words that convey more than their dictionary meaning.  Words.  His words have always been amazing, his super power of sorts. (What did he say about my cooking??)  His love of language began early, and continually astounded us.  When he was a newborn I remember staring into his face and wishing he could tell me what he was thinking.  I just knew he had interesting things to say. 

I will miss my interesting, funny boy popping in and brightening my day.  My favorite is when he plays guitar and sings.  There is a depth of soul in his music, that makes me happy to my core.  I love it when the house is full of his music.  He hasn't really lived at home for the last few years, but he has been in and out, except for that 4 month stint in China.  I am grateful he is only going to Utah this time, not China.  My worry level is way more manageable.  I'm not really worried at all.  After China, Utah is nothing :).

Ryker asked what we used to think Quincie would be when she grew up.  That was easy -  a Mommy and an Artist.  She has always had a tender, nurturing spirit.  Her super power is infinite patience with the small and helpless.  She is calm under pressure, never rattled by a crying child, or naughty puppy.  She is patient.  She is calm.  She is selfless and caring.  She loves with all her heart and is the kindest person I know.  If she calls you friend, you are one lucky person.

If Quincie wasn't mothering something or someone, she was doing an art project.  Not much has really changed over the years.  In her free time she is still either making something beautiful, or making someone happy.  The sculpture from her 1st college art class is sitting proudly in my living room.  It's beautiful, and my daughter is amazing.

I love my two wonderful, unique, amazing, talented, awesome kids.  They are very different, but perfectly fit together as brother and sister, son and daughter, in our family.  I wouldn't wish for anything different.  I can't wait to see what their futures hold.  I know it's going to be wonderful!

I Just Don't Want To

I feel obligated to post an update on  the last two weeks, and what life is like sans kids.  Well, I just don't want to, so I'm not going to.  Instead, please enjoy this fine musical selection.

It's Been a Week

My boy is gone. He is grown and off to college. Life has changed, and I am adjusting. I was excited for him, and sad for me when I drove him up to Laie and moved him into his dorm last Saturday. It has been a dynamic week. I'm not sad anymore. I miss him, would like to see his happy face sitting in the green chair watching King of the Hill, but I'm not sad. I am really happy for him, and grateful.

Our fridge is full of left overs that will never be eaten - unless I give them to the dogs. I am not sure how to adjust all the standard family recipes to be for 1 less person. How do you make tacos for 3? Ground beef doesn't come in 3/4 pound packages, and what am I going to do with 1/4 of a can of black beans? I have WAY too much chili in a zip lock that I am pretty sure will go straight to the trash in a few days.

Chester and Charlie look disappointed when they push their way in his room and find it empty. Chester vented his feelings by peeing in there the other day. I wonder what that meant exactly - "Dang it Ryker, you jerk, where are you?" or "Now that you are gone, I claim this space for myself!" Poor puppy doesn't understand.

Today in church when they released the priesthood to sit with their families, I started to slide over and make room. So much of parenting is automatic like that. If I should wake up in the middle of the night, my routine is to check on everyone, kids, dogs, and make sure all are as they should be. Now I do a mental check when I come to his door - Laie - check.

Ryker is exactly where he needs to be, doing exactly what he should. He is happy, and excited, and I love that. I am so grateful that he has this opportunity to be there this year. It is a good place. Spending some time on campus this week was great. It is a good school, with good people. The classes are small and the Spirit is strong. What a great environment for learning and preparing for his mission.