The sweetest sound that will ever enter a mama’s ear is the sound that goes something like this…
That sound must, of course, come from a college-age child who a mama hasn’t laid eyes on in three months.
The words will come from said child as she enters the house full of glee because she spent a week planning the surprise.
This mama is one happy lady who feels a little like the cat in the picture below…
Filed under: children | Tagged: children, parenting | 1 Comment »
Today is Chickie’s birthday.
She’s 20 years old today and officially leaving teenager-dom behind.
What’s it like to have a child reach this milestone?
It’s strange, really.
To think that my baby girl is beginning the third decade of her life just seems rather odd.
People always tell you to enjoy your babies…that time will pass by quickly.
It’s difficult to appreciate their words when you’re having trouble staying awake at work because you were up all night with a screaming child who had an ear infection or sat in a steamy shower for several hours to help your child’s croup clear up.
I remember when I quit working to stay home full time.
Chickie was a very active three-and-a-half year old. Rooster had just turned one.
I wasn’t used to being with them 24/7. There were afternoons when I laid on the floor and begged the clock to move faster.
The adjustment period lasted three months, and then I got into the swing of things and never looked back.
Being at home for so many years and even working part time later so I wouldn’t miss the important stuff provided many opportunities for memory making.
The memories come flooding randomly these days but, especially, on birthdays.
I remember several birthday parties at the skating rink in south Florida. Chicky learned how to politely thank her friends for Barbies they’d gifted her but that she already had at home. She’d look over at me with a knowing look, turn back to the person, and smile and say thank you.
As a stay-at-home mom, I spent a lot of time in Chicky’s classroom in elementary school, and I remember many birthdays spent carting specially-decorated cupcakes for school celebrations. Chicky’s eyes lit up in anticipation when I arrived with those treats.
I remember the first birthday Chicky celebrated in Podunk, USA. She’d invited the entire soccer team…her new friends…and though we were renting a small house, the girls had a wonderful time. I don’t remember exactly what they did that night, but I do remember a lot of laughter and, perhaps, the girls running and jumping off of couches into mattresses? (The Mr. supervised that activity.) I made heavily-laden chocolate chip pancakes the next morning. The girls had to be rolled out because their tummies were so full.
I remember another birthday, this one in our new home, when the girls went out and had a silly string fight. Poor Chicky and her naturally curly hair. It took days to get all of the stuff out of her hair. I was still finding silly string on my garage wall months later!
I remember Chicky’s 16th birthday when she thought she was getting a car (Rooster had given her a keychain) but got diamond stud earrings and a beautiful jewelry box instead.
There were tears of disappointment shed that day, but Chicky grew up a lot because of it, and we laugh about it now.
With Chicky gone to college, we can’t spend her birthdays with her any more, and I find that sad, relying, instead, on the mailman to deliver surprises for us.
Still, it’s a part of life…children grow up, we miss them, and we hold on to the memories of their youth.
At the same time, we anticipate the excitement of the future that awaits our now-grown children who are a little more mature (hopefully) and ready to face their futures head on.
Happy 20th Birthday to my Chicky Poo. You’re growing into a lovely young lady, and I couldn’t be more proud of you.
I’m so grateful that the Lord brought you into my life, and I pray that as you begin your 20th year of life, you will daily praise Him and turn to Him for all things. (I also pray that you will remember to send thank you notes for the gifts you receive…Facebook “thanks” aren’t enough. Thanks for letting me diverge from my topic a bit.)
I love you with all of my heart.
Filed under: children | Tagged: birthdays, children, parenting | 4 Comments »
Rooster posted the following on his Facebook wall:
Well, I’m done.
Yes, he was.
Oh wait. You’re probably wondering what in the world I’m talking about.
Well, in case you didn’t know, my Rooster boy entered the 12th grade this year.
As in Senior.
As in final year of high school.
Yeah.
I don’t know how that happened.
I think I pulled a Rip Van Winkle and slept through the last twenty years.
Our school district has this little thing called “Early Graduation,” which allows students to graduate early if they have accrued the required credits that the state of Florida has decided makes kids “smart enough to go out into the big, bad world.”
Two years ago, I gave Chicky the option to graduate early, but she decided not to. Good thing too because her high school soccer team went to State that year, and she would not have been able to participate if she’d finished early. However, when she went back to school after Christmas, she regretted her decision.
Honestly, she was FINISHED. That spring, she only had one academic class.
What a waste of time.
So, two years later, I gave Rooster the option. Honestly, I didn’t really want him to finish early. He had the option of taking dual enrolled classes at the District’s expense.
In the end, though, he decided he was finished mentally.
He’s been bored through most of high school. His classes have been fairly easy for him.
And so, last week, as he finished final exams, he posted the comment above.
It was bittersweet.
In fact, the entire day had a strange feel to it. The sadness began as soon as I emerged from my room.
For almost fifteen years, the kids and I have sat at the kitchen table before school each morning and read devotions.
We’ve taken turns reading from our Bibles.
We’ve read through many books. My Bible has the small notations to prove where we left off each day.
After Chicky graduated, we divided the verses in half.
We’ve read a number of devotional books, and Rooster and I had recently started round two of a book that is based on Martin Luther’s writings.
It hit me on Thursday, Rooster’s last day of high school, that this would be the last time we’d sit together in such roles.
I did not cry, choosing instead to put on a brave face.
I offered to buy him Starbucks on the way to school.
See, Rooster and I used to stop at the gas station that was located across the street from his middle school and get hot chocolates on cold mornings and donuts and other yummies on other mornings. Don’t tell Chicky, but this was AFTER we’d drop her off at high school.
It was our special time to be together.
Stopping at Starbucks was an occasional treat during his high school years.
The day went on, and I administered exams to my own classes, feeling relieved when the final bell rang.
The strange thing was that though he got finished early (it was a half day), he went out to lunch with friends (another sign of his being older), and I stayed at school to work, entering grades in a frenzied manner and prepping my room for Monday (we were going to have Friday off).
It was a sign of what things will be like from here on out.
As he’s getting older, so am I, moving along in my career as he moves along in his education.
Still, it’s a bittersweet time.
Though I’ll never stop being a parent, offering advice, or being a listening ear, the days of overseeing every single detail of my children’s’ lives are over.
After almost twenty years of parenthood, another chickadee is getting ready to fly the coup.
Well, I’m done.
Those words could have been posted on my wall as well.
We’ve come full circle.
Filed under: children | Tagged: childrearing, parenting | 3 Comments »
Last Thursday night, Podunk High School had its last home football game for the season.
As such, it was dubbed “Senior Night.”
The school would be honoring the senior members of the football team, cheerleading squad, and band.
As you know, Rooster is a senior this year.
I wasn’t sure how I felt going into the evening. I figured I would be a bit emotional.
The presentation was held right before the game started.
It was very well organized.
Moms were given beautiful corsages to wear…
The football players were announced first, followed by the cheerleaders.
The band went third.
It was obvious that they had saved the best for last.
😉
We were lined up alphabetically.
Band members were dressed in their formal uniforms.
At nearly six feet tall, Rooster towered over the Mr. and me.
We enjoyed some light conversation as we waited on the sideline. We even joked with other parents about performing silly antics when it was our turn in the limelight. After all, it was our time to shine. We’d waited for this moment for a long time.
There were people posted along the way. I think they were there to direct us, but as we paused at each stopping point, we were congratulated with warm words and firm handshakes.
We made our way to the 40-yard line.
We paused.
We walked from the sideline to the middle of the field and paused again.
I put my arm through Rooster’s crooked elbow.
As I laid my hand on his uniform-clad arm, I felt the seriousness of the moment.
We moved forward to the 50-yard line…the center of the field…and made a sharp turn left.
We were facing the ROTC members who were lined up with their swords held aloft to form a canopy…
That's not us, but I wanted you to see what it looked like from the stands. I took this picture after we had finished our turn.
We took a deep breath.
I prayed that I wouldn’t do something dumb like trip over my own feet.
The administrator doing the announcing was my sweet friend, Carol. She’s been a big supporter of mine. I knew she would say my name properly (silent “h”).
It seemed surreal…making that short walk with Rooster.
I felt such pride in the amazing young man standing beside me.
His strong arm propelled me forward…toward a future that will one day see him leaving home to begin his new adventure as a college student.
We stopped for the “official” picture…the moment captured for posterity…our smiles reflecting our joy…mine masking the bittersweet feelings inside.
I didn’t have much time for musing though. The ROTC presented colors after all of the seniors had been recognized…
The football team ran through the spirit banner…the last time many of those guys would play as the home team…
The rain that fell during the opposing team’s halftime show did nothing to dampen spirits…
By the time Podunk High School’s band took the field, the rain had stopped. However, the woodwind section had put all of their instruments away to protect them, so they hummed the notes while they marched and held up invisible instruments. I wish I could show you photos, but I don’t want to post pictures of the students’ faces. It was quite a sight though!
After halftime, the drumline settled in on the track and played various cadences. This has always been one of my favorite portions of the games…
Look at those wet drums!
I didn’t arrive home until after ten o’clock.
It had been a long, emotional day.
I was beat.
It was my last Senior Night.
I wondered, as I do even now while I’m typing this, where the time went.
It seems like only a few days ago when Chicky was walking across the soccer field for her Senior Night. Now, she’s a sophomore in college.
Soon, I’ll be bidding adieu to my boy…my easy-going (most of the time) child who seems to genuinely enjoy hanging out with me.
The formality of the evening…uniform, corsage, ROTC swords…made everything seem so official.
And it was.
And it continues to be.
I can’t turn back time.
I can’t even will it to slow down.
All I can do is march along with it, do the best I can to keep up, and enjoy every moment.
Filed under: children | Tagged: childrearing, parenting | 5 Comments »
When I was pregnant with my babies, I sang them a lot of songs.
One of them was the following…
Well, my efforts were not in vain.
Today, Rooster informed us that he has decided to attend Auburn.
We took him out to celebrate.
We couldn’t be more thrilled. Orange and blue run through this family’s veins with several graduates among us.
Rooster plans on trying out for Auburn’s band. We’re keeping our fingers crossed. How neat would it be to attend football games and watch him play?! Perhaps my days of being a drumline mom aren’t over yet!
Rooster also received notification that his grades qualify him for the Honors College.
Smart child that the Lord has blessed me with. I’m so thankful and humble.
Please pray that, as we begin making preparations for next year, the pieces will fall into place…that he will find out about the Christian organizations on campus (I know there are quite a few) so that he will keep his goals focused on God’s will for his life.
Filed under: children | Tagged: auburn university, childrearing, college, parenting | 2 Comments »
Dear Chicky,
I’m not sure if you remember your science lessons from of old.
If not, please allow me to refresh your young memory.
When the weather turns cold, birds migrate to the south.
Well, your birdie of a Mama (AuburnCHICK)…and don’t you start saying that I’m flighty and all…is heading south.
That’s right.
I’m heading your way…
To your little ole college town in fact.
Though I’m going down to attend an educational seminar, the timing could not have been more perfect.
You see, I’m going to be able to watch not one but two of your games!
And so, while I’m there, I hope you won’t mind welcoming me into your home away from home (or nest away from nest, if you will).
In between games and educational training stuff, we can spend some quality feather-to-feather time.
I’m sure you’re looking forward to this as much as I am.
If not, play along.
Christmas is right around the corner.
😉
See you soon!
Love,
Mama
Filed under: children | Tagged: childrearing, children, parenting | 1 Comment »
Yeah, I know…I’ve been MIA for a couple of days.
Here are your clues as to why…
Ok…so, Friday night found me on the football field, watching THE rivalry game between Rooster’s high school team and the school where I teach.
Although I rooted for Podunk High School to win…consider that I’ve got seven years vested in this school…seven years of my own children’s education invested there…my hurt lurched with an abundance of love for the other team, fans, and fellow teachers and staff.
I’m proud to say that Rooster’s school won on the field. The bands, though, BOTH came out winners. They played their hearts out, kept the crowds entertained, and conducted themselves with class.
My weekend wasn’t over, though.
More clues…
Yep.
The Mr. and I drove down to watch Chicky’s team play a game.
Chicky was having a good game…doing her thing…
Until she went down.
My hurt nearly stopped in fear, and my stomach began to turn.
She tried to get up but couldn’t, trying to crawl on all fours.
I looked at the Mr. in concern.
Sigh.
I hate being a soccer mom sometimes.
It only took a minute before she got up and walked down the sideline.
Praise the Lord!
However, all was not completely well.
She went back into the game and played.
As the second half started, and she began her run down my side of the field, she turned to me and said that her shoulder had popped out of its joint, but it had gone back in.
Her brave smile masked her pain.
She came off the field after the game with her shoulder wrapped in saran wrap…a huge bag of ice secured to her right arm.
Sigh.
She was crying too.
My eyes nearly filled with tears.
Oh, you think she was crying from pain?
Not my tough-as-nails girl.
Nope.
She was crying because she blamed herself for two of the goals that the other team had scored…all because she couldn’t lean into people and get in their way like she normally does.
Sigh.
This child…um…nearly grown daughter of mine…is driven…determined not to let her team down.
Over the years, she’s played with a 104 temperature, bronchitis, and other ailments.
This child rarely allows herself to be pulled from a field…for any reason.
She changed her clothes while we watched the men’s team play.
When she returned, she sat with her teammates, and she began to recover emotionally from the let-down of the game.
We wound up having some fun…all while she sat with that bag of ice on her shoulder…ever the reminder that she was hurt.
I can’t tell you how hard it was to leave my girl behind as we drove home today.
Tomorrow, she’s going to be evaluated by the team’s trainer, and a course of action will be determined based on his findings.
Please pray for her. God is the healer. I know this. I’m praying, though, for wisdom and, ultimately, a full recovery for my sweet baby girl.
Please say a prayer for Guy Friend as well. He came off the field sporting his own bag of ice, saran-wrapped to his ankle.
Quite the couple, let me tell you.
Filed under: children, soccer | Tagged: childrearing, parenting, soccer | 3 Comments »
Last night’s phone conversation with Chicky went something like this:
“Hello.”
“Hello.”
“What’s up?”
“Just got home from the game. I’m waiting for the shower.”
“Ok. How was the game?”
“We won, 3-0.”
“Yes, I heard the first half wasn’t good.”
“No, we were a little lazy.”
“I heard that you hustled. Did you have an assist?”
[insert a brief description of a possible assist]
“How’s your week looking?”
“Fine. We leave on Thursday for games next weekend.”
“Good.”
“The shower’s free. I’ve gotta go.”
“Ok. I love you.”
“Bye.”
That was it.
This is fairly typical.
I often wonder when the conversations will change…when they will become two-sided…a little about her and a little about me.
Call this selfish or indulgent if you want, but it would be nice to have this almost-adult child of mine express an interest in my life.
Sigh.
Hormonal?
Perhaps.
Still, the desire lingers on.
Maybe one day…
Filed under: children | Tagged: childrearing, parenting, raising children, teenagers | 1 Comment »
Do you remember the blanket, hat, and booties that I made for Kat and Tyler?
Their baby girl was due on the 1st of September.
Shockingly for a first baby, Baby J arrived on her due date!
Rooster and I went by the hospital for a visit on Friday evening.
The room contained several visitors, and everyone was taking turns holding this precious poundage of love. 🙂
Imagine my surprise when my nearly six-foot, seventeen year old Rooster boy opened up his arms impatiently, indicating that he was ready to introduce himself to Baby J.
This boy has never held a newborn.
He knew nothing, I thought, about supporting a baby’s neck.
Dancing Girl, who was visiting at the time, gently handed J over to Rooster, who carefully sat in a chair.
I sat, enthralled, while this child of mine cradled that sweet little girl.
As she made little baby faces…sticking out her tongue in the process…Rooster imitated her, speaking gently to her in the process.
I snapped a photo, which I wish I could share with you.
Oh my gosh, but my heart was touched as I watched him interact with this wee one.
He loves Kat and Tyler. He’s known Tyler for a number of years…way before there was a Kat in his life.
Tyler grew up in our church and returned to foster the kids in the youth group.
As Rooster has watched Tyler’s family grow, he has commented on how interesting it’s been to watch Tyler get married and, now, to have his own baby.
Thus, it was quite natural for him to transfer his love for this sweet, self-giving couple to their precious bundle of joy.
As I stood on the sidelines watching my own boy give his love so unselfishly, I was once again reminded how quickly time is flying by…how much my own child has grown in maturity. I’ve always known that this boy of mine, whose teenage frustration rears its ugly head at times, has a tender side.
It wasn’t a far leap to imagine him, in a few years, cradling his own child.
It was a sweet moment for me.
Filed under: children | Tagged: children, parenting, teenagers | Leave a comment »
Dear Rooster,
I wanted to take a moment to say a few words on this, your last first day of high school.
I cannot believe that you are about to embark on your final few months of school. It seems like David Copperfield has pulled one of his magic tricks on me, because I could have sworn that the last time I looked, you were five years old, four feet nothing, and about to start kindergarten at Big City Elementary School.
That day was difficult for me. I had been used to you hanging out with me…running errands and eating lunch together.
You were my buddy.
On that first day of kindergarten, I could not stay in the house by myself…especially not at lunch time.
Instead, I made my way to TCBY and blubbered out the fact that my baby had just started school.
The gal sympathetically handed my Reese’s-laden frozen yogurt over the counter with a sad smile on her face.
Sigh.
My how things change.
Today, you tower over me at nearly six feet tall, and instead of me being the person to take you for ice cream after school, you now sit in the drivers seat. Heck, instead of walking you to school, you are driving yourself. What is up with that?
Dude, I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am of you.
As you enter school this morning, finally at the top of the pecking order, make sure that you walk in proud…proud of what it’s taken to bring you to this precipice.
It’s going to be a great Fall. I can’t wait to see you in your band uniform and watch you play during the final football games and band competitions of your high school career.
I love you more than you know, and I am honored to have been by your side these last thirteen years of school.
Love,
Mama
Filed under: children | Tagged: children, parenting, teenagers | 4 Comments »
AuburnChick's Adventures 