Lessons Learned on the Farm

• Apr. 20, 2009 - A Pink Dot on His Hand and a Lump in My Throat

As some of you guessed, we spent the Saturday before Easter at the Nashville Zoo, enjoying not only their animals, but also their Eggstravagazoo.

The weather was a bit chilly, but it made for a wonderful day of watching the animals and enjoying children wagging their Easter buckets all around the zoo.

It's a very well-planned and executed event with children sorted into different age categories, plenty of eggs, and prizes for all the children.

We had already been walking around the zoo for about an hour before Jon's age group. I was starting to tire out a bit so Tony and Jake took Jon up to the egg hunt while Joe and I parked ourselves at a picnic table and prepared to watch.

What I wasn't really prepared for was the lump in my throat when I realized that Jon was the only one of my boys who was still young enough to hunt eggs. I looked at the parents with children in strollers, slings, and backpacks, and realized that season of my life has passed. And that the egg hunting season is probably fading as well.

How did this happen? Where has the time gone?

I still remember the Easter years ago when we took Joe to the big community egg hunt and Jake was in the stroller wearing the most soft baby blue outfit of all times. Then just a few years later Jake was the one hunting eggs while Joe was the helper and Jon was in the sling.

But now this one is driving and talking about college and all kinds of grown up stuff.

The other night he and Jake spent hours out in the garage working together on his Suzuki Samurai. And it was great to hear them laughing and working together. But it makes a mom a little misty. My boys are growing up and time just keeps on marching on.

So that Saturday at the zoo, I held that smallest hand with the little pink (I hunted Easter eggs) dot and wished that it wouldn't wash away.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecc 3:1

Comments

• Apr. 20, 2009 - Sniff Sniff....

Posted by sikoraaj

I just have to tell you how blessed I am to know your boys. Each one has meant something special to me personally, from Joe helping me at the craft table last year, to Jake always talking to me on FB, and for Jon who constantly talks my head off at our homeschool meetings. You and Tony are doing a great job raising them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord!

Be blessed Carters!
Jennifer Sikora
www.belikeesther.blogspot.com

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• Apr. 20, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SandBetweenMyToes

I know exactly how you feel. At least we know the Lord has more in store for us, even as they grow. And, I can't wait for grandkids!! .....or maybe you should adopt.....I'm just sayin'...... ; )

Letitia

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• Apr. 20, 2009 - Where was the tissue warning?

Posted by Mel

;-)

Gads, I look at J now and get all teary - and we haven't even hit age 2 yet!!! These are great pictures of your guys.

Pardon me while I go cry on my child for a bit.

Love ya!!!!

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• Apr. 20, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Becky

Bless your heart!
I know how you feel. My oldest is 18 and my youngest is 6. Makes you want to hug and hold em' forever.
(((hugs)))

http://apeekinsideourworld.blogspot.com/

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• Apr. 20, 2009 - blinking hard

Posted by Anonymous

Oh my, I'm right there with you. Hard to believe my troops are 18, 16, 14 and 12. The 12 year old still likes to hold my hand sometimes. . . but yeah, the precious kiddo Christmases, Easters, Birthday Parties have all but faded. But there are honestly so many wonderful wonderful things about these years too. I love that my kids are each other's best friends...I love the people they are turning out to be, and I think grandkids are gonna be wonderful (not too soon though!) Eleanor

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• Apr. 20, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by jaminski

good grief! now i need to fix my makeup before we head out to our friends for a potluck! I moved away before Jon was even born, then you braved that post-partum road trip just the 2 of you for a visit.....my how the time has gone! I can't believe how all the little chick's are growing, and the hen's sit around and cry!

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• Apr. 21, 2009 - (((Nancy)))

Posted by ReviewsbyHeidi

What a beautiful, well-written post!
I can TOTALLY relate! My Ashley will be 16 this year and my baby turned 3 yesterday! It's been nice having them spaced so far apart so that we have really been able to enjoy them each as individuals. But, each stage we pass through reminds me of how quickly they grow up and I just want to freeze Ian right here where we are!
Heidi

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• Apr. 21, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by HANNAHb95

Awww.... How sweet! I was going through our photos the other day and saw one of your boys. I think they must have been about 12, 8, and 6-9 months old. I almost cried looking at Jon that little. Sometimes I look at my brothers and compare them to their baby pictures and I end up begging mama for another baby each time. Her reply is, "Well, we'll see. But how about some grandbabies for a change? Grandbabies are nice too."

Hugs,

Hannah

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• Apr. 21, 2009 - Tears

Posted by Anonymous

Hmmm ... let's see if I can type thru the tears ;-) What a timely reminder your post is to me today!! This is the NUMBER 1 reason we homeschool. I don't want to look back in twenty years and wonder who my kids are.

My oldest two (11 & 9) are taking achievement tests this week, so I've had two whole (school)-days with just my younger two (5 & 3). It's been nice, I'll have to say. Laundry is getting done and grocery shopping accomplished DURING THE DAY, and running thru the drive-thru this afternoon was half the cost!! "Hmmm ... if they were in school, it would be like this everyday. Ahhhh." But I would be sad. And quite miserable.

I'm very glad we homeschool. I plan to do it for many, many years to come, Lord willing. I just get tired sometimes, that's all I'm sayin'. Love your blog!! Thanks, again!!

WendyLou

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• Apr. 22, 2009 - You are amazing.

Posted by Tony

I just read your blog about how quickly the boys are growing up and I think it is one of the sweetest things I have ever read.
You have a true God given talent for writing, especially when it comes to our boys. Thank you for being such a great wife and an incredible mom to our boys.
I Love You - Tony

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