Monday, September 28, 2009

I'm Not Ready

My youngest turned 18 a few days ago. I'm not ready. I don't know why this birthday has been so hard on me.
He was baby Paul just yesterday,
and now he's old enough to vote. (How can that be?)
And, he's old enough to be drafted. (I can't even think about that).

As my children were growing up, my mother used to come to me and say "Can't you do something about that?"
I told her I was open to any suggestions.
She offered "Have you tried putting books on their heads?"

Fortunately Paul is a Senior in High school so I still have him home one last year.
Saturday was Homecoming, and I offered to cook dinner at our house. Free food is always a draw, and these are such good kids.

The custom in our area is that Homecoming is a day long date.
The group went on a hike with a picnic lunch in the Reserve behind our house. The boys came back and changed at our place, went to the school for pictures, came to our house for dinner, went to the dance and then back to our house close to midnight for dessert.
Whew!


Paul and Mercy.

14 comments:

CJ said...

ACK!!! I am coming up to that day too and I am NOT looking forward to it. I am getting teary just reading your post. How cool that you served the dinner at your home and had all those great young people there. You know you are doing something right when your son and his friends want to be at your home. :D

Abby and Stephanie said...

My youngest turned 21 this summer! How wonderful for you son and his friends to want to spend the entire day with activities at your house!

Material Mary said...

looks like it was a success! You are a great hostess!!
Mary

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

What a fun thing to do for your son & his friends! Have a happy day!~

Jana said...

It's really hard when you join the rank of empty nesters. I'm not suppose to be that old!

I miss the days of dances and the kid's excitement for that special day! Thanks for sharing!

amy smart said...

My youngest is only 3 and I'm already feeling sad that he's not a baby anymore. I've still got a ways, but I can't imagine what you're feeling. You're a good mom, Nedra!

Tina said...

My son, the oldest, is getting married in less than two weeks! His little sister, already married three years and gave me two grandsons....but it is SO hard to see them grow up and at the same time, SO proud of what they've become! Enjoy your time with him at home!

Nanette Merrill said...

Aw savor it Nedra. Shelbie just sent me a 5 year time line for our family predicting how many grandkids there would be in 5 years! I'm NOT ready for that. These are cute pictures.

Dawn said...

I don't know if we are ever ready. It seems they grow up so fast. Looks like he had an amazing party.

Carrie said...

I think we try to hold on to that last one longer. Sounds like Homecoming was fun day & night!

Unknown said...

Happy 18th birthday!! What a wonderful time in his life and yours. I know it is bittersweet, but it looks like you have done a fine job.

Mel said...

I can't even imagine my 4 year old being old enough to graduate . . . there are certainly times when I wish he would!

It appears as though you are a close family, he won't go too far I'm sure!

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Ahh beautiful pics Nedra! I'm 2 years behind you, thanks for showing what to look forward to. A very handsome young man you have there xo

Live Well With Judi said...

Oh, Nedra...I'm NOT READY!! My 'newborn' is only a year behind yours. It's giving me a stomach ache to read your post today! Paul and Mercy look so good and happy though. You had more energy than I did after our busy week. I wouldn't have wanted to throw a dinner party.