So much of my 20's were spent with our four babies and I was immersed in diapers and bottles with time for little else.
Since each of their births, our kids have been the axis on which Ed and my world revolves.
It's the way we wanted it.
Early on, we made the decision that I would stay home and be with our kids-all four born within five years time-and Ed would be our soul financial provider.
We sacrificed a lot in those days. Families do that when they live on one salary and are just starting out.
We wouldn't have had it any other way.
We were blessed that Ed's profession allowed us all we needed for our kids. Though he sometimes would travel, and be gone from Monday morning until Friday night, our kids knew where their Daddy was and our weekends were spent together...the six of us.
Seeing the kids grow has been such a joy. When I look at them now, I'm still amazed they are all adults.
It's been a long time since they've needed me to 'take care' of them but we are still as bonded as we were then.
This weekend, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, will be the last Mom's weekend I'll get to spend with all four of our kids. All three boys will be gone next year. Braxton will be in Macedonia serving in the Peace Corps, Blaize hopes to be in New York fulfilling his career goals in journalism, and Brody will have graduated and moved on, as well, into his new life. Only Bentley will still be there. From four...down to one.
Each Spring, Ed and I go for Mom's weekend. I know he's not a Mom but I go for Dad's weekend with him...so we're even. We want to all be together as much as possible.
The boys fraternity hosts a Mom's luncheon with flowers on the tables and delicious food. Bentley's sorority has a yummy brunch. Both houses have an auction of donated 'baskets' that mom's put together. I always enjoy picking out the perfect things for both the Alpha Sigs and the Chi Omegas.
And...as with most college activities...there will be alcohol. Now, I'm not much of a drinker. Never have been. Our kids get their drinking gene from the Stewart side. 😉.
But the Alpha Sigs have a vast selection of alcohol that I actually like and this is a weekend I do drink with our kids, their friends, and the other mom's and dads we've become close to over the years.
I can't describe the feeling.
Catching up with these families. Listening to the future plans of these amazing young adults. Sharing stories, sharing laughs, sharing this time in our lives...our kid's college experience has been a time I have enjoyed, immensely.
Two years ago, the boys frat rented out the back room of a bar, named Joe's, for all of us mom's.
I did something I had never done.
As we were sipping some of the drink specials, I noticed the 'stripper poles' I'd heard the kids talk about. Lots of college kids were up there on the platform dancing by the poles.
Then it hit me. I was going to surprise my kids and jump up on the platform.
Yep, I was going up on that stripper pole!
Needless to say, all three boys joined me immediately.
What a memorable night.
It was out of my comfort zone.
Yes, I looked foolish.
This picture is unflattering and embarrassing.
But, who cares!
Life is about taking those crazy thoughts and going for it!
I didn't last long. Tired out quickly. But I was happy to see lots of mom's hop up on that platform after I got down.
My relationship with our kids has changed over the years.
But, these kids are my world.
I would do anything to spend time with them...to enjoy the moments we have.
Even get on a stripper pole.
It is what it is.
p
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