My children were gone for eight days. They went camping with their grandparents. I am not going to lie. It was a wonderful feeling to have a continuously clean house. Alone time with my husband. A whole house just for adults. It felt wicked. And calm. Serene. Partly empty. But still. And free.
And now the kids are back.
And with them, messes.
And more messes.
Did I mention messes?
And more food to prepare. More people to feed. More worries.
But more cuddles. And more laughter. More stirrings.
It was interesting to get a small glimpse into how my husband and I will be in a few short years when the kids are out of the house. You never know what an empty nest will feel like or the impact it will have on a marriage. It is good to know that we are fine in the silence. And in the calm. We had movie nights and even indulged in popcorn. This is rather a big deal, because popcorn has been banned from our house in the last three years of ongoing teeth braces for the children.
But it was also nice to appreciate the moments with my children now that they are back.
It made me realize how quickly that empty nest is approaching. It is something I will not be able to fly away from.
So, whilst I deal with yet another load of dishes. Another load of laundry. A random sock on the floor. And an unwanted eye roll here and there.
I know that these are the little things.
That make everything big.
I will not take them for granted. At least for a little while.
Although, I will admit that now that I have had popcorn after the long break, it is all that I am craving.
With extra butter.
I guess that will be something else to look forward to, in the long years to come.
But for now, I am enjoying the rustling.
The pitter.
And the pattering.
Of ever-growing feet.
Because, too soon those feet will have stopped growing, and will walk right out that door.
It will not feel little.
And with every pop of that long-anticipated popcorn, the cracks in my heart will pop a little, too. I now feel like despite the cracks, the structure will remain true. The house will survive. I will survive. Our marriage will survive. But I am not quite ready for that moment yet. And so I am taking each of these days, and enjoying them. With the laundry. The smiles. The dishes. The laughter. The quarrels. And the mess.
Little by little.
Growing up, every year I spent a week staying with my grandparents on my mom’s side, and a week staying with my grandparents on my dad’s side. as well as a week away at church camp. I always thought my parents were probably lost without me there, but it was actually probably the most glorious three weeks of their year, haha.
I am quite positive that is true. Three weeks is a long time, though. Oh, man… Can you imagine how clean that house was?… I am sure they missed you. : )
Have a restful remainder of the week!
Jenni
Aww, such a sweet post. As much as I love my quiet time, there is something about being surrounded by all the chaos and love of family!
Thank you. Soon you will have little feet of your own to listen to. I am so excited for you!
Have a great day!
Jenni
Such a beautifully written post. So true how those moments are fleeting. Enjoy your popcornless nights and enjoy those nights with extra butter on that popcorn…they are all special.
Thank you Alicia. Oh. How I wanted popcorn tonight. The cravings but the little stinkers were home and I knew they would hear it and smell it. I guess they are keeping me on my diet! : )
Have sweet dreams!
Jenni
Sweet post & so true, a good reminder on days when we all feel a need to escape from the kiddos & all the loud, messy, crazy that go along with them! 🙂
Thank you Rebecca. I am sure I have days like that ahead of me. ; ). Tomorrow I get to see my nephew so more little feet! Can’t wait!
Have a happy Friday!
Jenni
love your stories..
Thank you Cynthia. Man, the one I could tell today.
Have a lovely Saturday!
Jenni
This was so beautifully written. Even the littlest things, like a few days of “holiday” from your children, can make you write something so hopeful and melancholy at the same time. Your love for them just shines through your writing.
Thank you Gwen. It has been a hard parenting week, but thankfully it is better today. The key is follow through! : )
Have a beautiful week!
Jenni
Someone told me that life with kids is like a roller coaster. The ups and the downs are that more intense, and life without kids is more even keeled. Sounds like you might agree?
So, so true. It has been a roller coaster week. On Friday and Saturday, my heart was breaking with the stress and then yesterday and today have been awesome. You just never know! I enjoy the good while it is happening.
Have a gorgeous week!
Jenni