Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Blast from the Past

I was looking for a few things in my junk room and found this old photo from the 80's in there. I sat down at stared at these faces. And I began to think:
Did I ever begin to imagine how my children would grow up? Did I ever envision who they would become? And what of me? Did I ever think of where or what I would be in 20 years? Certainly not. To be specific this photo was taken in November 1988. Must've been close to Thanksgiving if I can surmise by the little Christmas tree apron my daughter is wearing. And I always wore that apron. I still have it, although it doesn't drape as sveltly these days. hahaha

We were living in Orlando Florida at the time. You know, the land where you need to run the A/C 365 - 24/7 ? We had a huge live oak in our backyard and lots of flowers that I wish I could grow in here in N.C. Down there they were perrenials; here at home they are annuals if I can even find them.



At this time, I was home schooling my children. Today they are grown. One is married and one is about to be married and the other one is studying on getting married.

I was still the center of their world, the master of their universe. Back then, every day was Mother's Day, for all the charming little gifts I would receive. I was in awe of these children and so very aware of the true gift from the Lord that they were and are.

I wanted to make their childhood magical. I wanted to capture them in a time bubble so they would always be this age. I wished more than once that I could take them all to Neverland so they would never grow up. I was Wendy to their Pan. I would read them stories each nite and each nite it never failed that I had to go into their room and warn them repeatedly to be still and go to sleep. I say their room because at this particular time, they all wanted to sleep in the same room. They loved each other's company so very much and didn't want to miss a moment of each other's thoughts and dreams. Sometimes I would stand outside that door and dream right along with them.

Today, my oldest one is a professor of science at a college in NY State. He still loves fairy tales, and that is evident in his pursuit of the science of skepticism.


Paul will be married this August to a lovely girl. I couldn't have chosen a better mate for him.


Joshua is working on getting his license for Massage Therapy. His soul mate is a wonderful girl that could have been one of mine. Just the right mixture of mischief and sweetness. He was the one that was always bringing home critters. Every family has one of those. And some things never change. He is still finding critters and bringing them home.


Sarah is married to the quietest man next to my Luscious that I have ever known. I keep telling her that still waters run deep. Sarah was the quintessential baby sister. And she ruled the roost. Come to think of it, she is STILL the ring leader.



If someone told me 20 years ago that my children would be marvelous adults I would have agreed with a certainty.
If someone had told me 20 years ago that I would be married again and be happy, I would have said they were telling a whopper. What a special gift my Luscious is to me. God always saves the best for last! It's a good thing we can't really see the future. Having always believed in happy endings, I know that the best is yet to come.

17 comments:

Countryfolk Keepsakes said...

Awww, what a great post darlin'! You were quite the looker back then. Heck, you still are!
We don't realize how fast time goes by until we look at wonderful old photos like these.
Your young'uns are beautiful! :> )
~Peanut

Donna said...

Such sweet little sweeties! You done GOOD!!!hughugs

sewprimitive karen said...

What great kids! That is a super photo of you all, it looks like a portrait.

Donna said...

This was such a tender and sweet post, I am crying! You are so blessed! And you deserve it all and MORE!

JennaLouiseCreates said...

Such a beautiful post and what lovely children. They are so lucky to have you. Blessings, Jenna Louise

Dixie Redmond said...

Hey there Blondie...what a beautiful post. And a good reminder to me that I'm in one of the best seasons, but that it will be good in the future, too. Hugs, Dix

Mrs.Kwitty said...

What a nice way to get introduced to your blog and your family!! I love your post and your children--both small and grown--are beautiful and you are the proud mama, makes me smile!
Smiles, Karen

Sarah said...

You never cease to amaze me, Dear Mommy-heart. And by the way, I couldn't have asked for a better Mother. You made my childhood magical, and my adulthood wonderful. What can I say? You're my best friend.

Snugglebug Blessings said...

Oh Blondie, you were so lucky to home school. My education was so bad that I won't do that to my kids. Tried once, failed miserably. But the tenderness shown is this blog is so touching. Thank you for sharing. I feel the same way you do girl about my kids. They aren't grown just yet. I'm holding on tight! Where did you say Neverland was??? LOL! Blessings, Cathy

Anonymous said...

Aww Blondie how lovely that a photograph can spark a whole series of memories. :-) Beautiful children with a beautiful mother.

Blondie ~ Vintage Primitives said...

Thank you Friends for reading and your comments.
Best advice is to take LOTS of pictures!!!!!!! And precious Cathy, Neverland? Directions are easy. Just aim for the first star to the right and fly straight on 'til morning. You will find the child within you there!

Amy said...

What a super wonderful post. I often try to imagine my kids grown. It is hard to picture my 8 year old Momma's boy, Nick, as a grown up.
Amy
PS-You look the same young age now!

Sandy said...

Blondie, you have three beautiful, well-adjusted, happy-looking, successful (based on what you've posted about them)children. You did a great job!!! Can't wait 'til they bless you with a dozen or more grandchildren! You and Luscious will truly make the adage "Come grow old with me, the best is yet to be" be the best description of your life together. Sweet Sarah said it best -- you are everyone's best friend! Hugs to you!

Sandy

Debbietheothermother said...

OMG your all are living my critter life! I have had one of everything....Ellie May big time...no more, but once I did. How fun is it. great! love it

Kady said...

What a sweet story about your munchkins. Don't you wish you could go back for just a day or two, maybe a Christmas morning, and re-live all the wonder? I wish that a lot, especially with my grandkids growing so fast. I surely enjoyed that walk down your memory lane. Great post!....Kady

Anonymous said...

How touching!

marina said...

Have just visited your blog after popping over from SewprimKhris. It is very lovely and your words about your children touched my heart. I can empathise with your words.
One minute I had tears of the heart then tears of laughter after reading your cat and dog diary entries. would you mind if I emailed them to a friend. I am sure they would enjoy the lift.
Lovely blog
regards
Marina