What has Happened and When?

Last night we invited some friends over for dinner. They have recently moved to our city with their 3 small children, ages 4 and 2. We had a fun evening getting to know them as well as their children. As I have reflected (which always gets me waxing sentimental) today about my friend and her 3 small children, I have come upon the question "What has happened in my household and when did it happen?"

Let me explain......

What happened to the days when toys decorated the living room floors, and the Lil' People City sat in the "toy corner" of the den? Last night I marched the two little twin 4 yr. old boys into Hudson's room to find the cars. Gone are the cars, the "easy legos" (only lego building sets that are being reserved for Pa's arrival in Nov.), the blocks, the dump trucks. They have been replaced with chapter books, basketball hoops, footballs, and science experiments. And Hannah's room is no different. The numerous stuffed animals, coloring books, and dolls have been replaced with her ipod, lipgloss and nail polish, and books (which we can't seem to ever find enough of).

What happened to the days when I was chasing them around all day making sure they didn't fall down stairs or into the coffee table, or eat something off the floor, etc., etc. Days when I would find myself just wanting 5 minutes to jump in the shower or to close the door and go to the bathroom alone. I now have big kids who can make their own food, bathe and clothe themselves, entertain themselves, and I can just sleep my day away. (ok, not really) In fact, this year we are allowing them to go to and from school by themselves in a taxi with their 2 other friends. (mom, please don't worry)

I have now discovered there is a young lady living in my house who is beginning the struggle of becoming a lady yet at the same time is still a little girl. A girl who will help anyone at a moment's notice and is always a servant to me and to our family. She likes to watch the news with her daddy in the evenings to stay current on the happenings back home. She loves history and talking with Rob about historical events and how the current events will play out in history in the future. She gets up at 6 am every morning to read her Bible and devotional book and "wake up" on her own because she doesn't like to be rushed in the mornings.

I now find myself with a boy who is wearing a size 7 men's shoe, and growing taller every day. A boy who will not let me carry anything up the stairs or pull my own suitcase when we travel, though sometimes when we get halfway up the stairs he can't carry it anymore....it's the thought, right? A boy who loves to build and create. This summer he built a table up on the roof, and loves thinking of things he can build. He is always willing to help and has such a heart of compassion for others. He is my tenderhearted boy who can't pass a homeless or crippled person on the street without asking if he can give them some of his money.

So, back to the question, "what has happened and when did it happen?" I don't remember the day this all changed, and as I think about it, it has been this way for a while. But I don't remember a door we walked through or a line we crossed, it just happened and it KEEPS happening. The play dough is gone, the bubbles are gone, Veggie Tales is gone (which I miss), and they have all been replaced with something that will likely be replaced again.

As I watched my sweet friend last night with her 3 small children I wondered when did I stop being her and become the person with big kids. And as I look at my friends who have older children and all the things they are going through......I realize there are more lines to cross and I will embrace those as well. I am so thankful for the moments that God has given us and the fun we are having as a family. Such sweet memories we have already made with many more to come!!!

To be continued......