Stupid College...
This may come as a shock to all of you, but I am a HUGE procrastinator. I mean seriously people. I have been procrastinating this post for over a month now. But it is time... On June 10th, my twins graduated from high school. I kept thinking that if I didn't post anything about it, it wouldn't have really happened. Newsflash...that doesn't work.
Graduation actually did happen and this weekend we celebrated it Hough-style, in other words in a BIG way, with tons of food and tons of family and friends and (in my opinion) tons of fun. As I was running around like an idiot, I was not very good about taking pictures. I handed my camera off to Gianna to take some pictures so that we would have some record of the party...enjoy! lol
My beautiful graduate Nicole
My handsome scholar DJ
Here are a few shots of my pinterest inspired decorations...
This was on our dessert table...
These were pictures of the kids that we hung around the canopies...
These were the center pieces on the tables.
Ok, so now that that is out...let's talk about what graduation is really all about...
When I became a mother, 13 1/2 years ago, I was overwhelmed by the love that I felt for the three little ones that my husband blessed me with. It was kind of scary how immediately my feelings for them came. They were mine...period. Those feelings have only grown over the last 13 1/2 years. If you have any doubt, question it...I dare you.
How could I have not fallen in love with them...seriously?!?
So over the last 13 1/2 years of having and raising kids, I have figured a few things out. First of all, diaper bags get smaller and smaller with each additional child. I can't explain it, but it is truth. Secondly, with each child your "normal" changes. Each new little addition changes the family. Normal is a constantly changing form of flexibility. And thirdly....the first day of school is basically the beginning of the end.
Ok, so that last part sounds a little bit dramatic, but again I say, it is truth. When your children are babies they need you for everything. They literally depend on you for everything, food, clothing, safety. Heck, they even need us to teach them how to pee in the potty! Your lives revolve around each other. You are the center of their lives and they are in turn, the center of yours. But once your kids start school, it all starts to change. They make friends in school. They have teachers that are not you. The center of their lives starts to shift away from you. Each passing year brings a little bit more distance. They just don't need you as much. This isn't a bad thing. It is the way that things are supposed to go. I realize this, but I don't have to like it.
I thought that I had pretty much become used to the "cycle." The older they get, the more independent they become. The three older kids can drive and have jobs and (gasp) social lives that do not involve me! Can you believe it?!?! But here is what I have forgotten, or rather what I have been denying. Even with the whole growing independence thing, they were always home at the end of the night. I knew that as we were heading to bed, all 9 of my kids were safely tucked in to bed, or at least at home. But here is the thing...this stupid cycle has thrown me a curve...College.
In the next three weeks, I will be taking my babies shopping for things like bed sheets, printer paper and tylenol. I will be helping them pick out mini fridges and laundry baskets. I will help them load up their clothes and computers and take them to their respective colleges where they will go to sleep each night..2 hours away from home. Ugh...
DJ will be attending St Vincent College where he is planning on majoring in Elementary Ed/Special Ed. He is such a tenderhearted young man who loves kids, that I know that this is going to be a great fit for him. He was invited to attend training camp for Soccer and will hopefully be on the team. He has been playing soccer for years and really enjoys it. I attended orientation with him and he really seemed to like the campus. He was the only boy in his major, which could be a huge advantage for him! All of those cute elementary ed majors to study with...just sayin'.
Coley has decided to attend the Franciscan University of Stuebenville. I was so excited that she chose to go there. The rich Catholic tradition is practically visible when you step on campus. I think that she will blossom there. It will be an amazing time for her. She has decided to major in biology and eventually attend medical school to become a pediatric heart surgeon. Dream big girl! Her attention to detail will only help her to succeed.
I am so proud of my wonder twins that I could just burst. On the other hand, I am also sad and kind of pitiful. Who in the world will laugh at my lame jokes if DJ is over an hour away? Who will finish my sentences if Coley is 2 hours away? The centers of their lives are no longer us, my husband and obviously me. They are going out in to the big scary world without us. But here is the thing. We have been preparing them for this. Their whole lives have been a preparation for this moment. I guess the important thing is that along with Brian and I, there was always someone else in the center of their lives, the Big Guy, God. Hopefully while Brian and I have been making our (not so graceful) exit from the centers of their lives, God has become an even bigger presence. I know that as long as they keep Him there, they will be fine...even if they are going to bed somewhere else. Stupid College...
posted by Unknown @ 2:12 PM
1 Comments
1 Comments:
Hugs, my friend. I will be happy to laugh at your lame jokes, and I will do my best to help finish your sentences. Love you. xoxo
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