These babies are now empty nesters. Empty nest. Shmempty nest. MY nest is full…and I like it. A lot!
There is peace and quiet. No rap. No yelling to do homework, get off the phone, do laundry, get out of bed, feed the dogs, mow the lawn, put the dishes in the sink. That’s a pretty “normal” household of kids. Ours was so-not-the-norm. Every day was a roller coaster and I do not like roller coasters. I get an upset stomach. The tension has been wiped clean. It’s a new phase. I like it.
There are:
I have quiet, reflective moments...
I want to give a shout-out to the parents that are approaching this season of life…it’s not what the media makes it out to be. Or it doesn't have to be. Especially when you live with your best friend. I love it when My Guy comes in the door at 5 pm. My day gets (even) better. I feel lighter, happier. I’m goofy about him, at 54!
And then a word to my 35 year old friends. I have almost 20 years on you. Please heed this advice: work on your marriage more than your children. He is going to be in the nest with you. You will like your empty nest a whole lot more if you LIKE your guy.
Oh, we sometimes have popcorn for dinner. Very cool.
11 comments:
This post makes me so happy. We have 2 out the door, and one to go. I love my kids and all, but we can see a light at the end of the tunnel, and my hubby and I get giddy just thinking about it.
My friends think I'm terrible, but they don't have fun with their husbands, so they don't get it.
So glad we get it... :)
Your post is spot on!
Great advice! I love my children dearly, and we are involved parents, but we most defiantly make time just for us. We do date nights and small getaways on a regular basis. It's all about balance, and I do not want to look over at him someday when the kids are gone and say "Who are you?" Plus, my husband is my best friend and I just really enjoy being with him!
Great post Vava. How cute is this photo of the two of you?!!! How old were you? You look so precious! xooxo Gretchen
Thank you for keeping it all in perspective for me! I love this season, but I am looking forward to the next...great post Vava! xoxo
Excellent post, Vava! It's all so true... I did it a little backwards and experienced the empty nest alone for a few years before I found my best friend, but I'm there with ya now! xoxo
Virginia, as always......You are filled with great words of advice! Here's to nesting.....empty or not just yet. ;)
First let me say I love the picture....you look like children together! Amen to the advice you gave those younger than us and yes, I loved every stage but empty nest is the best!
xoxo Dianne
Va...this is so true. My dad has been telling me for years to put our marriage first. This is such good advice. I love that you guys are still best friends. Enjoy this time in your life...I know you are!! xoxo
Very true! I know many couples who look at each other like strangers after the kids are gone.
They've been so involved and immersed in every single aspect of the kids' lives, they lose their self, because they were defining their "self" from the kids. Great post, Va!
Love this post! I'm the 35-year-old wife you're speaking to, and I absolutely ADORE my husband! My two girls like to ask me who I love most in this world (meaning apart from God), and my answer is always the same: their daddy! Like you, I love it when he walks in the door...and not so that he can take care of the kids after a long day, but because I get to be near him!
Glad you found my blog so that I could find yours!
Linsey
Oh, Linsey----YES! He walks in and I light up. Crazy, right?????? Can't wait to meet YOU!
Post a Comment