Life rolls on

My kids are getting so big. That doesn't even seem like the correct phrase because it implies they are no longer babies. My kids are big, well all but one who waivers between either side of the fence depending upon the circumstance. Tonight while saying goodnight to #3 he explained to me about the man cave. Yep the man cave as if I knew of it already. I do not know who put this idea in his head but it is not daddy, G or his big brother. His knew bed is grown up like and symbolizes the man pushing its way out of his young body. He explained to me that when we move he will be a teenager (I hope this is in fact true) and he will need to buy a truck to move his bed. He will take it with him because what enters the man cave stays in the man cave. He will also buy a mower because he needs wants to mow grass. He cracks me up about the grass. Who would have guessed that selling the riding lawn mower a couple years ago would scar him for life. He was thrilled that he could drive it and now he cannot use anything but the push mower. The walk behind is just too big. I know why we did it, $$. That is at the root of too many decisions we make, though I am sure we are not alone in that. Hindsight as it is now I wish we would have hung on this day was clearly foreshadowed then.
As I listened to his banter I felt tears well up in my eyes. Maybe it is partially the fact that hubby is gone for 3 days and then working his 2nd job before coming home the 4th. Also, it is probably compounded by the blue van arriving here from the tow truck clearly reminding me that a different plan for our life is ahead. It symbolizes my time here at home with my babies. Crazy that a vehicle does that but well I am goofy that way. Possibly the big changes in my life style with working and the pressures of life outside the home is so real I can taste it. More than likely it is the stress of the day that has smacked me in the face because I thought I "rolled" with it all already. Either way that sweet boy gave me a picture into the future that I am a bit less ready to accept. I want to come up for air and take it all in.
At K and C's bday party the kids ended up enjoying a slip n slide. They sure do not make them like they used to which is why we do not have one. They seem to fall apart after just a few uses. Regardless this was the 1st time #4 has seen one. I coaxed her to go with me and then drug her through it a few times before he accepted going on her own. Even in that she chose to run as fast as she could along side it, then go from back to front. I love that she always has her own way, she dares to be different. She wants to be like them, but she never stops being Evangelene the Queen too. It was hilarious and adorable. She would demand I say ready, set, go then do her thing. In the very end she began sliding on her knees from the last few feet of the front and into the grass. I do hope Kelly took a few pictures.
Tomorrow afternoon and evening I am determined to spend some quality time with my kids. We will cook together, play together and be together. We will not let the distraction of electronic devices deter from the simple us. I have that power, we have that choice. Dear God do help me create tradition that builds character and memories forever!