Children Grow up so fast..

[Cali]

It seems like I just had both my children, and now they are 17 and 16. My daughter had her bday on the 2nd of this month and today is my son's 16th. Time goes by so fast. Pretty soon they will both be in college and I will have to find me something to keep me occupied.

[liz417]

Hi Cali,
It's so true, kids do grow up fast! Although I don't have children of my own (I'm approaching 40), many of my friends do (some live out of state and I don't see them very often). My friend who has 3 children, her youngest just graduated high school! I've known them since they were born and still have their (graduation) kindergarden pics in my wallet! It's a weird feeling....
My friend (she's 41) is dealing with being "alone" and she's ready to begin her new life (she tells everyone that she's going thru an early "mid-life crisis" ) and having a little fun...I'm glad, because she's been a single mom for sooooo long and struggled raising her children....it's her time now.

You should look into a new hobby, since you live in S.D., maybe golf? Do something for yourself, something you've always wanted to do, but didn't have the time.

[JRScott]

Now's the time to find a hobby so that you don't experience a bad empty nest syndrome.

[robivi3]

trust me, they will keep you occupied. College is like trying to make sure Toys R us has your size of their brand diapers, only more expensive. But then that's the word of experience from a Samuel Adams induced philosophy. Trust me, you are about to experience a new form of total dependence. You will do it happily and the reward comes when they do well in lfe, the arrows we shoot into the future are really what matters. 2 beers, nothing to eat all day, tilapia in the oven, tolerance low.

[AngelinaCat]

Hi Cali:

Since you are in the San Diego area, why not volunteer at the San Diego Maritime Museum and learn how to be a crew member, and sail the 'Star of India'? You GO FOR IT GIRL!!!!

It's a lot of hard work, but well worth it. I am a crew member of ELISSA in Galveston, Texas. Helped heal my back, and has helped to keep me sane.

[twuoo]

Yeah, it just seems like yesterday I was changing poopie diapers. Now my son is potty trained and well on his way.

I try to cherish the moments, but sometimes I forget to. When I do, I try to make extra time to do stuff.

I always tell him how much I love him and how wonderful he is.

Lately, he's been saying "mommy has everything."

To that, I say "I have everything when I have you."

I'm not sure he understands, but that's just fine with me.

[Lacy]

Yes unfortunately they do grow up so fast .... When my oldest which just turned 21 this month first left for college I cried. Got one more to go and sure I'm dreading the day he leaves home.

[Cali]

Reading these posts made me smile.

I have a few friends that just had babies(a few my age) and some that are due soon. Now that is the best, to be happy for others that have babies and you not having to change diapers, potty train, etc.

AC - I do volunteer at the Soup Kitchen and VA Hospital.

Robivi3 - When they were in private school, their tuition was 11k each, so I am ready for the college thing. Of course my son wants to go to USC and my daughter wants to go to UCLA(my alum).

This Fall I am taking some refresher classes, that should keep me sane for awhile.