They really do change everything, don’t they?
Welcome to Mom-Monday. I’m glad you’re here!
Children change everything.
I was at the gym the other day, working out and reading Five-Star Families by Carol Kuykendall, when that line struck me. I had to stop reading for a minute to avoid getting teary-eyed.
Maybe it’s the new year and the fact that I’ve been doing some reflecting lately.
Or maybe I’m feeling sentimental because it’s January and this is the month I sit down and write each of my kids a letter, seal it, and put it in a box for when they are older.
Whatever the reason, that line in the book choked me up. And I spent the rest of my workout marveling at just how much they do change everything…
You have kids and suddenly life is different.
You still plan what you want to get accomplished each day, but you’re more flexible now because you have to be.
You still have a schedule. It just includes things like soccer games and swim meets and homework.
You still carry a purse, only now it’s converted into a grab-bag containing hand sanitizer, baby wipes, and snacks.
You still get together with your friends, only now you talk about things like how to potty train, or how to get your picky eaters to try new foods, or how to make it through the terrible twos and threes.
You still sleep, only less.
You still go on trips, only now you almost have to rent a U-Haul to carry the booster seats and portable cribs and other stuff you’ve acquired.
You still notice the mom at the grocery store whose toddler is throwing a temper tantrum, only now you notice with compassion and empathy, not judgment.
You still dream of what you want to do with your life, but now your dreams are more meaningful because they include thoughts about your kids and the legacy you’ll leave.
You still play, only it’s more fun.
You still feel for the child who is hungry, hurting, or sick, only now you step in and help when you can, because you imagine what if that child was yours.
You still care about the world, only with more passion because your kids and grandkids will be living in it after you’re gone.
You still hope, only brighter.
You still pray, only more fervently.
And you still love…
only bigger.
If you’re a parent, aunt, uncle, grandma, or grandpa, how have children changed your world?
What an absolutely beautiful post! Thanks for sharing :)ps. I stopped by from U100 MBC and am now following you too
You go from having dreams about yourself to having dreams about your children and I doubt that ever goes away. Every time my sons have birthdays (one turns 22 next week) – I always have a moment of sadness as growing up means growing away from needing me as much and that is what being a mum is all about.Love your post.
So true! They change everything but for the better even if I do only talk to my friends about my kids its sad and funny all at the same time. I must say the most annoying thing about me now is when i'm asked how old my kids are i say it in months and they look at me like what
So funny and SOOO true. I never thought I would have so many serious conversations about boogers and poop. LOL!! Happy new year! Happy to be following, love your blog!!!
SOOOOO powerful Genny!! I hope many, many people see this, and reflect upon how much their lives have changed for the better since having children… I think sometimes we forget to do that!!Thanks for this wonderful post!Blessings-Amanda
I love this post. I just recently started following your blog, and I really enjoy it. I've given you a blog award on my blog. https://more-than-a-mommy.blogspot.comCongrats!
That line is so right. Children do change everything. I was just mentioning to my husband yesterday how different we see things now that we have a child. Eventhough I've been surrounded by infants and children through my entire career, it all chanced once I had my daughter. :)
As usual you left me thinking deeply about all things important. My children have brought every emotion possible to my life; they have given me purpose and strength; they have made me cry and laugh; they give me hope for the future and a reason to think about the past. I can't imagine my life without them.
Well said, Genny. It is all so true!
I love how you get me to think and how my son changed my life and perspective on life. We had a rough day and I was beginning to question my choices in parenting. That you for making me feel grounded and I might steal the idea of writing my son letters each year… great idea!!
I love this…well said! I always knew I would have kids, but never really thought about how awesome, different, rewarding and hard it would be…but think of such things often now. God bless – Holly
They have changed me in every way you mentioned. Being a mom has been the toughest job I have had to date, but it is the one I will treasure the most.
Your post is really lovely. How have the kiddos changed my life…they are my life. I do still have my own life, but every decision takes them into account. They have taught me how to appreciate a bubble, a rock, a pile of dirt and how to love life.Holly @ 504 Main
Great post! I am sure all of us can relate. I hate change but this one has been for the best! Found you at mom bloggers club, beautiful blog!
I loved your post–it made me really think and reflect myself. I hear you 100 percent.Thanks for stopping by my blog, I'm now following you, too!
Having children has made me a much better person. I'm so thankful for them for that.
I'm following from MBC. So glad I came across your blog. Come check my blog out when you get a chance!https://www.couponclippinmommy.blogspot.com/
So true, Jenny. My girls have completely changed my life and rocked my world…for the better. :)[email protected]
What a beautiful post, Genny! Not having kids, my life hasn't changed much from my wedding day (other than the extra pounds and wrinkles)… but my niece just had triplets and I couldn't help but think how her world has changed since Dec 10.Thanks for this little insight into her new world ;-)Happy New Year!
followin from mcb. i wish i found this before mom monday
Love this post. I never imagined how much life would change. It's like when the Grinch's heart "grew and grew."Stopped by from U100 MNC and am following you.
What a beautiful post! I always thought I would have "achieved" the dream before kids and then for one year, I thought – uh oh, too late – only to find out how wrong I was! What did we talk about before we had kids?My oldest son just got married and he is so "busy" – I just keep thinking, "You have no idea"Your blog has so blessed me as a wonderful place to come – I have something for you, so come on by!