New Adventures

I have three kids and a daughter-in-law.  Each one is so different from the other.  

My oldest, he's pretty awesome.  I look at him, sometimes, and I think, "In spite of me, in spite of the mistakes I made parenting you, you are a pretty awesome guy."  I believe love conquers a lot, maybe not everything, but a lot.  He's smart, money savvy, a good husband, and a great contributor to society.  Who knew??  He has lots of new adventures to look forward to: they now have a puppy.  If the puppy survives to adulthood, they can move on to children.  They plan lots of vacations and things they want to do, see and buy.  And they'll do it.  I have no doubt about it.  His wife, she's pretty special too.  Fits him to a "T", that's for sure.  She'll definitely give him a run for his money.  And she's cute as a button.  She likes tattoos, purple hair and pretty much is as geeky as he is.  I like her . . . a lot.  I can't wait to hear of their adventures.  


My middle son, he's amazing.  He has conquered a lot in his young life.  He is in the Army, and doing very well at it.  He's finishing up his schooling -- learning to disarm bombs -- and his new adventures are going to start in New Mexico.  He's very strong, both physically and mentally.  He's always been such a black and white kid.  I thought he'd make an excellent lawyer.  He could convince you that the sky really isn't blue, but a lovely shade a green.  And when you were finished with that conversation, you'd believe him.  He has a new girlfriend -- hooray.  She sent me a message one day thanking me for raising such a fine young man.  (I really have to give credit to his dad for that one as he sets a fine and high example for his sons to follow.)  I am happy he has a girlfriend.  It's been a long time coming for him.  I am happy that she is poised enough to send me that message.  She's in the Navy -- we'll see who crosses over to which branch, if they are meant to be together.


My youngest, he's finishing up the first year of his new adventure and will continue on the same path for a few more years yet.  He's a freshman in college and working towards becoming a teacher.  He comes home on some weekends.  He hangs out with us in the hot tub for hours.  He watches tv with us.  And he works with his dad.  He is a thoughtful, caring, loving son.  He also has a big heart.  I am so thankful that he is around for a few more years yet to help his dad on the farm.  But I am also anxious for him to finish up his schooling and get started on his great adventure of life.


My husband and I are also enjoying our first year of a new adventure -- empty nesting.  I think we like it.  We anticipated this for a long time.  I love my husband.  I even like him.  We do a lot of stuff together.  We get along great.  He is my best friend.  Some of the new adventures we are working on:  eating more healthy.  Trying to exercise together.  Reading (or, in his case, listening to) the same books and talking about them.  Planning vacations -- this is so fun!!  Although, I do feel a little guilty about not taking the youngest with us some . . . but only a little.


How fun it is to look forward to new adventures.  The anticipation, the eagerness and sometimes the anxiety.  I think I want to try and look at some of the old adventures with that same anticipation and eagerness.  Maybe it will breathe new life into the mundane . . . who knows??  I'll keep you posted!!