Things Are Changing

​Happy Saturday!

We're officially childless today! Well, at least for a few hours.

Gage is over at his friend's house playing guitar, and they're having their first official "band practice." LOL! I love it, and so does Gary. I'm sure it brings back some memories for him.

Norah Harper just left for her very first slumber party. She was excited but a little nervous because she doesn't know all the girls who will be there. I told her to have fun, be respectful, and remember that if she gets uncomfortable or wants to come home, all she has to do is call.

We've always had code words and little phrases with our kids so they can discreetly let us know if they're ever somewhere they want to leave. We'll call with some made-up emergency and come get them. No awkward explanations necessary. I've always thought every parent should have a system like that.

And now I'm sitting here missing my girl already!

I know a lot of parents look forward to getting a break from their kids, but I've never really been that way. Don't get me wrong. They're perfectly capable of getting on my nerves, but I genuinely enjoy having them around. I even enjoy having their friends around.

My sister-in-law mentioned the other day how funny it is that we've become the house everybody comes to. She said she could never do it because she just doesn't have the nerves for a house full of kids all the time.

But I love it. I love hearing them laughing, playing music, raiding the kitchen, and carrying on. There's something about it that feels like home to me.

I think some of that comes from my own childhood.

When Jay and I were younger, before my parents built our big house, we lived in a neighborhood full of kids. My daddy installed swimming pools for a living, so naturally, we always had a nice one. Our house was where everybody came to swim, and we spent our summers having pool parties and running around with the neighborhood kids.

My parents were big golfers, so our weekends usually involved the golf course, swimming, and having people over. There were always kids around, and I loved every minute of it.

Unfortunately, things changed as my daddy got deeper into his alcoholism, and our house wasn't quite the gathering place it had once been. But I have such wonderful memories of those earlier years.

Maybe that's why having a house full of kids now feels so natural to me. It gives me a little piece of that childhood back.

There's also a tremendous amount of comfort in knowing my kids are under my roof instead of somewhere else. And the fact that their friends genuinely want to be here makes me feel like maybe we're doing something right.

Now, don't misunderstand me. This will NEVER be the house where kids come to drink, smoke, party, or do whatever they please. We have rules, and there are plenty of them!

But as long as they're respectful and following those rules, my door is always open. I'll feed anybody who's hungry and find a place for anybody who needs somewhere safe to lay their head. I want my kids and their friends to know they're always welcome here. And I hope that never changes.

They're growing up right before my eyes, and while I love watching them develop their own friendships and experience all these firsts, sometimes I wish time would slow down just a little.

There's also a mother-daughter bond that I don't think I could ever adequately explain. I had it with my mama, and I certainly have it with Norah Harper. That's my girl, and I miss her when she's not around.

But I'm happy she's out having fun, and I'm equally happy that Gage is getting to do something he loves.

As for Gary and me, we watched the Mississippi State game earlier, and now we're watching Florida. I made us some delicious autumn squash and chipotle maple soup with bacon sandwiches for lunch, and I fully intend to let leftovers handle dinner.

Of course, Gage mentioned that the whole gang might end up back here tonight, so our child-free Saturday could turn into a house full of teenage boys before bedtime. If that happens, Gary can run into town and grab a couple of pizzas!

In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy a little alone time with my husband. He's been teasing me about having the house to ourselves, and honestly, we don't get nearly enough evenings like this.

So I'm going to go watch the rest of the game with my honey and enjoy our quiet house while it lasts.

Hope everybody has a wonderful weekend!