Preparing for Empty Nest

Rick and I have been together for 24 years. That's a long time, most of that time has involoved our 3 children. We had a couple of years before Kate came along but really, the past 21 years has been all about kids. And we are in the throws of big money right now, not that we're banking big money, ohh noo no, more like money comes in and boom, it goes out. It goes out to the University of Montevallo, it goes out to Phi Mu, it goes out to Hoover High school, football, track, the trip to NY. And those are the big things. That doesn't even include food, and gas. I'm not complaining at all. I love it. I love that we are able to give the kids what they need and want. I mean, to an extent. Jack would really want a whole closet of Patagonia clothes but....that isn't going to happen. Even if we made it big, that wouldn't be happening. Okay, so back to us raising kids for like 21 years. It's been all about them. And you know that one day, the house will be a little quieter, kids start driving, they get busy, they have little jobs and other commitments but that day is far in the future. But what you don't realize is that it will get here super fast, and it'll be upon you and you don't even realize it. We're sort of there. The boys are still at home but we're not needed as much as we used to be so there is time for Rick and I to go do something. I'm not one to sit in the house unless I feel like I've done sort of exercise. I've always been that way. Yesterday, we hiked for an hour and then had lunch at the new pizza place. It was fun and we laughed and as we trekked through The Preserve, we talked about future business adventures, weddings, and such. It was fun. Whew, I guess we can still have fun again out on our own. Yikes, after 21 years, you really never know how that is going to go. But I know we are excited about our family growing someday. We're excited about new ideas and new business plans, we're excited about and pray for our children's future partners. We're thankful every day for every experience we've had with this crazy circus. And, we're looking forward to so many wonderful dates ahead!