Tuesday, April 5, 2011

As long as I’m living…


…my baby you’ll be. 
How many times did we read that book? And I could relate to the young mother with the new baby, or even the slightly older mom who sometimes felt like she lived in a zoo… But today, as I stood in the still dark morning... watching the lights of the moving van grow smaller, I realized that I have reached the middle of the story. I felt the lump rise in my throat...

I remind myself that this is the natural progression of things, that boys will be boys, and then will become men. I don’t know how or when it happened…I was too busy raising little boys to notice. Mr. Kattywhompus attributes 99% of it to perseverance. Perhaps he’s right.

And I am comforted by the knowledge that these are good men. Indeed, very good men.

So today, I hope you will indulge me as I post a few favorite pictures of my men.
~My Three Sons~
~Nash, our rolling stone, is a professional musician. When he was 17, he went on the road touring the country with his band for almost five years~
~I love these pictures of him "doing his thing"~
~Photo from his Reverend Guitar endorsement~
 ~One of my favorite photos of Nash, on the coast of Maine, during his Pirates of the Caribbean phase~

Brothers...so different, and yet with such a strong bond. It makes my mother's heart glad.

 ~Luke, the funniest person I know...

...is also our athlete~
 ~Luke, after his first half marathon. He raised over $700 for World Vision~
 ~Crossing the finish line last year~

Today Nash & Luke will move into their first place together. I’m so excited and proud of them. They will be two hours from home. Do-able for this Mom.

 This is not their first adventure together. Two years ago they hiked the Appalachian Trail…
~Nash, on the Appalachian Trail~

And last year they hiked to the summit at Longs Peak (CO).
~Nash, Eric, Luke~
~Nash & Luke at the Key Hole~
 ~Luke at the summit~
~Nash, Matt, Eric, Luke & new friend at the summit~
 ~The incredible view from the summit at Longs Peak~

I just got word...they've arrived at their new place! They're unpacking. 
On to new adventures...for all of us.

Until next time...
Rhonda

13 comments:

  1. Oh Rhonda, you have such handsome boys! I totally feel for you as you sit back and watch your babies grow up. You did a wonderful job raising them, they look like very responsible and caring men!

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  2. Such handsome young lads....they will never stop being our babies!..so glad they are friends.!!

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  3. Beautiful young men!..3 more expressions of your talent & creativity!
    Be so proud..as they share YOU with the rest of the world
    {{: Smiles & Hugs :}}

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  4. Rhonda~

    Looks like you've raised some fine young men. You have a right to be a proud mamma. What a beautiful post.

    Enjoy your day~Becky

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  5. Good Morning, Rhonda,
    This is such a special post today. I had forgotten about that book but remember reading it was our girls were babies and cried everytime!

    And look at your boys today. Such handsome and successful young men...and a good relationship with each other.

    You are a wonderful mother, I can just tell!

    Have a terrific Tuesday. ~Natalie

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  6. Best Wishes to your boys. I really enjoyed the pics. I have 4 boys of my own and I am struggling with the teen years. When did they go from the wobbly toddlers to the shaving teens. Who knew it would happen sooooo quick!

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  7. I so enjoyed reading about your boys today Rhonda! They look like such good kids and what a testament to their Mother! Be proud! It's what life is about! All the best to you and your guys as they move on to the next phase in life!
    Hugs!
    Cathy G

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  8. Rhonda you have an awesome trio of boys there. I wish them much luck on their new adventures!!

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  9. It was nice of you to share your pictures of your boys. One day they are little and the next they are on their own. But they will always be our babies, no matter the age. I know, my daughter just turned 35. Where did time go?
    Tamera
    Country at heart

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  10. Hello! Thanks for stopping by my place. What a handsome brood of young men you have I bet you are one proud momma! I lived in the utica/sellersburg area of Indiana from ages 6-9 my great granfolks and granfolks are from Kentucky and Indiana. So nice to meet you I am a new follower!
    Sehrry

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  11. oh, such handsome young men~ I love the pics~ you can see they are nice boys~ raised good~
    living life to the fullest!
    Loving post~Rhonda~I can hear your joy over them in your words~
    thanks for sharing your boys with us~
    smiles
    Teresa

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  12. And why do you think they are such good men? Because they had a wonderful mom that taught them how to be one! Your good looking boys are fortunate to have such good relationships with each other, that is awesome! You did well Mom! Definitely should be proud of them.

    All my kids are still at home so I don't know how that feels just yet and honestly I'm not rushing it either! I told them they could live with me forever so I won't have to go through them leaving me, lol.

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  13. I only have 1 son... but he has some of the same qualities and quirks as yours. Shares a name with your Luke.. and is the funniest person I know. I think he also shares a name with your Will.. if your Will is a William. And he is a musician like Nash.. not pro.. yet. And we read this book lots of times. In fact, Luke thought of it a week or so ago and said "Hey Mom, do you remember that book ...." Made me want to pull it out of storage, curl up next to him and read it again!

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