and then there were only three
Three children that is (I am showing you two). Sam has moved out officially on Thursday but continued to move out until Sunday, one blue Ikea bag at the time. He also moved my car key, which I noticed when I was in a rush to get to an appointment... thank goodness I have a bike! Fingers crossed Sam manages to get himself out of bed every morning, remembers to go to university and to show up for his work shifts.
I must say, I am relieved that we managed to guide one child towards relative independence, although the jury is of course still out. I hope I have enough strength in me to guide the younger three also. Some days I doubt it. Parenting has been rather challenging this summer and I am unbelievably tired.
In other news, I have a tear in the meniscus of my left knee. I have been referred to the orthopaedic clinic for treatment, which I hope will be conservative. I can run but probably shouldn't. Having said that, the pain does not get worse when I do run, nor does it afterwards. Losing weight has definitely made a big difference to the pain and no doubt having stronger leg muscles is also beneficial.
It is not all doom and gloom though. I get up every morning, I am now able to run a full 25 minutes and I continue to make beautiful things. Sam's quilt top is finished and looking good. Jack turned 5 last week and continues to make everybody happy. James is super excited about moving into Sam's bedroom, once we declare it habitable and sanitised. Oh, and I finally got my contract extension, which keeps me in employment for another two years. I should be dancing!
I'll leave you on this positive note 😊. Thank you for visiting!
When they move out it’s definitely bittersweet. In my experience, it makes them love to come home (especially for dinner) which is a good thing!
ReplyDeleteIt’s a strange feeling when children move out, liberating but worrying too. I guess we never stop worrying about our offspring. Well done on the extension and hopefully the knee is a quick fix. B x
ReplyDeleteI sobbed for a week when each of mine went off to uni. You do get used to it quickly though and having the others at home should help. Fingers crossed that your knee heals quickly. xx
ReplyDeletehope, everything goes well with you and yours
ReplyDeleteWell done Sam and well done you. Parenting is indeed exhausting isn't it. I am terrified by how I'm ever going to get the urchins off and away and doing it all properly. I feel as though I don't know where to start. I have to breathe deeply and tell myself, 'One day at a time'. I'm glad you have a contract extension, but sorry you have a knee problem. Well done on the running though. I need to do some exercise of some description, but running never seems to stick with me. Hope you have a good week. I am ridiculously trying to fit in everything I promised the children they could do along with all the work I promised I could do. Deep breaths. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteI hope you are ok, it is a strange thing letting them move on. My oldest stays at his girlfriend's flat a few nights a week now and I find that a little strange when I go in his room and he is not there. Well done for continuing with the exercise despite your pain, I am sure you have done more good than harm. Take care. x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on getting your contract extended! At least that's one less thing to worry about. I also bet that the noise level in the house hasn't gone down at all even though you have one less person there :) Hope all goes well. xx Susan
ReplyDeleteI love that photo. 😊
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better soon. It sounds very painful.
Congratulations on your contract extension. It must be a huge relief.
Hope you have wonderful week. XX
What a cute photo.. you've shared that before, haven't you? I know what it's like when one kid moves out, kind of.. our sons both moved back home and one of them is still here and he's 45! I hope your knee gets better, I have a bad knee too but have never had it diagnosed. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat photo! I am dreading the day when one of my children moves out, I hope you are fairing well. Sorry to hear about your knee that sounds really painful, I hope the appointment gives you the answers you want/need. Congratulations on your contract extension that must be a big weight of your mind.
ReplyDeleteThey do looks like they're ... um ... full of life.
ReplyDeleteHope the specialist visit goes well, Christina. Congrats on the contract extension which was worrying for awhile. Hope you found the car keys and that Sam’s move out works well for James.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the contract extension! That's great news. (Mine is just ending as they haven't managed to find funding to keep the Forest School project running sadly...not sure what's next for me but on the plus side, I will look forward to some days off in September!).
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well with the knee and the independent child!
It's a bittersweet moment when the first one moves out, it's like a new chapter is about to start for you both. Sending good luck vibes to Sam, he seems a very sensible young man so I'm sure everything will go smoothly, and a big thumbs up to you for getting him to this point. This parenting lark isn't all plain sailing, is it?
ReplyDeleteYou've got a lot going on, but I am SO thrilled for you that you're back up to 25 mins of running- that's fantastic! Fingers crossed for Sam, and well done you for getting him to that point. Great news on the job contract too xx
ReplyDeleteLook at those gorgeous boys! So sorry about your knee but these things happen and we just have to rehab it and keep moving. Parenting is always challenging here at my house. I am proud of your oldest moving out and moving on with university and work. He may have some ups and downs, my 25 and 22 year old still do, but I hope they are still moving towards independence. As for Little Buddy, well he has already been sent to the principal and I offended his brand new teacher by sending his vision therapist over to give her more information and support. Not off to a good school start this year, either of us. It can only get better right?
ReplyDeleteLots of lovely positive news. I have no doubt of your parenting skills... just look at those two bonnie boys!
ReplyDelete