Is This What Having Teenagers Is Really Like

Is this what having teenagers is REALLY like?

My first round of teenagers happened over 17 years ago. I had a 12 & 14 year old when the 3rd child came along. And then two more babies came along. I had teenagers and toddlers. I use to say that, "I have toddlers by day and teenagers by night". And oh my goodness was that a very busy time in my life. It was my normal. I would nap when the babies and toddlers napped so I had the stamina for the teenagers in the evenings.Teenagers that required a listening ear, thoughtful conversations and advice on how to talk to that special boy or girl.

I am thankful that God wired me to be organized and a, "clean and prep as you go" kind of gal. Dinner was pretty much always ready at the same time every day. Boys went to bed at the same time. I would tell the teenagers that if they wanted friends over for movies, and fun teenager stuff that they had to come after 7pm. This way the three littles were already in bed. I kept my freezer stocked with frozen pizzas and ice-cream for the unexpected extra kid my teenagers brought home.

Well those teenagers are now 29 and 31, and I am deep into the teenage years with the younger ones. And it's SOOOOOOO easy. It's like I am missing something. I remember Elliot and Emily in their rooms in the evenings doing their homework, practicing their instruments, instant messaging friends on AOL, or coming to me and asking if we could take a walk or watch a movie together. The three littlest would be sound asleep for the night and it was not uncommon to head out to a movie, or a late night run to our favorite restaurant for treats. Doing all this after putting in a full day with three little boys.

Now fast forward to a 17 & 14 year old in my house. I have spent the past few hours working on my newest hobby, Skip To My Room. Which has been my passion for well over 25 years. No more a retail store but still having fun with it. And time to actually thoughtfully have the kind of fun with it I had only dreamed of. One teenager is watching a Blazer game. I heard the strumming of the other practicing his guitar. I am so glad I have a hobby because I am pretty sure I would not know what to do with myself. Pretty soon we will be heading out to basketball practice and all I can think about is this, "Is this what having teenagers is really like?

They come to me to ask questions, outwardly process life and my mind is clear. I wonder sometimes if Elliot and Emily ever wondered if I was really present. There were times I was so tired from the activities of the three younger boys and I would just be present, smile, nod my head and hope I did not fall asleep. I loved when they suggested a movie at home. I would curl up on the sofa, watch the first 30 minutes and go to sleep. That was so long ago and here I am now with teenagers and no little people to chase after. So again I ask the question, "Is this what having teenagers is really like?"