Hello sweet sisters! I’m thrilled you’ve joined me here today because I need your pat on my back! Lol! You see, I have turned the page to a new chapter in my life…a chapter that I was not looking forward to. I knew it was coming, but honestly, I thought it would take a lot longer to get here. Some of you sweet gals have already crossed that threshold and some of you have many years yet to go. As with most changes in life, it can be bittersweet. And that’s okay because life is just like that sometimes…and I know, that with Jesus, everything is going to be alright.
So, I’m talking about my new empty nest. Y’all, all my babies have flown the coop and last week my baby girl, Summer Rose, headed off to College! Wait, what?? Yup, it’s true! It’s so weird because it seems like I was taking her for a ride in her stroller a couple weeks ago! Lol! Okay, so I’ve shed some tears, maybe a lot… but I’m not going to park in Sad-town because happy doesn’t live there. Instead, I’ve made the decision to celebrate the goodness of the Lord, His blessings, and His promise of a bright and bountiful future. As the scripture states above, He is going to do a new thing! Now, I still might have moments, here and there, where my eyes might get a little watery (even when I’m not chopping onions) but I won’t let it last long. Nope. Ain’t gonna park there.
When my hubby and I found out we were expecting our 4th baby we were shocked because our other kids were ages 16, 14 and 11. But what a blessing and joy our sweet Summer Rose has brought into our household!
I had to wait in line to hold my own baby! Lol!
I couldn’t blame my older kids, look at that adorable baby face
and those delicious cheeks!
As my older ones went off to College, then got married, it was hard seeing them leave, but fortunately I still had this cute little thing at home. My little buddy!
I hope that Summer always remembers the things that I told her so many times…like…
~ you are my dream come true
~ I’m so glad you’re my little girl
~ you’re adorable!
~ you belong to us!
~ I’m so proud of you!
~ you are sooooo huggable!
~ I am soooo thankful God gave you to me, dad, Dusty, Ashley and JJ.
~ I love how creative you are!
~ You are a blessing.
~ You make me laugh!
~ What a joy you are!
~ I love having fun with you!
~ God has a wonderful plan for your life.
I think the person who wrote the lyrics to the song below probably had stock in Kleenex Tissue! Lol! But I wanted to share a few lines here because our kids grow up so fast and if you’re a mama with babies still at home, I want to encourage you to slow down all the busyness and take a few moments to savor their sweetness! Yes, the days are slow but the years go fast.
Where are you going my little one, little one
Where are you going my baby my own
Turn around and you’re two
Turn around and you’re four
Turn around and you’re a young girl
Going out of the door
“Turn Around” Words and Music by Alan Green, Harry Belafonte
And Malvina Reynolds
Take every opportunity to sprinkle
sweet and kind words on your child’s heart.
The result will be a wonderfully happy child.
“A merry heart does good like a medicine”. Proverbs 17:22
Sweet 16
Me and my Pookie Lou!
Senior Prom 2017!
High School Graduation! Her brothers, sister
and her dad and I cherish that girl!
Off to College!
Moving into the dorm…meeting her roommate
and new friends down the hall!
Lots of activities for students to get to know each other! Dad holding on to his baby girl!
We are so thankful that Summer is able to go to a Christian University. She is surrounded by students and faculty that love the Lord. Summer’s already become good friends with such wonderful girls…two of them are from missionary families, one from China and the other from South Africa. Just after move-in-day the students were put in a Launch Group of around 15 kids to promote bonding friendships. They participated in several events together including packaging meals at Convoy of Hope, a scavenger hunt, dinners together and concert on the lawn. What a great way for nervous kids to feel like they belong. Summer loves it there, and that makes me happy.
So this past week I had a talk with myself. I asked myself these questions:
- Would you rather Summer had no motivation to go to College and want instead to stay home and do nothing with her life? (No way!)
- Would you rather she commute 1 hour to school which would mean having to drive at night sometimes on icy roads during the winter? (Nope!)
- Will you see her on the weekends? (Yes!)
- Do you want her to have an incredible experience and education that will enhance her life and future? (Yes!)
That made me feel better!
Then I remembered something. I remembered how God blessed me with four amazing kids (kids I didn’t think I would be able to have back in the day) and each one of them are God-loving, responsible, compassionate, faithful, hard-working, honest, kind, brave, thankful, moral, creative and fun! Hallelujah! By the grace of God, I accomplished what I set out to do and in spite of my big, fat mistakes, they survived and did good! And three of them married amazing spouses and have given me eight beautiful grandchildren!! It’s harvest time for my hubby and I and I give God all the praise and glory!
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9
Feeling even better.
My cousin Linda messaged me and said “Every Chapter has a gift for you from God. You and Gary will find yours and be fine. Hugs.”
Then my sister-in-law Holly texted me and shared what she told herself when she started to miss her daughter who went to College last year: “She is so incredible, the world needs to know who she is. Because of that I have to share.” Wow! That was the cherry on top!
So now it’s onward and upward to my good and hopeful future.
“And suddenly you know, it’s time to start something new and look forward to the joy of new beginnings.” ~unknown
God bless you! If you are starting a new chapter in your life I encourage you to look for the blessings in it… it may not be easy…but promise me you won’t park in Sad-town because happy doesn’t live there.
Love you sweets!
Aunt Ruthie
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Awww bless you!! We entered this new chapter in 2014 when our baby girl got married and moved to Indiana. God has been awesome not only to myself and Dan but to our daughter and son in law. They obeyed God’s will for their lives and God’s favor and blessing is on them!
I pray blessings over you and your sweet family!
xoxo
Way to go, Mama! You should be so proud of yourself for raising fantastic children! Praying for you on this new chapter of your life.
We are on the opposite side of firsts. Our oldest child, our daughter Lydia, just left for college. But, like you, I just can’t dwell in sad town! I loved the questions you asked yourself and also the messages you received from your loved ones; they were such an encouragement to me, too! Thank you for sharing! Our daughter is also attending a great Christian School here in Oklahoma, which is such a blessing!
Thank you for sharing your journeys with us. I always get a blessing when I read your posts. I can just pretend I’m right there in your beautiful Ozark wonderland that I have loved so much since my childhood. (My family growing up vacationed in Branson every year since the early 80s and my family now continues the tradition.❤️ We just live down in Tulsa.) Praise the Lord, and God bless you and your family!
Oh what blessings ly ahead for you. A new chapter for you and your hubby! Enjoy each step you take as you continue to serve our Lord! God bless you!
Thanks for showing us how it’s done :)
God is good and you look great!
hugs!
deb
Prayers sweet friend, always thankful for your willingness to serve the Lord…
I know you must be so sad to see her go but it’s clear you have done a beautiful job raising her and God was so right to bless her with you as a mommy.
I am going to a new adventure. I’m leaving So CA where I have lived my whole life. I’m moving to BRANSON.
I’m excited but sad and have been going through a roller coaster of emotions. So much to leave behind but so much to look forward to.
So like you I’m putting my trust in God and going with an open mind.
Maybe someday we can meet up for lunch. We have so much in common. Would love to talk to you in person.
Hold your high and know God has big plans for you and Summer.
Love and prayers coming your way! I have done this chapter, and yes, it is hard–it took me a while to get through those tears. But you will get through it! God’s blessings abound at every stage of our lives.
Loved reading your post and seeing the sweet pictures of Summer and your family. What an accomplishment to have raised such a Godly family and hold onto the simple values of life. I hope this new season affords you added richness and closeness to our Lord!
What sweet memories, thanks for sharing! And what a darling girl you’ve raised!
I know it is hard- I allowed myself some time to grieve the ending of a chapter in each stage of life for awhile and then I moved on. I started to look forward to the next exciting events!!
now I have 8 grandchildren 7 and under that live close and I have never been busier!! God is good!!
I was where you are last December when my first born and only daughter got married. She spent her college years at home thankfully because we lived close to her college. I watched her go on to her first teaching job and I was so proud. In between time my oldest boy went off into the Air Force and then my youngest boy graduated high school and has gone to college. But my daughter was always there. Then her high school sweetheart proposed to her In early 2016 and they were married in December. Oh what a basketful of emotions! I was proud of both her and her husband but I was losing my baby!!! I could only look on the sweet side though, one day I will be a grandma and then I get to enjoy those children. My mother used to sing “Turn Around” to me all the time when I was little. I could never sing it to my daughter because I knew how fast the years would go so instead of feeling sad about her growing up I chose to enjoy watching her grow up. It’s been eight months now and I would be lying if I said I am already used to her being out of the house. But time is making it easier. It seems that both you and I have entered a new chapter of our lives but we both know that God takes care of those who lay their trust and faith in Him. He will see us through and make us both stronger for it. God bless you Ruthie as we move forward in our life journey.
I really needed to read this tonight. A lot in my life has changed in the last year, and some not for the better. I still have to find my happy. I’ve been in Sad town long enough! I’m moving!
Be blessed,
Laura Lane
Carthage, Missoura
~grin~
Another Missourian who has been spinning her wheels in Sad town too long says thanks!
What a lovely uplifting post ! I so needed to read this….I know exactly how you feel as I am a recent empty nester too and feel very lost and alone right now..Thankyou for your encouraging words that came at just the right time !
Yes I know that all too familiar feeling of the empty nest. I had my kids so young that my empty nest came sooner than I would have liked. It was definitely an adjustment. I miss them a lot. Sometimes I wish I could go back to when they were little and we were baking in the kitchen. They are all healthy and happy and that’s what I want for them. But its still hard. As you say its a new chapter in our lives and I thank God for the Blessings.
Thank you for that! My daughter isn’t going off to college, but has taken a full time job. With that and her other obligations, I see very little of her. But she’s a wonderful young woman and I’m so thankful for her. I’m alone mostly, as I’m divorced, but, like you, I’m hopeful for what lies ahead, what God has prepared for me.
Many blessings!
Thank you so much for letting me join you on your journey. Your story is filled with blessings and joy, the same things I try to cultivate in my family’s life. I so enjoyed seeing all the sweet pictures of your beautiful daughter and so happy to hear the blessing she has been to you. I have two daughters still at home, but too are growing so fast. Your blog truly inspires me and I just wanted to share that with you. I loved your reasons for letting her go off to college and live there. We never want to let go, not even for a moment, but I am delighted to hear that you will have her home on weekends!
Saying a prayer for you right now. I know how you feel about the empty nest though it’s been many years now. Now my girls are grown, married and children of their own. But I know all to well when all of a sudden you wake up one morning and realize, things aren’t the same and I’m not so sure I like it deep down. But with change, most often comes wonderful opportunities for us. God is good and He is good all the time. Thanks for sharing your heart. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Aunt Ruthie,
What a beautiful post and tribute to your relationship with your daughter. Enjoy this new chapter and finding out how differently your days will become. I am in a MOPS group in my local neighborhood and I know that a group like that would need you as a mentor Mom or in leading a Bible study. The young Mom’s in your church need you. I promise! Maybe look into that? I felt the need to share that as someone who has no family of my own in town and in-laws that are not present in our daily life…
My girls are 4 and 2 with another baby girl on the way any day now. I don’t even want to think about them going off to school let alone college. I’m trying to slow down and speak sweet words to my girls during these busy days, stress of waiting for baby to arrive, and just every day life going on… Thank you for your wonderful and inspirational reminders!
Love, Jamie
I needed this so badly today, Ruthie, thank you!
Ironically, I made your Hillbilly Spaghetti Pie this weekend and viewed your post with the recipe and Summer was a little girl at the stove, stirring up the burger! And here is your post of her going off to college. *Sigh*, the years just fly by too quickly. My own ‘had’ flown the coop, however my oldest is back for now. You never know! LOL! It’s such a bittersweet time, I know….it truly is a painful time of life, entering that new chapter. Your attitude is inspirational, and your sunny disposition will not allow you to wallow, but it IS a time of grief, quite frankly, for we moms. Give yourself the time you need, and feel what you need to feel. ((Hugs))
what a beautiful post about a beautiful daughter. you are truly blessed.
and yes, i am obsessed with your blog. so cozy
You have always made your readers (followers, friends) feel like we have been invited into your home for a personal chat with you and this “chat” has a special place in a heart that moved their baby girl out into the real world on August 15! This heart especially loves the way you consistently point us to the word of God and the love of Christ in our “chats”. May your heart swell with our Lords amazing peace during this time of transition! Thank you!
omg…i almost died when my kids went off to school. i know it’s wrong but i hit the wall. but then i traveled a bunch and got over it. and now they are back here and i am as happy as can be!
As I was reading your post today, it brought back memories when our middle daughter Ashley went off the college 1,000 miles away. I impacted me in a way I can’t begin to describe. BTW, our other two daughters went away to school less than a 2 hour drive from home so the impact was not as great. We knew that we wouldn’t see Ashley expect on rare occasions like holidays. Right about the time that we dropped her off, Suzy Boggus (country singer) came out with a song called “Letting Go.” If you aren’t familiar with this song, you must google it & listen. It’s a story of just what was happening to us. Just have your kleenex handy because you’ll need them. Our son-in-law gave us tickets for a her concert here in Houston a couple of years ago & Suzy sang that song. I still boo hoo listening to it even though it was 1991 when Ashley went off to college so far away. Wishing you lots of love as you let your little chick fly away.
Thank you for lifting my spirits with encouragement with this post… perfect timing!
Thank you for your post. I am saving it to read again in 4 short years when my baby will be off to college. My oldest will be off in 2 years so I am trying to savor every moment we have. They truly grow up in the blink of an eye. Hugs to you.
I so needed this, the words you shared that were shared with you by your sister in love, totally made sense..
“Then my sister-in-law Holly texted me and shared what she told herself when she started to miss her daughter who went to College last year: “She is so incredible, the world needs to know who she is. Because of that I have to share.” Wow! That was the cherry on top!”
If we know we have done a good job, and we have turned out God Fearing, Kind Hearted, Happy Kids.. Then it is our gift back to Jesus to let them go forth and shine that light to others.. especially in this dark and sometimes cruel world. Thanks “Aunt” Ruthie for making your bittersweet moment a encouraging one for the rest of us.
Sincerely,
A Misplaced Okie in the North Country of NY
JEANNIE AKA MRS SASSY PANTS
I’m on the other side, my baby just started kindergarten! I really like seeing the pictures of Summer through the years. I’ll pray for you tonight and for Summer. Your encouraging words helped me through my new season as a newly divorced single mama. I hope I can (with Gods help) raise my two boys to be Godly men. It’s hard to see the good in my situation but I’m trusting in Him. Thanks for sharing your experience, Ruthie.
First of all, thank you so much for posting more frequently lately! I’ve followed you for years but since I don’t Facebook, I wasn’t in the loop for a while there!
I just live up the road from you and I may just run into your darling Pookie Lou some day! haha She is going to a wonderful school and her new friendships will last a lifetime.
We readers are looking forward to hearing more about your new phase of life. You are a beautiful example of godly intentional living — always bringing honor to God in your family and home life. Thanks for your ministry of encouragement!
M.A.S.T. !!!!
(Missourians Against Sad Town)
Hugs to you, friend. *-p
Dear Ruthie, I so relate to the empty nest, all of the emotions you have talked about I have felt, I would cry, and then ask myself similar questions, in my heart I knew it was for the best!
We live on a farm, sometimes we have to wean the little ones, and when I hear the cry of the mothers, and babies it breaks my heart! But after a while the cries stop, both the mother and babe, begin their new life!
Just as these animals began their new chapter in their life, DH and I began ours , he would often say, “we are ending up just as we started”, I then remembered the honeymoon years, and smiled! One added bonus was those sweet grandchildren of ours, oh! how we enjoyed them, and now they are in college and married with a baby! and so on it goes!, yet another chapter.
You and I have a common bond it is this, we are believers in a Savior, Jesus, who has sustained us through this book we are writing!
So dear One, let those tears flow, and rejoice in knowing that God has not only their life planed He has yours., and mine!
I have known you since 2008 when I first started blogging, you have been such an encouragement to me so many times, actually every time.~smile~
I have watched as you shared events of your children life, and rest assured you and Gary made some great and wonderful investments, and now you are reaping the rewards of those investment! I so look forward to seeing what God has planned for you.
Sending much love from me to you,
Sue
Thank you for your inspiration. You have a beautiful attitude. It is amazing how we have to keep adapting and growing through our different chapters in our lives. It always seemed to me whenever I said to myself, “I got this.” BOOM! another “stage” of parenthood would break through. You are a wonderful example of a beautiful close-knit family, that has God as the center of your lives. As long as you cling to that its all good. Changes and all! Its nice to know that as mothers we all have this day in common and we will grow from it. Our new normal will be something beautiful because we choose to make it that way. Where does God need me right now? He always shows me a path right in front of me. Open eyes, open ears, open hearts. You have all of that and I am sure your new path will be amazing. May God continue to bless you and your family.
What beautiful words of inspiration. It is so very difficult to see your children off into the world, but that is the way God intended it to be. I am cherishing each and every moment with my youngest, he too was a surprise and much younger than his brother and sister. We have entered the sophomore year of high school now and the time for college will come so quickly. Thanks for sharing pictures of your sweet Summer and also your feelings, it is so helpful to know that as mothers we can all relate to each other :)
Hi Ruth Anne, I saw on Instagram that Summer Rose had gone to College.
I wanted to say your article here is beautiful and you have learned that yes, each season has it’s blessings and sacrifices.
When our youngest son left home to go to college, I realised that it was 25 years since it had just been the two of us!
Guess what, we found a freshness in our marriage. We could be spontaneous! If we wanted to eat out or go for a drive or get home late, it was fine.
We started relishing and enjoying just being a couple again.
When our boys asked us if we were okay, we were able to assure them that we were.
They had been worried about us!
So….this is something lovely that you can enjoy with your husband. It’s a gift from God and a reward after a long season of parenting.
And we get to show our children that we can be happy and content with our spouse, and that is something that will encourage them in their marriage as well.
Hope that helps. It looks like you are already getting some wonderful counselling from your family and friends.
Warm Regards, Helen
I was tickled to see you mention “Where Are You Going…”. I thought I was the only one who knew that song! We had it sung at our daughters wedding!
Boy, did I need to read this! So nice to commiserate with you today. My one-and-only child (son) left for college 3 weeks ago. I cried for YEARS leading up to this event – watching him walk to the front door of his high school in the mornings, for example. One day I just woke up and noticed the fur surrounding his sweet baby face and oh yeh, the deepening voice and broadening shoulders.
For years we used to go out (as a family) to a restaurant on Friday nights. I began to notice that my teenage son looked not exactly thrilled with this arrangement at times. Which was strange – he always got SO excited whenever one of his licensed friends called to take him someplace. Overnight he graduated and grew up. Papers were filled out, forms were filed. I personally folded towels with his roommate’s mom on his arrival at college. Didn’t even cry when I left him and drove home with his dad, 250 miles away. I was determined to be a strong mama for my boy, and I was…until the next day when I sniffed his pillow and curled up on his (unmade) bed. Imagine my surprise when he recently told me that he was getting a little homesick and really missed us. I heard someone say the following:
REMEMBER HOW YOU USED TO GET RESTLESS AND BORED? YOU WERE SO EXCITED ABOUT GOING AWAY TO COLLEGE! NOW IF YOU WERE HERE, YOU WOULD PROBABLY BE BORED AGAIN, WONDERING IF ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS WERE OUT THERE SOMEWHERE, LIVING EXCITING LIVES AND ENJOYING SCHOOL. IN ORDER TO HAVE THAT, YOU’RE GONNA BE HOMESICK SOMETIMES. THAT’S JUST GONNA BE A PART OF YOUR LIFE.
Yeh, I still can’t believe I said that. I didn’t REALIZE, before that very moment, that my baby has to find his place in the world, at the school he very carefully selected, which offers the courses he needs for his specific degree.
It’s the hardest thing in the world being without him. He’s been my little buddy since the day he was born to his 40-year-old, very grateful mother. I want to grab and hold on to the greatest blessing I’ve ever been given. Instead, my husband and I are learning how to release him.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of my child. Thank you for holding the hand that I can’t always hold. Please hold my hand, too.
In our house, it’s Waah-waah town, but we’re not parking there either! My 19 year-old daughter is a missionary in Louisiana and she won’t be back until August 1st, 2018. I get a call at Mother’s Day and on Christmas, and except for letters and emails every Monday, there’s no contact. She will learn to stand on her own two feet and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide her, and I wouldn’t have it any other way, BUT I SURE DO MISS HER! Feeling your feels, Aunt Ruthie! Love ya!
Your write up was exactly what I needed to read today! I thank you for your obedience to The Lord in creating such an uplifting blog! You have lifted up this sister in Christ at a time when it was needed and I feel renewed in reading how you laced the word of God within your life’s hapenings. Thank you again for sharing your heart! Now I shall take myself out of park and head down the road to lift up others too, because silly me, I am blessed, what was I doing parked like that!!!
Blessings for her beautiful future ! You and your husband are very blessed to have such a lovely family ! You both should enjoy the credit and blessings from God ! She will spread her wings and flourish in the grace of our Lord !