Good morning, Everyone. How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun? Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting my son and taking him for a leisurely dinner near his college. Here is the thing about having sons.... somewhere between middle school and high school it becomes uncool to confide everything in mom. They clam up. Boys common response to their parents questions is a series of grunts while they drink milk straight from the carton.
Friends would laugh at me when I would say, "He could work for the CIA he's so private," or "Who is this man-child living under my roof?" My friends who had older sons assured me... "Just wait. He'll come back. When he gets a bit older he is going to let you back into his world, it's magical."
I'm back in. It's magical. He readily shares about his life from classes, to girlfriends, to everything in between. He lets me hug him goodbye in public and no longer has the care that it's uncool to hug mom in public. I hooked my arm with his when we left the restaurant and I had a flashback to a rainy day when he was four and he held my hand as we explored the neighborhood. I distinctly remember watching him as he ran up ahead in his little red raincoat and trying to picture what he would be like when he's grown. I loved him so much in that moment that it came back to me fifteen years later by just simply hooking arms. Magical.
Do you have a son? Have you experienced the pulling away through the teen years? What is your favorite thing about raising a son?
Giveaway: Enter to win skincare from the renowned Veronica Malibu Spa.
Visit inspired designs. or email me to find out about having a custom blog designed.
Visit inspired designs. or email me to find out about having a custom blog designed.
I haven't blogged or read blogs for a long time - I love the new look Debby!
ReplyDeleteDebby I have the pleaure of having those magical moments with not one but three of them. And I say that tongue in cheek, they are not always magical....lol. But boys are a lot of fun and its so true that they do come back full circle and "back to us". I love when they do but they all go through that stage at around 16 when they need their space and need to prove their indepedence, then as they turn into men, they slowly come back, trodding home. Its a beautiful thing...your little story was very sweet and poignant. Have a wonderful Monday!
ReplyDeleteLove your new header...so springy and uplifting!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Debby...Yes, I have a son and he's brought more magical moments than I can count. The teen years were tough and I have the grays to prove it hidden beneath my current ash brown color. My son lives across the country now, but each visit is a treasure. No matter how old my children get, I still see the child within them staring back at me with wide-eyed wonder.
ReplyDeleteYour post made me smile and nod in understanding.
Warms my heart. I don't have a son. After Meghan, I wanted one so much.
ReplyDeleteI imagined him following my husband around the garage and so forth. We were going to name him Jack, after my husband's father.
I now hope for a grandson someday.
I remember my friends who had sons, around the same time you mention, they would call me and ask what the scuttlebut was with the kids because they knew I'd hear it from the girls and they were getting nothing from the boys :)
Tickled you had such a wonderful weekend, so deserved.
I don't have kids. My weekend was great we had carnival moments!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are tagged in my blog!!!!!! check it if you want!
http://www.4inspireddesign.com/
kisses
Thats so sweet Debby, I have always been a bit fearful about having a boy, what to do? But that such a beautiful post, glad you are back in, enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteAww that is so sweet! He is back, just in time when you need him the most ;)
ReplyDeleteSweet Debby and congratulations on getting your son back. Love your new spring header!
ReplyDeleteXX
Debra~
I got tears in my eyes. That was the sweetest story Debby.
ReplyDeleteI love my two boys so much and have many moments like this one with them. One is more open, one more guarded...but lately the guarded one has wanted to talk...it is just up to me to ask the right questions. Having both of them walk me down the aisle at my daughter's wedding is a memory I will never cease to replay over and over again. Boys are such a blessing...and I love the springy beautiful header! happy monday!!
ReplyDeleteMy little guy is only five...still in the hand holding phase, but tearing up a bit to think this won't last forever...sweetest post Debby! xx
ReplyDeleteLove the clean rustic look...
ReplyDeleteI don't have children yet, my brother def went through that tho.. girls and boys certainly are different...glad to hear you got to spend some time with him this weekend!
My weekend was full of much needed time with my best friend, delectable food and shopping!!!
Have a great Monday!
http://www.taylormadecollections.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TaylorMadeCollection
Just heading into the teen years with my daughter... my son is only ten, and he still hugs me and confides in me - I hope I make it through the teen years and back into the fold! So happy to hear you are close with your own... they are the sun and we are the planets, right?
ReplyDeleteI have three sons. I love them as adults. But sometimes it can be hard when they get married. ove my DILs but you have to remember your place. Love thinking back at when they were little. Sweet post.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that he's back in your arms again :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear that, Debby. I've heard the same thing about sons. They always do come back. Glad you had a wonderful time with him this weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteOh and beautiful photos above. What a gorgeous kitchen. That would be a dream! xoxo
love the used of color on the ceiling in the first image
ReplyDeleteSo true and beautifully expressed. I have to agree with Debby that when they get married, you must remember your place. I could not love my DIL any more if I had birthed her, but my heart still stirs with a twinge of resentment sometime when I sense my son is not getting all the respect I think he deserves. But, there is nothing quite like a bond between a mom and her son. Treasure these moments, Debbie.
ReplyDeleteOh! I was so taken aback by the gorgeous styling that I almost missed the amazing story behind it!...I have a girl/woman that age...I got tears in my eyes!
ReplyDeleteHope you’re having a great start to the week
Big hugs!
Inés
SimplyClassyMe.blogspot.com
SimplyClassyMe.blogspot.com
Debby- that is the sweetest story ever! Oh goodness, I have goosebumps. What a magical post.
ReplyDeleteDebby-
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how they finally come around. Isn't it great having a son! I need to pinch myself and thank the good Lord for allowing me to have a boy and a girl!
Happy Monday.
Teresa
xoxo
Yes, Debby I have three son's.They are two years apart so I went from one pulling away to another. I like to say it this way...... They are not pulling away from Mom they are just trying to become men. Because when they are with us, because we nurtured them so, they will always become that 12 year old little boy. The only way they know to become their own man is to pull away. It is hard to not take it personally at first until you figure out what is happening. Yes, indeed they do come back full circle. Mine are now 34,36,39 and from time to time they will call and we will talk close to two hours. It is not a constant every day occurance but when they want a MOM fix they call. I cherish each time they are here or when I get those calls. It is a wonderful sweet moment. There is nothing like a Hug and I love you MOM from our grown boys!! Its the best!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday,
Kathysue
Oh I desperately wait for the day my 19 year old son finds his way back to me...I've been told the same thing, they always do come back. Love your happy attitude in tough times!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are always so amazing! I don't have a son but I certainly have friends that do and what you say is exactly what I have witnessed. So happy for you and your great time with your son! I love the entryway picture. I am building a home and that picture is inspirational!
ReplyDeleteNo I unfortunately did not have that pleasure but you did brought tears to my eyes talking about your son...
ReplyDeleteSonia xo
I love that first photo of the kitchen! Just gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteI didn't have any sons, just 2 daughters. Love reading your stories about your son!
Debby, Love all these neutrals - and that kitchen is gorgeous. My son is 23. Late middle school and high school were tough years. When he went away to school we had peaks and valleys with communication. There were times when I'd text and always finish with a question mark ?? to make sure he answered. Lol! I use the term Man-Boy a lot because (even adult) men are a totally different package.
ReplyDeleteI've always worked around my kid's schedules to make sure I'm there for those magical moments - you never know when they will want to talk, hug, or hold your hand. I remember turning the radio off in my car to force a little discussion. When they go away to college -absence seems to make the heart grow fonder. They seem a little more appreciative, however the real deal doesn't happen until they are actually out of the house and supporting themselves. Kids are tough on their parents at times and itis SOOO frustrating when you know they aren't telling you things. It's natures way of making a little separation I guess. xx leslie
First of all, your photos are FABULOUS! Secondly, I do not have children, but I always wanted a brother ( I am an only child) and then I had wanted a son. Now I teach and the boys are my favorites. What is the most difficult thing about teaching boys and saying good-bye at the end of the year? I don't know, but I cry. I guess I know that I at least made a contribution to helping them be men one day.....
ReplyDeleteAnita
Good taste y grace!
ReplyDeleteMy boys are 18 & 20
ReplyDeleteI love seeing them spread their wings and begin their journey as young men!
brett
Oh Debby, it's sounds like a most wonderful visit with your son! I am so happy the two of you had that special time together. So precious. Happy Monday to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement that this stage is temporary, and normal. My friends always told me to get prepared, but it is hard watching your sweet little guy turn into this rude/aloof teenager! I'll be patiently waiting the magical moments...
ReplyDeleteI can vouch for evrything you say about sons. It is so true! My son was an easy child to rear and has grown up to be quite a fine young gentleman with such a sweet, thoughtful spirit.
ReplyDeleteP.S.-Love your new header and the photos in this post!
Karen T.
I'm so loving this post, both photos and text.
ReplyDeleteLuckily my son is only seven so he's still hugging me all the time, whether in private or public, and he tells me everything. And he says that he and I will live together and own a cosy café.
Are you telling me that he'll stop doing that in a few years?!!
Such a sweet post Debby...and music to my ears. My boys are 13 and 16 now so we're smack dab in the middle of them pulling away more & more. Although, I do think my health crisis delayed the process a bit esjpecially with my oldest. Thank you for sharing your magical moments with your son, truly warmed my heart!!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos too! xo
Kare
I never really thought about that, but now that you mention it, my 20 year old son and I recently became like best buddies...and my 14 year old does the grunting thing...LOL. Thanks for reminding me it's all so normal! Debby I think I need an updated header for spring! I'm going to have to email you soon!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
xo
Sharon
This post is absolutely gorgeous, the pictures are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI have two young men, my boys.
Let me tell you, it´s not easy deal with them sometimes, they are so practical, sometimes I see them like mathematics, they are the definition of that quote
“The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple." This is the perfect definition of my boys.
Wish you a great week.
Tereza
Oh yes, boys!! My two little guys are still young so we haven't entered the middle school phase, but it's coming soon. My older one is very open with me, and I treasure it, knowing that in the not too distant future, things will change. I still get hugs and cuddles from both.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing your story - and how lucky you are to be on that other magical side of the parenting journey. I'm sure your son is one in a million and treasures YOU just as much as you do him!!
xoxo Elizabeth
ps: Today I was wearing my ball cap that says boymom. A friend gave it to me and it just makes me smile.
this is such a beautiful post... it's the kind of stories that you love to read on blog posts!
ReplyDeleteHi Debby,
ReplyDeleteLove all the lovely pics as well as your header. That rose filled dress is to die for! Anyway, my husabnd and I do not have son's, but instead have two beautiful daughters that have been wonderful blessings to us. However, the bond that I see between my husband and his mother is nothing like I've seen before. He adores his mother and always hugs and kisses her whenever we get together for family occasions. She's also a well cared for woman who looks absolutely fabulous at age 76! I'm sure that many precious moments are sure to come your way for many years.
Have a great week.
~ Stephanie
how sweet! I currently have a teen & dreading the time that she will be off to college & on her own :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet and perfectly spot on post! I have 3 teenagers, two boys and a girl. I receive many grunts from the boys in response to my questions and the hormones are on a definite roller coaster ride with my daughter! But, I have been assured by many that it is only a phase and they will come back around in time. They are all three wonderful and the rare precious times that they do share with me these days, I treasure with all my heart. Sometimes just being there is all they need from us...they appreciate that more than they are willing to show, I'm convinced.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your time with your son was so special! Thanks for sharing, Debby.
Angie
I love being a mother of a 4 year old boy! He looks at me and says the sweetest things to me like "your my precious mama"...being a mom of a boy and a girl, they mother/son relationship is a special one. Can't even think about either of them leaving the nest...I will start to cry!
ReplyDelete