Once upon a time there was a little boy whose mama and papa had another little boy. The little boy was so happy.
He had someone to take care of. Someone to play with.
The years passed swifly, at least to mama and papa, and then another little boy was added.
The newest little son fit right in. He soon learned to climb trees while wearing cowboy boots, that chocolate milk was the best drink ever, and how to make swords out of sticks. The years passed swiftly, at least to mama and papa, and a little girl was added.
Four silly children, all growing up together, in a house not very fancy and not too big, but with a lot of love and a mama and papa busy working to make ends meet. The years passed swiftly, at least to mama and papa.
There’ll be no more babies for mama and papa. But the ones they had, they loved them well.
Mama (that’s me) was commenting this morning on just how quickly it’s passing. Papa (that’s hubby) said, “You’re making a beautiful painting. And it’s almost done.”
Sad, I could be. But a little quote comes to mind.
Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. ~Melanie Swift
So I think that’s what I’ll do. Smile.
Lynn 
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
Lynn, this brings tears to my eyes along with a smile….a beautiful painting, indeed. I’m in much the same stage with my own “Masterpiece” and needed this encouragement today.
Michele WV
Beautiful family!
Beautiful life!
Beautiful memories!
Well said.
Your Pal, Michele
I’ll join you and smile!
Heather W (who is also done with having babies)
Michele, Michele, and Heather, thank you. It’s bittersweet, but mostly sweet!
Lynn
beautiful!
Smiling with you, Friend.
Sheri and Oney, thank you for stopping by.
We’ve all been in this stage together, ya know.
It’s nice to have friends to smile with.
Lynn
Okay, I’ll be the one you made cry!!
….
Wanda!! I’m so glad you visited my blog.
It made me cry too, until I decided to smile. Glad I’ve got you to smile with!
Lynn
*sniff* *sniff*
My babies are growing up. They are taller than me and beginning to have opinions of their own. White vs wheat bread. Two are entering High School in the fall and I know all too well how fast 4 years will go by. I am anxious to see how God is going to use them as adults and yet I wish to return to the days of 4 little ones giggling in the bathtub. Hugs to you friend. Thank you for sharing and bringing a smile to my face.
Oh Tracy, I know. I so miss the days of Thomas the Tank Engine, Winnie the Pooh, and so on. But perhaps we have grandchildren to look forward to!!
I’m interested to see what my children will do as adults as well.
Miss you,
Lynn
I loved this post, especially the pictures! The pictures brought back so many fond memories I have of the kids from the time they were born till now! You and Thomas have raised and are raising 4 amazing kids!
Jessamy, I can’t look at a baby picture of Joseph without thinking about you. I think he thought YOU were the mama and I was the innocent bystander most weekends.
We were just laughing about one year at Shelby when Joseph said, “I wanna sit wif Jessamy. She habs tandy.”
Thank you for your kind words. Hoping the children all do the right things…
Lynn
I love this post. It is so beautiful. Lovely little storybook you could make for your little ones to one day give their little ones.
Love the quote too.
Thank you, Maria.