When you have six kids ranging in age span of 9 years you are in the mode of being a parent for a very long time.

In fact I carried a diaper bag around for so long that I cannot stand a large purse. I have the smallest version possible.

As a mom with a large number of kids, I found that each one has its own season at different times. You get to savor Graduations, weddings, family vacations, Christmas holidays, plays, concerts, sports, spring break, Thanksgiving, Halloween, camping, weekend get aways, boating, and just sitting on the back porch.

One of my best memories was a Hurricane two years ago where we were without power and the teenagers came out of their rooms. We played games by flashlight, had a bon fire and cooked on the gas grill.

Christmas magic lasts for a very long time as you watch the older kids continue to help foster the spirit by helping move the elf on the shelf, and setting out cookies for Santa. Same for Easter & the tooth fairy, you have wonderful helpers!

Kids take their turns in their crisis in school, catching the Flu, Mono, stitches keeping the house very busy with ups and downs of energy. I can still hear the running up and down the stairs even though they are no longer here.

As the older kids move away, buy houses and start their career, your role as a parent changes. You move from Captain of the ship as more of a mentor: someone they can count on to help support them, cheer them on and be available to ask for advice.

The younger kids start to get more attention as the house starts to empty out. It’s more apparent who is the one leaving the dishes everywhere, spilling food on the furniture and you have more time to focus on them. This is the hardest stage for me as there seems to be misunderstandings and shorter conversations where a longer one is needed.

Then the holidays arrive, this is a chance for all of the six kids to see each other again and reminisce. Rules have eased up and the older kids tell the younger kids they have it so much easier. I love seeing their grown up relationships form.

We are in a transition time, the four older ones are in their careers and the two younger ones are still figuring it out. The kids that have serious relationships are having to choose which family to spend the holidays with. The times we have all six have become a rare and cherished event. The last time was Tims retirement party 3-1-19.