this morning he was beginning to think that the day wasn't shaping up so well ......
that there was a real danger of him being bored all day ....
but he didn't know that today there was a birthday in the house ...
and that suddenly ....
the garden would be invaded by youngsters arriving on their bikes ....
the garden would be invaded by youngsters arriving on their bikes ....
young, happy noisy laughing boys ...
who even thought to take off their shoes when they came inside ...
then disappeared, leaving Gibson as shoe guardian for a while ....
quite a long while actually ...
then , after having devoured industrial quantities of pasta for lunch ...
they re-appeared ...
and Gibson was sure they had come to play with him ...
but instead of playing with Gibson, they joked and chatted
and played ball....
and tried new tricks ...
and Gibson tried his best to look interested ... and interesting
but still they had other priorities ...
and couldn't invite him along when they went into the village to play football ...
poor Gibson ....
it's a dog's life indeed!
But, and before you worry, I am happy to report that when they came back for tea, Gibson was still there to greet them, still enthusiastic, and this time they played chase with him in the garden then took him for a walk.
But, and before you worry, I am happy to report that when they came back for tea, Gibson was still there to greet them, still enthusiastic, and this time they played chase with him in the garden then took him for a walk.
Happy Birthday to my youngest boy, Jim. I don't know how it happened that all my children are now aged 15 and over. It is a shock, that's for sure.
I would love to still be organising children's parties with treasure hunts, and pass the parcel and musical cushions (aah ... musical cushions ....... ) and clowns and magician, but today I had to admit that it was a boys day, a day for football; and music and joking around among boys.
If you still have young children at home, then life may feel busy, and hectic, and you may feel like you have little or no time for yourself, but believe me that is GOOD! Those years just flash by wa-a-y too fast. Be tired, be happy, and savour every second.
As they grow older, the next bit is good too, but you don't get to play party games so often!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

I miss the days when my children were younger, but as time goes on, each day is a new adventure. Like Gibson, we don't know what it will bring!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your son!
XO,
Jane
Sharon - this was too sweet! I agree, it does go by way to fast and then we are left trying to adjust to a whole new life. It is amazing how these feelings are universal...
ReplyDeleteYOur words are so true..........try being an empty nester!I still mourn them after 7 and 5 years of being gone!How did that happen?The noise the messes all GOOD PEOPLE!!!!!!!ENJOY IT!
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling picture story. Gibson is just precious. I, too, missed those days for awhile, but now have 5 wonderful grandchildren, ages 4 and younger, and life again is even sweeter. Grandchildren are absolutely the best thing ever invented:)
ReplyDeleteHooray! Gibson! And it looks like great minds think a like because I have been posting about puppers this week too! ;) Like Gibson, I do wonder if my Ben gets bored and would love, love, love to get a second dog for him to hang out with--although he seems to like us humans just fine. Such an adorable post, Sharon. I am sure it will bring smiles to many!!
ReplyDeleteDear Sharon, I just started following you, and am so glad. This is such a bittersweet day for you and Gibson. It is a gift to be able to know when it's no longer necessary (as a mother especially) to control what's happening, but rather to observe and appreciate the life evolving around you.
ReplyDeleteIncredible post! I so share this sentiment just marrying my baby girl who is currently honeymooning and not giving a care to me anymore at all. The photos of Gibson are so precious..I love the deflated football...I can so relate! Thanks for such meaningful wisdom! It does happen too too fast!
ReplyDeleteA cup of coffee, waffle and "My French Country" my day is off to a great start! Thanks for the smile, Sharon.:)
ReplyDeleteSharon,
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to Gibson...poor dog! He looks so sad. I imagine he thought the boys would include him in their activities. I remember my dog Josie and how she loved to chase balls and wanted someone, anyone to play with her! He sure is a beautiful dog.
And, I had to mention that I am truly amazed that the boys took off their shoes! How on earth did that happen! HA :)
Happy Birthday Jim . . . all the way from Los Angeles. And yes, Sharon, I know exactly what you mean. It does go by way too fast. And as we get older, life continues to go faster and faster. Which is exactly why we should enjoy and be grateful for each day.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend! ♥
Oh Sharon, this post is so lovely. My heart yearns for those days when our hall was filled with backpacks and shoes.
ReplyDeleteWe still mourn the loss of our Golden but his spirit lives on and when I retire we plan to get another one.
Happy weekend to you and your birthday boy.
Simply lovely!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post!
Bon weekend, k
My kids are 20 and 18 so they are busy living their own lives now. They blow through occasionally but I do miss the chaos sometimes. Outside the loop -- yes, that is how it is now.
ReplyDeleteSuch true words. Enjoy every minute. But there's more fun ahead, Sharon. Grandchildren! There are two tiny girls in my life now and it's like a whole new beginning!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your son Jim!! Yes, I miss the fun birthday "festivals" as some of my friends called my rather excessive parties! I,too, am an empty nester and look forward to someday indulging grandchildren! Have a great weekend! Merci!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, especially for those of us who have been there.
ReplyDeleteHappy B-day to your son! And I understand: my children are 15 and 18!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Nicole
"Those were the days my friend, we thought that they would never end...."' - my son's girlfriend has a little 4 year old delight and when I am very good (:)), they bring her to visit - then the whirlwind begins "Can we play with the dollhouse? Can you jump again? Can we play dress-ups?" And that's just me!!!!!! Have a wonderful weekend and treasure these days too Sharon - they will pass too quickly as well!
ReplyDeleteHope your son had a great birthday. You took such wonderful pictures of Gibson, they remind me of my son's 16th birthday in the garden when our dog tried to get a look in too.
ReplyDeleteSarah x
I feel so sad for your dog Gibson. Does anyone ever play with him?? He looks so sad. Is he a happy dog?
ReplyDeletePoor Gibson , you need to get him a small child to play with again ! My dog would be beside himself with joy when our son would come home for visits. He was always the Boy that the pup loved to play with.
ReplyDeleteLove the dog as my family had one just like it and her name was Sandy, and I miss her very much. Richard from the Amish settlement of Lebanon,pa
ReplyDeleteOh Gibson, I would love to have you over to play with my two dogs. You would love hanging out with them, playing among the cherry and apple trees with a pond to go wading in if you get too hot.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Jim!
Great photos Sharon! You captured Gibson perfectly ! our little furbabies (2 Yorkies and 1 Yellow Lab ) are delighted when our God children come to visit ...Happy birthday to your son!! xo HHL
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Jim, Sharon... and you are so right... it does go all too quickly.... and Gibson... what a cutie... xv
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Jim!
ReplyDeleteAwwwwww sweet Gibson. I would LOVE to throw the ball for him and take him for walks.
Happy birthday to Jim! Poor Gibson..but dogs are the best because they love us unconditionally. They are always there waiting and always ready to welcome us back! So true that we have to love, accept and enjoy every moment. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteHow do they grow up so fast? I wish I had those days back when I never knew how I was going to get it all done. We have our third Westie now and what a treasure he is trying to replace all those fun times with the children.
ReplyDeleteEileen
Poor puppy. Looks like my Harry Cat when I pack up the harp and all its stuff and leave...he knows it will be a while until I come back to give him snuggles and kisses and treats.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your son!
You speak from the heart and into mine, I have a boy ... 3 yrs old and I cherrish each moment and can't get enough of it, it is just too fast and happy with sadness at the same time. It is the most special thing in life, to watch him grow....
ReplyDeleteBut back to your story telling today, it was funny read and made me smile...thank you!
hug Z
My youngest is 11 and my oldest 15, soon to be 16...the last 5 years went by in a FLASH! Busy busy busy. Every single day I feel their baby selves slipping away, but happily replaced by amazing young people, so wonderful to talk and play and to and shop and decorate with ( the daughter not the boys) But I swear, I had no earthly idea how fast this would go. It blows my mind. MY childhood seemed sooooo long, to drag on and on adventure after adventure and theirs has flown...how can that be? . ALl I can say is...Thank God for photos and Dogs!!!
ReplyDeleteGibson looks like he has the life in your beautiful surroundings whether someone is playing with him or not. Happy Birthday to your boy Sharon!
ReplyDeleteXX
Debra~
Your home takes my breath away every time I see a picture of it. Love your blog but this is your best (and most charming) post yet. The picture of Gibson keeping watch over the shoes is priceless! I have four kids: 22, 20, 17 and 9 years old. I am clinging to the wonders of childhood and motherhood with my 9 year old. It all goes by so fast.....
ReplyDeleteI am sure our children grew when we were not watching + grand pictures of the dog, party, everything! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteLovely post from Gibson's view. xo Jenny
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed this post from you. You created an endearing and fun little story with your photo display and words. I loved it. I want your dog. Okay, fess up; we all want your LIFE, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteMy heart went out to Gibson as I read this. I had a dog that looked just like him when I was a teenager, and I'm sure that Bo felt that way the few times I took off without him. He was my best friend for a long time.
ReplyDeleteLovely post. I enjoyed reading it.