I am sitting here at my desk on the last evening of my family’s busiest week of the year. We celebrate both Jonny and Seth’s birthdays in the last few days of September while Jonny works round the clock finishing up his fiscal year at work. By the end of October 1st, Jonny will be exhausted, but he and I will both be able to let out a nice long exhale. To keep things interesting, an insect bite on my neck became infected last week sending an angry red line towards my face and sending me to the doctor’s office (which gave me a chance to listen to the new Mumford & Sons album
Jonny will tell you that he’s 27, but we just celebrated his big three five. I bought him running clothes and things of that sort because after finding out he finished in the top 5% of the Tough Mudder, he is very motivated to keep running. I started a post full of all my favorite pictures of him from the past year, but then got too sick to finish it up. Seth just turned 12 (which we celebrated with coffee cake and decaf coffee,) and I spent the week ripping out the nearly felted cuffs on the sweater I knit him for his tenth birthday, adding extra length to the sleeves and the body before finally washing and shaving it. I had planned to knit him a new sweater for this birthday, but he wouldn’t have it. He is very attached to his old one, and asked me in all seriousness if I could eventually just rip it back to the armpits and do some more increasing so he could fit it forever. I feel like we are in the last year of Seth’s childhood. So much will change in the next year. I don’t know if I am ready. Actually, I know that I am not. I guess this is sort of like those fleeting newborn weeks where you are trying to hold on to every moment (except when they are crying) because you know that soon it will all be over. One day you look at your baby and realize he’s not a newborn anymore, but it’s okay, because he’s still here, only bigger. Seth won’t be a little boy for much longer, but he’ll still be Seth.
We started a new birthday tradition this week. Jonny and I have watched the first season of United Bates of America
Another thing that Jonny and I have been talking about doing, after hanging out with friends who encouraged us to do so, is a podcast. What if we recorded a podcast together on a regular basis and shared it here? Jonny has recording equipment already, and I have wanted a way for him to share here more often. But, what would we talk about? There would have to be structure so that we wouldn’t just ramble on of course. Is this a silly idea? Jonny’s pretty silly, so I am guessing it would be funny (in case you missed them, he wrote about our bees here, and knitting here.) We could discuss home improvement projects gone bad, raising a big family, chicken poop on the front porch, and I don’t know what else. I suppose we could even discuss serious topics, although I shy away from controversy. Are there any questions you’d like us to answer, ideas to discuss, or general thoughts on this? Jonny is definitely game. I am not sure I could follow through with it (seems closely related to public speaking,) but I promise to try if there’s interest.
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I feel like the knitting the gardening and the bees have been covered by you quite extensively. Try something new! Go on a date with Johnny once a month and then podcast your reflections on that. Congrats on the top 5% by the way! I keep toying with the idea of the GORUCK. They do a bang up job of it right here in Key West.
Yes, podcast please!
Absolutely you should do a podcast! I did one for about 3 years with my husband and it was a great thing for us. We loved doing something creative together. I also feel it grew our relationship as well. Just talk about what is going on in your lives and be yourselves. My only advice would be to carefully choose how many shows to do a month. Once a month worked for us – it is a good bit of work. Just do what works for you! Listeners like to know when it is coming, so pick a schedule and then stick to it. (Easier said than done, right?)
Hooray for the ending of the busy time! I hope you start feeling well very soon.
I would love to listen to your podcast. Knitting, gardening, sewing, home improvement projects, bees, chickens, large family, homeschooling, I think you’ll have plenty of topics. Maybe your kids could come on now and again, to interview you or be interviewed, or share a special interest with the podcast listeners.
I think it’s a great idea.
We have a birthday this week so thank-you for the very timely idea for a brilliant new tradition!
Please please do a podcast, I love reading your blog but it would make some knitting projects easier if I could listen ;0)
x
After reading Jonny’s post about knitting, I think you should definitely do a podcast. You’re a fantastic writer, and he’s hilarious–I have no doubt your podcasts would be entertaining.
Wow, 5%! Way to go Johnny! My hubby has eyed that Tough Mudder page for over a year now. He’s done a few other runs but not Tough Mudder. Have to admit the electical wires have me a bit nervious.
Please do a podcast! It’s a great idea! I’m reading you blog with an enormous interest (but it’s my first comment here), and I’m sure you’ll have a lot interesting things to say. And may be children can also participate in podcast?
I think listening to a podcast from you guys would be delightful! As for topics, I’d love to know how your daily schedule works. I am a stay-at-home mom of just 1 3-year-old and I can’t get half of what you guys get done in a day and I am really wondering where I am going wrong. Help!
I had a horrible relationship with my mom as a teen so I just assumed when my kids became teenagers they would hate me and all our good times would be over. It just got better and better as they got older. As they grew into adults and became more responsible and mature I marveled at how much I LIKED them. It is bittersweet as they get older and you realize that your time with them as little children is finite but you seem to making the most out of every moment. I would love to listen to your podcast! Bees, gardening, knitting, sewing, your traveling adventures, life with a large family, crafting with kids, and your faith are all things I would like to hear about. I love silly men-I am married to one so that would be fun too.
happy birthday jonny and seth! top 5%! that’s awesome. hopefully you are all better soon. i’ve never listened to a podcast, but it’d be fun to hear you two.
Yes, yes Podcast please! Talk about raising a big family, how to give your kids a simple childhood, connecting with your children in small everyday ways, funny lessons you’ve learned along the way, etc. Love the idea!
I LOVE the Bates..they are so sincere. Love love love the sunshine shining through your daughter’s hair. My little girl made a “thankful collage” today and one of the pictures she included was a girl with long hair…she said she’s thankful for hair. 🙂
Definitely do a podcast – you guys have an amazing life and message to share! That said, I do hope you are both feeling better.
Haha! Happy Birthday everyone!
Maybe you could post for questions and then answer the ones you like 😉
Awesome Idea!
Jacq
Oh and yes, my son is 12 (nearly 13)
he has a moustache.
Somedays I am sad about it somedays I am happy for it!
I love the idea of praises before presents. I’d love to start that tradition, thanks for sharing Ginny!
I just don’t come here often enough, Ginny. I always leave feeling refreshed. I am so sorry you have been sick. That stinks. Things often seem to happen in lumps of busy, I think. I would love to listen to podcasts and I love the praise before presents idea. We something like that, but not so intentionally. Happy 35 and happy 12. I deeply feel right now similarly to you on childhood ending. I am trying not to let that seep out to Lala (just turned 8!), but I have noticed SO MANY changes in the past year (change of teeth 9 months ago) that I feel it coming and I am not ready. I want to be ready for me and for her. Anyway…the other night, she couldn’t fall asleep and came out crying, saying she just counted and only has 4 more years of being a kid. I tried to reassure her that 13 is still a kid, but it shook me a little! Hugs to your tribe. Nicola
this is my first time over her but wanted to say-hi. love the blog. your family is beautiful!
A podcast sounds like a great idea, I love the way both of you write. From others I have listened to the most helpful thing would be to have sections and work out some topics to chat about for each, so maybe knitting, and you would talk about what you are making, what is finished, the garden- what you have planted, what you have picked, the bees (I really want to hear more about the bees, I would love to have bees) etc
Fantastic birthday idea! I would live to listen to a Ginny and Jonny podcast. Maybe even the kids could get involved!
It was encouraging to me to read today about a family who has just finished their toughest month of the year, as we are just beginning ours here. Just the dose of hope I needed!
Love that you extended Seth’s sweater.
Happy birthday to all!
Oh, yes, please do a podcast! I’d love to listen to both of you.
Well, maybe once you could talk about how you two manage to be a couple that still can laugh together after many years of marriage and having children. At least to me your writing sounds like you’re having a really good relationship.
Get well soon, Ginny. And Happy Birthday to the boys 🙂
Katharina
I’d also love to hear about your relationship and any advice you have! Or anything else, yay for podcasts!
I would be so happy if you were to podcast! You and your family bring a smile to my life everyday.
The podcast is a brilliant idea! Hope you both feel better soon.
Happy Birthday Jonny & Seth!!!
a pod cast would be awesome! we would listen.
it is so bitter sweet when the kids grow up. so wonderful and yet so sad too. we celebrated our 2nd sons 11 birthday. i still remember him as my sweet little bundle, and now he is all big.
Lovely photos, as always. And happy birthday to Seth and Johnny!
I would definitely listen if you two produced a podcast! I think it would be great!
a podcast would be delightful!!
Definitely interested in a podcast from you guys!!
Would love to hear you both talk. Please do!
I will love to hear the two of you just talk, even when it would not be formal on a specific subject.
I would love to hear podcast from the both of you! It would be a great addition to the blog!
Happy Birthday Seth and Jonny! And thank you for the mumford reminder, life was so busy this week for us too that I forgot all about downloading it <3 happy dance!!
I've never really listed to podcasts, but please link on your blog of you do- think its sounds fun 🙂
I would love another catholic based (I assume it would be a focus) podcast – the two I listen to are only updated once a week so I run thru them quickly!
Would be fun to add voices to the faces. My sis is addicted to the Catholic In A Small Town podcast. You guys should totally do it. I’d listen!
I’d love to hear your voices. The podcast thing sounds very fun. And I love how your son is so attached to his sweater. That is just too sweet.
would love to listen to podcasts with you & your husband!
talk about your Catholic faith as a family- bees- photography- your daily schedule as a family- & how that jives with pursuing your passions….the options are endless!
always love reading your blog- so inspiring
Can’t wait to hear a podcast!!!
Sarah
I’d love to listen to your podcast 🙂 maybe it will be a bit strange to listen to your voices (I guess I’ve already imagined a voice for you both), but I’d certainly listen to what you have to say. I love reading your blog and I am very thankful that I found it!
It’s birthday season around here too! Crazy busy!
I was just talking to my midwife about kefir. She said it’s important to drink after one finishes all their antibiotics. While antibiotics kills off all the bad bacteria in the stomach, it kills off the good bacteria as well. After you have no more antibiotics to take anymore, kefir works to restore the good bacteria quickly in the stomach and in turn helps you avoid many discomforts of antibiotics, and avoid getting sick again.
I hope you’re all better soon!
A busy week indeed! My oldest turns 13 this week so I definitely identify with what you are saying about Seth. Happy birthday to both him and Jonny! I would definitely listen to the podcast. Sounds like fun! 🙂
“I guess this is sort of like those fleeting newborn weeks where you are trying to hold on to every moment (except when they are crying) because you know that soon it will all be over. One day you look at your baby and realize he’s not a newborn anymore, but it’s okay, because he’s still here, only bigger. Seth won’t be a little boy for much longer, but he’ll still be Seth.”
YES! Thank you for this. I, too, have several birthday kids around this time of year and it gets me sentimental and a touch sad. Loved your words today.
Yes, please on the podcast! I’d like to hear about how an ordinary day goes including the nitty gritty (discipline, cooking, cleaning) and about homeschooling.
Yes on the podcast!!! Can’t wait.
Wishing you a lovely and less hectic week. Hope you feel better soon.
I think you and Jonny doing a podcast is one of the best ideas I have heard in a long time. You guys could talk about anything and I would listen as I already love to read anything you guys write. You really do have a special gift and I am so glad you share!
I just loved your comments about Seth, and about his love for his sweater. Felt the tears stinging my eyes, but in a good way.
Th podcast is a great idea! Please do it!
If this isn’t just Fall for you – a flurry of birthdays, work, sickness and beautiful weather. I do hope you’re starting to feel better.
I’m not looking forward to the transition away from boyhood. I’ve been getting lots of extra hugs lately from Sam, and mentally soaking it all up and trying to savor the moments. He’s almost halfway to 12, and I know it’s going to fly by.
We can’t wait to see what your brilliant, creative family will do for a podcast (but um…no pressure or anything. 🙂 It’ll be fun to laugh with you and not worry that I’m keeping you up too late. 🙂
Feel better, friend.
Oh a podcast would be fun! Just look at as having a conversation with Johnny and your friends (that’s what we all are here!) and you’ll do fine!
It is so bittersweet watching them grow up. I see my two (ages 7 & 6) getting so tall and learning so much that it just chokes me up sometimes. But I am so proud of the people they are becoming, and I can’t stifle that for the longing to hold onto the little children they once were.
I’d totally listen to your podcast!
If you made a podcast, I’d definitely listen.
Seth’s request for you to keep adding on to his sweater so he can keep it forever reminded me so much of my older daughter that I felt my throat tighten. What a sweet, sweet child.
Oh, please do! A podcast! How lovely to hear your voices! And yes, great to hear more from Johnny! Go on, do it 🙂