I want to talk about something that's been on my mind a lot lately: the reality of adjusting to life as our children grow up and venture out on their own. It's a mixed bag of emotions, isn't it? On one hand, you're so proud of their independence, but on the other hand, you're struggling with the quiet they leave behind. 

As mothers, we pour so much of ourselves into our children, which can be both rewarding and exhausting. In the early years, there are so many sleepless nights as we care for our babies, yet as they grow, we find ourselves a little more energized by days fueled by restful sleep. This devotion feeds our souls, even as we sometimes play the martyr, silently looking for a little acknowledgment in our roles as mothers and often, as I'm sure some of you can relate, unpaid taxi drivers. Despite the rare "Thanks, Mom" and the daily tasks that go unnoticed, a huge part of us misses these moments once they're gone.

Navigating this journey requires a delicate balance, especially when we are guiding children with strong wills and vibrant personalities. It's a role I have loved as a parent, finding such satisfaction in steering these determined spirits towards their potential. This process can be challenging, but I also think it reinforces the blessings of motherhood and the gratitude we feel for being able to fill these shoes — embracing those struggles that we know make them stronger and providing a solid foundation for them to learn and grow within the safety of our homes.

Yet, as our children grow and carve out their own paths, we're reminded of the importance of redirecting some of that nurturing energy toward our personal relationships, particularly with our spouses. With our older children out of the nest, my husband and I have been given this unexpected gift of time to reconnect and rediscover each other - getting back to the basics of us, something that's easy to lose sight of in the whirlwind of parenting.

I've had to get strategic about dealing with these changes, focusing on self-awareness and the dynamics of my marriage. It's been a process of diving deeper into our relationship, finding fulfillment in each other's company, and nurturing our bond.

This journey of rediscovery led to a particularly memorable moment on our recent trip to Australia. We were enjoying a visit with some of my husband's family, talking about relationships and things that my husband enjoys, and my very manly husband unexpectedly shared his perspective on what keeps him content and fulfilled. 

His words were simple yet profound:

"Honestly, as long as I'm living in that love bubble, everything's good." 

Hearing him describe our relationship in such tender terms was a moment of raw emotion for me. It was a reminder of the depth of our bond and the importance of nurturing it. His acknowledgment felt like a trophy, a recognition of the effort we've put into maintaining our connection amidst life's changes.

The love bubble has become a symbol of our commitment to each other, of taking those moments to nurture each other, love one another, pay attention to the things that make each other tick, and very intentionally pouring into our love banks. It represents our intentional efforts to fill each other's lives with love, understanding, and support. It's about creating a space where we're not just co-parents or partners in life's practicalities but allies in love, cherishing each other's company and rekindling the spark that brought us together.

So, to anyone else feeling the weight of a quieter home, I encourage you to see it as an opportunity to deepen the connections that the daily grind of parenting might have overshadowed. It's a chance to rediscover each other and create your own love bubble, filled with the things that make your relationship unique and special.

🤍 Quinn