Taking Stock

Spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch.  Well, not exactly what I am taking stock of today, but one gets the idea.
Life is in motion, and it is spinning just a little faster than I care for.  Here in this house, Jacob is a senior.  I don't care for that.  He is sharing with me his plans for his future and it is taking place in places far from here.  An adult now, registered for the draft, registered to vote.  He has his own life to think of in very real terms. 
In Cedar Falls and in Ames, life has sped up as well.  Hayley, now a junior, has a five year plan in the works and I am paying attention.  Wedding and baby is what she has her eye on in the next five years.  It doesn't scare me in the least, been there and done that with much success so I see no reason why she should wait for some ideal age.  I think her five year plan is ideal.  Ashlyn in three months will no longer be in school.  I clearly remember her first day.  School and Ashlyn had been very good friends for a long time, but sometimes I think the relationship is becoming strained and maybe it is time for a change.  And then what for my Ashlyn?  Only the good Lord knows and He keeps His cards close to His chest. 
Ata heads down the aisle in February.  Having lived so far away, I don't know her well enough and I don't know the groom at all.  I know that she is beautiful, talented, quirky and he is lucky.  I will add to this paragraph in February.
And then there is my nephew, a navy man.  Isaac will be setting sail for who knows where.  It is a great big world and he is going to see it!  Unfortunately, he will see a lot of shitholes as well as a lot of incredible places.  I am very proud of him and very excited for him.  I look forward to the day when Danny and I get to visit him overseas instead of vice versa!
Molly is up in Michigan and never on Facebook so I have no idea what she is up to.  I suspect a bit of no good mixed in with a whole lot of fun.  We all anticipate unexpected things from Molly.  She will be fun to watch.
Tom is keeping close to home.  A wise financial move, I imagine.  Again, I think Tom will surprise us all.  In good ways, obviously!
Morgan is living it up in the City.  At barely seventeen, she is in New York studying with Joffery.  I don't think I speak for her parents when I say that I am over the moon for this adventure!  Of course, my girl was a little older when she set off for Chicago so I don't really have room to talk.  But that has never stopped me before.  And I pray that she keeps us posted on this moment.  Hip Hip Hooray!
Still waiting to see what Melody, Maddie, Jayse, Cohen and Keaton will be and do.  I can only imagine. 
And here I am at definitely mid life.  I say that with optimism that I will reach 86 and beyond.  I am happy that my health issues were less than minor.  Popping some pills, adding some stretches, maybe a few sit ups, a walk to the corner, a little less soda and a little more H2O, easy enough.  I have made the conscious choice to look at the next few years with excitement not with sadness.  Though I never thought it a good idea to have my kids move away, I won't see the downside of empty beds, less laundry or smaller grocery bills.  Danny and I are golfing and movie nighting and booking flights.  We are realizing that the best is definitely behind us and ahead of us and we are standing in the midst of it.  We are looking to be healthy and happy in this life we have created with God's grace. 
Spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch.