I clearly remember my parents being 36 years old. I was 12-years-old and the whole family was in church. I was pondering how “OLD” my parents were – doing the math in my head I figured out they were 36 years old, and I was in awe.

Of course, I then proceeded to think of them as being 36 years old for like the next 10 years or so. I’m still not great at paying attention to birthdays, and half the time I have to ask Erin how old I am. But this year is different. Because I am turning 36 in a few days and it is weirding me out. 36 years old – wait, that’s my parents age!

My parents had 5 kids then, aged 15, 12, 4, 2 and a newborn. It was the fullest years at home before we started finally moving out one-by-one. I have 2 kids, a 3 years-old and a newborn. So I am a little behind in the kid department, but I certainly don’t plan on catching up! Two is plenty! I can’t imagine 5!!

My dad seemed to know how everything worked and had the answers for every situation. I would like to say I do too, but I would be lying. I am pretty handy, as I have fixed plenty of household issues. Put in new faucets and a wood floor. Painted plenty. Even built a stone patio and a raised garden out back. But then again, I couldn’t even tell you where our main water shut off valve is. So did Dad really know more then I do now? Or was he a better actor? Since I still ask his advice on things like this I would have to say he knew more.

My dad was also cool as cucumber at all times. I tend to freak out if I miss my turn. Hmm, I guess I better work on projecting a more calm exterior for my kids sake. Can’t have them thinking their old man is on edge.

My mom was completely in control of our family affairs, keeping track of all our school activities and watching a toddler and a baby too. Groceries were always stocked and dinner on the table every night at 5:30, how did that happen? Although, it happens in my house too, no thanks to me.

I can barely handle the little ones I have at times, I can’t imagine adding two teenagers and a 4 year old to the mix and still keeping things together. Yikes!

I do remember being forgotten a few times and having to walk home, so schedules did get mixed up occasionally. Looking back, I am embarrassed to say that this upset me, if I had only known how much work it must have been to keep up with us all. I alone was involved in soccer, karate, boy scouts, theater, choir, band, baseball, basketball, etc. Add the 4 other kids activities to the picture and you got a crazy busy daily calendar.

Anyways, I don’t know where I am going with all this. I am just rambling as I try to wrap my head around turning 36 – again this simply can’t be, because that’s my parents age, not mine!