TN 7.0

In December I asked my boys if they wanted to take a vacation in the summer.  Instantly they both said they wanted to go back to TN one more time with the Ausili's - before they all got married and had kids.  Jenny and I put our heads together in January and started planning dates and where we would stay.  We rented an airbnb big enough for the 8 of us right on the main road.  For the first time we flew to TN.  When the boys were little we would always drive the 10 hours but we're older this time and decided to fly.  It was worth it!  We all came together from IL, TX and AZ.  It was such a special time.  I kept thinking the Lord has sure been good to our families - more than we deserve, as Mike Ausili said.  To God be the glory for this friendship that has lasted 40 plus years.  

I believe the kids are 10 (Faith), 8 (Jay and Curt) and 4 (Nick) but I may be off a bit.  Looking closer at Nick and Faith I think they may be 12, 10 and 6.  This year they were 25, 23 and 19.  The last time we went to TN was in 2016 and it was trip #6.  

Faith made this post.  We hiked to the waterfall this year.  I laughed because I hiked it but I sure felt it.  Nine years ago I was thinner and younger - just saying.  

 And here we are.  I just love this friendship so much.  Thank you Jesus for the gift of friendship.  And thank you that we were able to make this happen.  

August Meetings #7

 In 2011 I was hired with my current company.  The summer of 2011 was my first summer attending what has been called during their 75 year history, August Meetings.  It use to be that all the employees would come together every August in Cincinnati.  Several years later we started to meet every odd year.  That's all I've known, meeting every other odd year minus the Covid years.  This year we met in Nashville which to my knowledge is the first time ever we met anywhere other than Cincinnati.  My team is scattered throughout the United States so it is always nice when we can be together face to face.  This picture was taken out in front of the Grand Ole Opry.  We are missing Shelly but other than that these are the folks I work with everyday.  We are a small but mighty team conquering the wild west, as we like to say.  

No doubt my job has changed signficantly in 5 years.  In 2020 I started handling the state of Arizona which was challenging but 2025 has been by far the most challenging year in a long time.  We got a new system and in all seriousness I have been the weakest link in learning it.  Brian has been a life saver in teaching me.  Then I'm learning all the ins and outs with the state of CA.  It's been alot for my menopausal brain to handle.  I'm getting there but it's been a process, that's for sure.  

Texas Visit

A few days ago I flew to TX to spend some time with Jenny and Faith.  I have been able to see Faith every month since April.  It's been a rare and unexpected treat.  The three of us hung out in the pool a lot and did some shopping.  Jenny and I worked a few of the days.  It was super relaxing.  Lately I've thought a lot about how God has gotten me through every storm.  He makes a way for me every time.  It was hard when the Ausili's left IL for TX seven years ago but this 30 plus year friendship endures.   

Proverbs 17:17; A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity

 

4th of July Shrimp Boil

There has not been a shrimp boil that I didn't like but this one was extra special.  This year Lauren came along and spent the day with us and Rylan and Hannah joined us also.  These 3 girls are so much fun to be around.  The weather was HOT (like always) but we managed.  

The food is always great and Mike's butter that he makes is always a hit! 

Jay and Hannah.  Jay has been dating Hannah since March.  They are a sweet couple.  There is such a sense of peace in this new relationship.  

Two of my favorite people! 

So there has been a lot going on with Nick.  On June 26 Nick started a new job, only to get an offer from the company he's been wanting to work for for almost year.  Nick worked at the other job for 2 days and didn't accept any pay from them.  He felt bad about quitting but he accepted the offer from the other company and started what he thinks in time will be his "dream" job on June 30.  Neal Douglas who hosts the shrimp boil and is one of our dearest friends and also works for the company Nick so desperately has wanted to work for (and now does) helped put things in motion for him.  Nick just wrapped up his first week of work and seems happy and confident. 

This fourth of July just felt different, in a good way.  There has been so many things near and dear to my heart that I've prayed for this past year as a CWA leader.  I've seen many of my heartfelt prayers answered this week.  On top of that I read a book while in FL about WWII and the events leading up to us dropping the atomic bombs.  It was truly humbling.  I live in the greatest country on earth and I'm incredibly thankful to the men and women who sacrificed so much for my freedom.  Freedom that gives the opportunity to celebrate our great land each and every fourth of July.  God has extended His great hand of mercy over America.  It's in and through God that all things are made and all things are possible.  Happy 249th birthday, America.  
 

Florida

Kim, Lauren and I spent a week with Aunt Karen and family in family.  We've been doing this since 2017 - the year Kim and I put 11 year old Nick in the car with 10 year old Lauren and drove all the way to Myrtle Beach, SC.  The only year I haven't gone was 2020.  I am so appreciative of the time with family and the cheap price, just saying.  

One day the three of  us went to the beach but truth be told we only lasted about 20 minutes.  We are beach snobs and it was too hot and too sandy.  

I rented a fun Jeep Sahara on this trip.  In the past we haven't rented a vehicle but it was so worth it! 

This is how I spent the entire week - Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset.  I'd get back up in the morning and head to the pool.  I love spending time with Aunt Karen and my cousins!  
 

T N T

Several months ago me, Kim, Cora and Amber bought tickets for an outdoor concert - Tail Gate N' Tall Boys.  The weather was beautiful and we headed out on Saturday night and we even bumped into Nick and Rylan!  

Although the girls and I had a good time, this concert series for me is a one and done.  There were over 25,000 people and about the third time I squatted on a porta potty, I decided I was officially too mature (not old - ha) to battle the crowds and have to pee in a porta potty all night.  

Mom took us out for lunch before we headed to the concert.  Lauren was our driver which we really appreciated!  We decided our next outing will be in October and we're going to Iowa City to visit Amber's daughter, Kaylie!  Until next time, girls! 

 

Jenny visit and Rylan's Graduation

Once again my pictures are not in order but that's okay.  Jenny and Curtis came for a visit because Jenny's parents were in town so I got to catch up with Wayne and Sharon and spend time with Jenny.  Yesterday we attended Rylan's graduation party.  I'm dealing with some back pain right now and although it's better, it's still wears me down.  I was glad it was a little better this weekend because there was a lot going on.  Oh and in addition to all that Kim and I also drove mom to Sterling for Aalin's graduation party.  Another whirlwind weekend that I am thankful for.