Nick's job

 Thanks to a little help from my sister Nick scored an awesome job for the summer.  He is working full time at a machine shop.  He loves it, like seriously loves it.  He works everyday from 8am to 4pm making $12/hour.  He likes the people he works with and is learning a lot about the trade.  The owner told Kim he was hesitant to hire a high school kid but has been impressed with Nick.  He shows up on time, stays off his phone and takes direction.  Even the guys Nick works with has told him to learn all he can because they don't hire high school kids.    

Last week his boss allowed him to make a sign (above).  Towards the end of each work day Nick would work a little at a time and by Friday it was completed.  Nick made a fishing sign for his fishing coach.  I may be biased but I just love this kids heart and his work ethic.  

Greetings from TX and FL

I just got back from a long vacation to TX and FL.  I left after work on June 8 and flew home the evening of June 15.  I split my time between TX first and then to FL.  It was a long time to go without my family but I made the decision to do it because Nick is now able to drive.  I knew I wouldn't have to set up rides for him or inconvenience Mike.  To say I enjoyed myself would be an understatement.  Granted I was ready to come home and I missed my family but seeing the Ausili's and my family always fills my cup.  Jenny and I spent most of our time by the pool relaxing.  I also got to catch up with Faith.  She is moving to AZ in July so it was wonderful to see her.  

I took this picture because this is my friendship with Jenny.  I snagged three shirts at her house.  Kid you not.  I would get up from her kitchen table and snag my shirt.  One would think that after I snagged the first shirt I would have moved but I didn't.  Jenny got her needle and thread out and fixed all my snags.  I love her!  

My aunt and uncle are the most generous, hospitable people I know.  Every year they extend the gift of their points from their time share and invite lots and I do mean lots (this year I believe we were a party of over 30 people) of people.  My dad and Karen's cousin, Linda and Paul, come.  My cousins, Michelle and Kelly come.  Friends of Karen and Kerry come back every year and I always enjoy reconnecting with them.  This year we didn't do much but lay by the pool which was just fine with me.  

 Until next year!  Kerry said next year is up for grabs so we'll see what he picks!  I am just so blessed to be able to do this every year!  

ICASSTT

This past weekend Nick and his fishing partner, Jackson, fished in the ICASSTT state tournament.  They didn't make it to Nationals but they did place 27 out of 350 boats.  I am so proud of Nick and this team.  I wrote the proposal to our school board in 2020.  It was approved in the summer of 2020.  I remember me, Ryan Komnick and Scott Boots sitting in the library for our first meeting with the Assistant A.D., having no clue what we were doing.  Scott jokes that we still don't know what we're doing but boy are we off to a good start.  As a first year fishing team we have so much to be proud of  and it sure makes this momma's heart full to see her boy doing what he loves.  

I love it because during tournaments the guys always post pictures throughout the day.  I especially love the picture below.  It shows all the boats getting into the water.  The boat right in front is Nick and Jackson and their Captain, B.J. (Jackson's dad).  So cool to see.  Fishing season is over until the fall season.  I can't wait to see what these kids do next year.  

 

Promises of the Psalms

It's fair to say from some of my recent blog posts that I'm struggling with some things right now.  Although technically I'm not an empty nester, I sure feel like one and it's a hard adjustment.  I'm also struggling with issues my mom is having.  I have my faults but I'm pretty good at self reflection.  Lately I've noticed I'm living in the past way too much.  My mind takes me to "back when."  Back when I had my boys running through the trails in my yard.  Back when my mom was an active woman who I loved sharing things with.  Back when the Ausili's were at our house every weekend and back when my boys needed me. These memories are precious but it's almost like I can't seem to make the shift in moving forward.  It may look like I'm moving forward to others but my mind and heart tell me something different.  I have to laugh at the irony of it because I was exhausted as a young mother.  I remember all the walks Laura Beavers and I took.  We were certain once we got to empty nest phase we'd be on easy street.  Of course now Laura and I counsel each other frequently on how were supposed to get through this next phase of life.  We were sure we'd have it all figured out.  The beauty of good long time friends is priceless.  

The other day I was floating in my stock tank.  My stock tank is truly my empty nest phase gift from my sweet husband (more on that later).  I was reading my Guideposts magazine that my mother gives to me every month.  Every so often there are articles that literally speak to me.  As I turned the pages I came across an article entitled "The House I Loved."  It was written by Shawnelle Eliasen.  She has 5 boys and only two still live with her.  Tears were literally streaming down my face as I read her words.  She had written everything I felt.  She wrote, "The boys were often at after school activities, all opportunities we wanted for them.  But that meant I was usually puttering around the house alone, without even memories to keep me company."  Feeling unsettled at this particular stage in her life she wrote that she found comfort  through the promises of the Psalms.  I will be your dwelling place.  I'll go before you.  You don't have to be afraid.  As I finished reading Shawnelle's beautiful article I was certain God had orchestrated it, knowing exactly what I needed to read for encouragement.  

In the weeks and months ahead I'm going to work really hard on changing my mind set and not living in the past.  I will rely on the promises of the Psalms.  I intend live each day as if it's my last which I realize is sometimes easier said than done.  I am confident I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  

Psalm 84:1

How lovely is your dwelling place

Isiah 45

I will go before you

Psalm 118:6

The Lord is on my side I will not be afraid