Dear Nick

 Today is my 12 year anniversary with my company.  My biggest reason for leaving my former company that I had been with for 16 years was the opportunity to work from home.  Nick was entering Kindergarten and Jay 4th grade.  What a blessing this job has been for me, my boys and Mike.  As much I could sing  praises about how this job has provided for my family in more ways than one it really leads me into my purpose in writing today to begin with.  Nick.  Twelve years ago I was chasing 5 year old Nick around the yard, trying to keep him from stuffing frogs into a small bird feeder.  Coming home from walks in the evening only to find he had covered my entire vehicle in tanning spray.  Parenting in general through the years has been a joy.  Exhausting but still joyful.  I knew there would come a day when suddenly my time would be mine again.  I was sure I'd be feeling all the emotions of relief, happiness and peace, knowing I could release much of my parenting reigns and while I do feel those emotions, I also can't help but feel a little sad.  Nick is Mr. Independent.  As he wraps up his junior year and gets ready to head into his senior year he requires nothing of me.  I'm serious.  Nothing.  I practically have to beg him to allow me to make breakfast for him because making breakfast is my thing.  It's how I served my boys since they were little but even that is coming to an end.  In the grand scheme of things I'm exceptionally proud of Nick.  He may be 17 but if you talk to him you think you're talking to a grown adult with years of experience.  As his dad says, "Nick is an old soul."  He has big plans and the drive and personality to bring all of his plans to fruition.  He thinks nothing of hauling his boat around Illinois, only to experience where he can get the best fishing done.  Nick doesn't know a stranger.  He's respectful to his dad and I because even though we give him a lot of rope, he realizes his momma is still home worrying about him.  

Recently Nick told me he never wanted our relationship to be damaged, where we become unconnected.  His exact words to me were, "You better not let our relationship get to that point."  I think I'd die first.  So Nick if I chase you down, if I hug you too much and if I ask too many questions which I know is super annoying, I'm not sorry.  You are not going to let any grass grow under your feet.  On occassion I will have to chase you down.  Just know you are my youngest.  It's hard to let the youngest one go.  Remember I love you, I pray for you and I'm your biggest cheerleader.  Enjoy your summer before your senior year.  

Memorial Day Weekend

I had such a nice Memorial Day weekend.  First off the weather was perfection and when I say perfection I mean perfection.  Not a cloud in the sky the entire weekend and not so hot that you couldn't stand being outside.  I started Friday by taking the day off and brunching with my girls, Calli, Betsy and Laura.  We started at 11 and before I knew it, it was 3:00.  We sat out on Betsy's deck and enjoyed good food, good drinks and good laughs.  How I love my local tribe of girlfriends.  

I had two graduation parties this weekend.  Maggie and Lexy.  Nick made an appearance at Maggie's.  This is the same girl he took to prom.  No, they aren't dating but how I wish that they were.  

 I spent a lot of time in my stock tank this weekend.  I love my cow trough.  Ha!  It's perfect for what I need.  Lauren and her friend, Sophie, came out and relaxed in it as well.  

I had my mom out for lunch on Saturday and we enjoyed ourselves on my patio.  Jay was gone the entire weekend in the Ozarks.  Nick was gone a good amount of time.  It was pretty much Mike and I all weekend.  I slept great, mostly because I didn't have to hear the boys coming in and out late into the night.  All and all it was a great weekend and I'm really looking forward to summer.  

Arizona

 Last night I returned from a lovely visit to Arizona.  Several months ago I learned I would be taking a work trip to AZ so I asked Sarah to join me so we could visit Faith.  Since it was Faith's 23rd birthday on May 13 Jenny flew out and joined us.  This is us, three middle aged women with our favorite girl, Faith.  We had a wonderful weekend.  It was my first time in Arizona and it's true when they say it's a dry heat.  My hair never looked so good.  Without humidity a girl with natural curls can actually have a good hair day in the heat.  When our weekend concluded Jenny flew back to Texas and Sarah and I headed to Phoenix where we stayed at the nicest hotel I've ever stayed at.  During my down time from work Sarah and I relaxed at the pool in the heat and with my perfect hair.  Ha.  As nice as the weekend was I was ready to come home to my family, although I don't think anyone (except maybe Mike) missed me.  

49

I had one of the nicest birthdays yesterday.  First of the all the weather was perfection and I know I shouldn't base my mood on the weather but I confess I often do.  It frustrates Nick to no end when I do this.  Any-who, I took the day off work which I think I just might do every year.  I had a quick visit with Mary, ran errands and stopped in to see my mom.  Later that night I went to dinner with Mike and Jay.  Nick was working but I still got a picture with him.  It really was a wonderful day.  It's hard to believe I'll be 50 next year.  This week I was in our shed getting some things out that I needed for yard work.  I looked up in the rafters and there I saw several of Jay and Nick's sleds from when they were little.  As I walked out to my front yard I saw the bird houses they made me for every mothers day when they were kids.  Fifty is middle age.  I gotta say I don't feel middle age but the days of being a "young" wife and mother are behind me.  Where does the time go?  I'm looking forward to turning 50 next year.  I have no idea what lies ahead for me but God willing I'll still have some good years ahead.  I've set a bucket list goal for myself.  I want to be in Israel on my 50th birthday and be rebaptized in the Sea of Galilee. It's practically impossible but that's why I love it.  If it happens it won't be because of me.  That being said even if it doesn't happen on my 50th birthday, God knows my heart and His timing is always perfect so I'll rest in knowing that.  

 

It was a Faith weekend

I had a busy but fun weekend.  It started with Daisy's baby shower on Saturday.  Daisy is one of Faith's best friends.  She spent so much time at my house with Faith during high school.  I was thrilled to go to her baby shower and celebrate Baby Luca which by the way I love his name!  Daisy is due in June and if you ask me she looks incredible and is glowing.  

On Sunday night the girls, Anna, Faith and Daisy came out to my house to catch up.  Of course I had to get a picture of them with the boys.  It was just like old times.  As I went to bed on Sunday night my heart was so full.  

                                                        Three of my favorite girls!  

How is Jay?

 I screenshot this post from Jay's employer the other day and circled Jay so I could blog about it.  Isn't he cute in his hard hat?  I told him I wanted to take a picture of him looking all tradesman like but he wasn't having it so this is the best I could do.  Jay officially started his apprenticeship about 2 weeks ago and they didn't waste any time.  He is working 12 hour days and worked this past Sunday.  He comes home and still goes to the gym because he says he "feels gross" if he doesn't.  It's a good habit to be in.  I'm super happy for Jay and I know he'll do well.  My only worry is how he'll meet a girl.  I wouldn't be a mom if I didn't worry about something and this is my primary worry so certainly it's a small worry but still a worry on my heart.  I've given it to Jesus, trusting that He has a plan for Jay.  Working with all men 12 hours per day isn't ideal for a dating life but I'm sure one day I'll shake my head and wonder why I worried about.  I know Jesus has Jay!   

Nick's Prom & Birthday

What a weekend Nick had!  Saturday was his junior prom.  He went with Maggie.  We've known Maggie and her parents for years and we love them.  These two have been friends a long time.  Aren't they a striking couple?  According to Nick they had a great time!  I was just thrilled to see Nick get dressed up.  

                                  Nick and his best buddy, Chase.  They clean up nice. 

                                                                   Me and my boy! 

 Yesterday was Nick's 17th birthday.  He napped most of the afternoon (after his big prom night) and last night we had family out to celebrate.  I'm so proud of this kid.  He is a natural people person and I know it will serve him well into his future.  He really is an old soul.  Mike and I get such a kick of him.  I pray continually that God will use Nick's talents and abilities for His glory!