The Conclusion of Nationals

Nick and his partner finished up what was a long week but a week they should and can be proud of.  They didn't make finals today but their final weigh in was 4.2 oz.  Out of 400 plus boats they came in at/around 317 - not too shabby for their first time especially since they are a relatively new fishing team.  I am so thankful that Mike was able to go with Nick and experience it with him.  As I write this blog Mike and Nick are en route home.  I'll be glad to see them and hug them this afternoon!  

 

Just Jay & I

 While I am anxiously waiting on Mike and Nick to come home I sure enjoyed hanging with Jay this week.  Last night we went out for dinner with Kim and Craig.  Several nights this week at sunset we had old fashioneds out on the patio together (until we could take no more of the mosquitos eating us).  Jay is mentally ready to move out into his own home but not quite there financially.  I will celebrate with him when that day comes but until then I am holding this time with him near and dear to my heart.  I know I've said this before but he truly has been a joy these past few years.  He's a true blessing in my life.  

Lake Hartwell - Nationals

Mike and Nick left on July 22 for South Carolina, where they have been all week.  Today Nick and his partner are fishing with 453 other boats from all over the country in the Icasstt tournament.  It's a big deal!  Earlier this week Nick and his partner prefished and it was rough.  It's hard to say how successful they will be today and tomorrow.  You just never know, afterall, I could have never predicted they would make it to Nationals but they did!  I'm super proud of these boys and if nothing else the experience is tremendous.  

 Mike shot this picture for me yesterday.  This is where all the action will take place.  Mike has been a trooper this week.  He is really taking one for the team this week but he's also enjoying seeing Nick doing what he loves.  My prayer for Nick and Mike is for Gods protection over them, that Nick would feel successful just because he made it this far - regardless of how many fish he catches, although catching fish is a good thing too.  Ha.  

What's good and what's challenging

 Lately all I do is post pictures of what I'm doing and where I've been.  There hasn't been a whole lot of substance with my blog.  Every week that goes by I tell myself I'll sit down and write but I don't.  When the boys were little it was easier to blog because they provided me with so much to write about.  Moving forward I'm going to commit a "deep dive blog post" at least once a week.  It's good for me.  It keeps up my writing skills and it forces me to be honest with myself and gain some perspective.  There are a lot of good things going on in my life right now.  I'm healthy and so is my family.  Jay and Nick are thriving and Jay seems to be enjoying life in his career of choice.  Mike's kept busy with home inspecting and Nick works like a crazy person at a fabrication shop.  Nick and Mike are preparing to go to fishing nationals in South Carolina.  Given what happened last July (moving mom, breaking her femur, having surgery and contacting Covid) I am incredibly thankful for what has been so far a peaceful July 2023.  As with all things in life there are some challenges.  Although my mom is doing well there has been a definite and noticable decline since her fall and subsequent surgery last July.  She can walk but not well and she gets around mostly by wheelchair.  Thankfully her speech is still good because as mom says if there comes a time when she can no longer communicate she says she's done and I believe her.  I try not to focus on how hard it is for mom to get around, how diabetes has wrecked havoc on her body and all the things she use to love to do but can no longer do.  As mom's P.O.A. I focus on what needs to be done.  Every so often, however, memories float into my brain and I'm reminded of the vibrant woman my mother use to be.  Another challenge right now is my job.  I am so incredibly thankful for my job but things are slow now and it's a bit unsettling.  I try not to dwell on what my job once was but I miss the days when building relationships was a big part of my job.  

For all intents and purposes I'm an empty nester.  The boys still live with us but Jay is an adult and Nick requires very little parenting.  I practically have to beg him to make breakfast for him and most days he tells me it's not necessary.  I enjoy being able to do what I want these days but at the same time it takes some adjustment and usually I don't know what to do with myself and I can't make a decision.  What I am incredibly thankful for is my marriage.  My marriage is probably the best it's ever been.  I think there's several reasons.  Mike and I have always liked each other.  There is really nothing we like doing together.  It's true.  However, no matter what activity he picks or I pick, we enjoy being together and for us, that's always been enough.  Ever since Mike was saved seven years ago the people who love him the most have been able to witness how God has transformed him.  Mike has a kind soul.  He demands very little of his family and as God shed his layers we've been able to see the man that God always meant for him to be.  As I enter into empty nest phase I'm glad I have Mike by my side.  

The culture these days is another unsettling and challenging obstacle.  I've been reading about the end times in the bible and the more I learn and the more I know the more excited I get.  Sure I still battle with fear but as I often ask myself, "What would I do if I didn't have my faith?"  Probably crawl into the fetal position and cry.  

I am excited to see what the rest of the summer brings! 

Myrtle Beach

Kim, Lauren and I joined Karen and family in Myrtle Beach this past week.  What a blessing this trip is for me each and every year.  Kim and I say every year, "Dad would have loved this." We laugh, talk and hang by the pool which is pretty much torture for Nick and Mike, hence why they don't come.  I'm sure Jay would have enjoyed it but it's difficult for him to get off work.  In any case we loved every minute of it.  I flew home last night and usually I'm ready to come home but not this time.  I could have easily stayed the entire week.  

One of the best things about our get togethers is seeing my cousins, especially Kelly.  Since Kelly lives so far from me I don't get to see her often.  It was wonderful to see and meet her new baby.  

Spending time with Kim is of course filled with lots of laughs and good times.  I love doing life with her and having Lauren with us this year was so enjoyable!  Just us girls!  
 

Shrimp Boil - 10 Years!

Ten years ago the annual 4th of July shrimp boil started.  Mike and I started participating about 8 years ago.  It was started by Jay's friends parents.  It is truly one of my favorite events of the entire year.  I look forward to it every 4th.   One of our friends made the above picture collage of our shannigans the past 10 years.  The shrimp boil has evolved over the years.  We use to have it in Minier and now we have it at Erin and Neal's house.  We don't have quite as many kids as we once did.  Our oldest kids who are all 21 now usually make an appearance to eat and leave but this year only Reece was there.  Boo.  Nick showed up to eat and swim.  The group has changed some but I love that we continue this tradition.  

Mike and Neal getting the alligator ready.  Yes, we eat alligator too, along with the shrimp.  

 Nick playing "chicken" in the pool!  It was another HOT fourth of July.  I'm sure we've had some rainy fourths but for the past several years it's been nothing but heat and sun!  

Jenny was still here on the 4th but her and Sarah visited Jenny's aunt and relaxed.  I met up with the girls after the shrimp boil.  It was another memorable 4th! 

A visit with Jenny

What are the odds that I have back to back blog posts about my visit with Faith and then two weeks later a visit from her mother!  Sarah and I guilted  persuaded Jenny to come to Illinois for a visit.  It just so happened that Sarah's hubby and boys were out of town so Jenny stayed at Sarah's and most nights I stayed with them.  We spent our time together doing what we do best; relaxing and laughing over cocktails.  

                  I didn't mention to my mom that Jenny was in town so we surprised her.

On Jenny's last day in town we visited Daisy and her new baby.  He is a beautiful baby.  It's hard to believe that Faith's friend, who Jenny and I have known a LONG time is now a momma.  What a blessing!  

 On Jenny's last night in town me, Sarah and Jenny went out for dinner.  Jay joined us under the promise that we would pay for his dinner.  I think he was starving and gladly took us up on our offer.  I'll take what I can get when I can from my 21 year old.  It was nice to visit with him.  

I know I say this all the time but the Lord truly blessed me in the friendship department.  My girlfriends are the cats meow!