Nick's big weekend

Nick and his sweet girlfriend, Rylan.  She is patient as the day is long.  She puts up with Nick's fishing and hunting and not to mention his insane long hours at work.  She had these taken for her senior pictures.  She graduates in December and is going on to nursing school.  So exciting for her.  

This weekend Nick fished (of course).  The above picture was taken by someone random but it's Nick and his fishing partner.  It's a gorgeous picture.  

And the biggest news of the weekend is this beast.  Nick started hunting last year and got nothing.  On Friday night he went out and got this beast.  I named him "Buster the behemoth buck."  He is so big that Nick is having him mounted.  Needless to say we'll have plenty of deer meat for the winter.  

And tomorrow is election day.  Jay and I already voted.  Mike and Nick intend on voting tomorrow.  I've been in constant prayer for our nation.  
 

October wrap up

As I sat down to blog today I realized I haven't blogged since September.  Geesh!  October has been a crazy month.  We've had amazing weather.  So amazing that shudder to think of what our winter will be like.  There has been some ups and some downs but here we are.  Earlier in the month my sister, Lauren, Rylan and Luke went to the Brandon Lake concert (see picture above and below).  We had a great time. 

In mid October Kim and I took off to Quincy IL to hear my absolute favorite Christian speaker, Susie Larson, at her Rise Conference.  

About a week ago we all met up for dinner to bid John farewell as he headed south.  He left about five days ago for sunny Florida.  It was so nice having dinner as a family.  

 Sieb and I ended the month with Mike and Jenny.  What a blessing their friendship is to us.  It was especially sweet this time because Mike and I have never gone just the two of us.  For Nick's last two years of high school we felt that one of us should be at home to simply keep an eye out on things for him.  Now that he's 18 and graduated it was a perfect time for us to go.  Sieb and I even got bumped to first class.  It was truly wonderful spending a long four day weekend with our friends and great way to end the month.  

Lauren's big weekend and Fishing (of course)

This weekend Lauren had homecoming.  I love my niece to pieces and it's a joy to be a part of her life and witness her morph into a beautiful young woman.  Sweet Trystan did her hair and make up.  Not only is Trystan so good at what she does but she is so easy to be around and so kind.  We hung out all day on Saturday and had such a nice time togther.  

These 3 girls have my heart.  Rylan (in blue) is Nick's girlfriend and as I've always said it would take a special girl to put up with Nick and Rylan is that girl.  God bless her.  

Speaking of Nick.  He took off on Thursday for Detroit for an adult fishing tournament.  Nick and his partner got into the water on Saturday morning only to have the boat break down.  One thing lead to another and when it became clear the boat wasn't going to get fixed, Nick headed home on Saturday afternoon.  He was bummed but I'm sure life lessons were learned.  I was glad to have him home.  This was a tournament he went to by himself and me being a worry wart, worried!  In true Nick fashion he got up at the crack of dawn Sunday morning and was a fishing captain for his H.S. team.  I love that Nick pays it forward to this next generation of kids.  What a way to mentor them.   

And doesn't Lauren look gorgeous?  She is so grown up this year.  Her braces are off, her hair and make up are stunning (thanks Trystan), her dress is so pretty on her.  More than anything though Lauren is so beautiful from the inside.  She has such a heart for the Lord and she's incredibly kind to others.  It's a privledge to be her aunt.  

Shrimp Boil & Fishing

Every year we get together with Jay's friend group parents for the shrimp boil.  We believe we've doing it for 9 years now.  We usually do it on the 4th of July but due to schedules we couldn't do it until September.  Full disclosure, I kind of preferred doing it in September this year.  It was a wee bit cooler.  Our boils look differently because all of our kids have grown up.  Jay did show up this year and so did Aaron and Reece.  Of course I had to snap a pic.  Trystan stayed behind because her dog had surgery (but all is well with Vodie).  

These boys have been friends since 1st grade.  

Nick was a fishing captain this weekend to the next crew of anglers.  I am so proud of Nick.  He works LONG hours and then spends his weekend mentoring these boys.  It's a good pay it forward story.  
 

My Sweet Season

 Here it is Labor Day.  This is such a sweet season of life right now and I'm so thankful.  In 2015 Mike lost his job and we headed into what was 7 very challenging years.  Mike started a business,  my beloved grandparents died (which it was today 8 years ago that my grandma died), my dad passed away, the Ausili's moved to Texas, my mom suffered two strokes and Covid hit.  By 2022 it was apparent we would have to move mom out of her home.  She broke her femur and spent two weeks in the hospital battling Covid and trying to heal from leg surgery.  During that exhausting summer Kim and I moved mom three times.  Just this week I was reading through my daily devotionals and I had made a note from August 2022 that those weeks were the hardest six weeks of my life.  From 2022 until now things have been relatively quiet.  I enjoy quiet seasons.  These past two years the Lord has been so kind.  He knew I would need time to adjust to empty nest and He's put new things in front of me that I've grabbed a hold of.  I'm not adequate to really do any of them but I'm far enough in my faith walk to know He will equip and strengthen me in what He's asked of me.  I'm involved at church and started a meal ministry.  I am a new chapter leader of C.W.A (concerned women of america).  This is the role I feel the least equipped for but I'm passionate about it.  My bible study group that Kim and I started in 2020 is still going strong and I am incredibly blessed by this group of women.  I am also in the sweetest season with my adult sons.  How many times have I said parenting is a crap shoot?  Now that I can see raising kids from my rear view mirror I know that when it's said and done you do the best you can, making mistakes along the way and praying your way through everything.  As a child of divorced parents my mom was an excellent single parent.  Acknowledging this about my mom and many single parents I write this with humility.  I'm certain one of the things Mike and I did right was having a strong marriage.  Our boys knew home was safe and they were loved.  Mike and I were always shoulder to shoulder in every decision we made.  

Over these past several months I've entered a season of new relationships.  I've enjoyed relationships with my church family.  Mike and I have entered into a budding relationship with Mike's dad.  It's been a joy to spend time with him.  I've gotten to know Trystan and Rylan (Nick's girlfriend).  Those girls fill my cup everytime I'm around them.  Two nights ago I hosted Trystan's family for dinner.  It was really a pinch me moment.  Her family is everything I have hoped and prayed for for Jay.  They are a beautiful family and have embraced him.  Trystan and her family are an answer to years of prayer.  As we sat on our patio and conversated it occurred to me that the Lord was faithful during my 7 years in the valley.  He used every struggle to grow me in my faith.  He knew what my life would look like and when my break through would happen.  I know there will be more hard times ahead which is why I'm so grateful for the sweet seasons.  For today I will rest in knowing that no matter what God is good.  He works all things out for our good and His glory.   

What's new

Well the month of August really got away from me.  This month has been different because I have no kids in school anymore.  The other day I pulled out one of my blog books from 10 years ago and just had to laugh.  I was so busy!  My life has changed dramatically.  My boys are graduated from high school.  Jay is entering his 2nd year into his apprenticeship program and no longer lives at home.  Jay and Trystan have been dating almost a year.  I adore her.  She adds so much to our family.  Nick graduated and is working at the same job he had in high school, although he will most likely have a new opportunity very soon, job wise.  He is helping his fishing team as a captain.  We hardly see him but this weekend we had a small service for Linda and Nick was home.  The four of us had breakfast together.  My momma's heart was full!  

Last night I hosted a birthday dinner for John and earlier in the week I hosted Nick's fishing coach and his captain. The picture above is of Nick's girlfriend, Rylan (right) and Branston's girlfriend, Hannah (left) and his sister in the middle.  I'm not use to throwing a dinner party on a Monday night but it was the only night that worked for everyone.  It was a lovely night and it was way I could say thankful for all Ryan and Jon's hard work.  
 

First day of Nationals

 And they are off!  Today is the first day of Nick and B's tournament.  Nick tells us the fishing is very challenging.  Mike and John leave tomorrow.  Can't wait to see how our boys do! 

July Conclusion

As July wraps up I wanted to blog about what Nick has been up to.  He works, fishes, sleeps, hangs with friends - repeat.  I hardly ever see him but such is life and as I always say, it's Nick's world, I just live in it.  Nick is dating a really nice girl right now.  She is so thoughtful and kind and brings out the best in Nick.  She has the patience of a saint too.  Afterall it's been over a month and she hasn't dumped him.  She seems to roll with the punches when it comes to Nick's ridiculous work schedule and fishing obsession.  Last week Mike and I took them out for dinner and had a delightful time with them.  

Nick and Chase.  They are working at the same employer this summer.  I can only imagine the shenanigans these boys get into everyday.  Chase is leaving at the end of August for lineman school.  Chase has my heart.  He is truly one of my favorite people.  He'll be away at school for several months and quite honestly he could land a job just about anywhere.  I know Nick will miss him and so will our entire family.  

And the big news is Nick and his fishing partner, B., left for Nationals on Saturday.  This is Nick's second and last year going.  What an honor.  Mike and John are flying to TN later this week to see Nick's final weigh in on Friday.  Here's to hoping for a successful week!!  
 

Cousin Time

 I say it all the time.  I'm extraordinarily blessed to have meaningful and intentional relationships with all my girls cousins on both my mom's side and my dad's side.  It's such a blessing.  Yesterday I took Kim and her cast because they are a package deal these days (even though you can't see her leg in this picture) and we drove up to Cora's where we spent time with Cora and Amber.  Cora took us to fun cocktail bar where we had flights.  We each picked something different so we could try them all. Mine was an old fashioned flight.  We all agreed it was probably the best flights we ever had.  Love these girls so much.  Until next time.  

My quick trip to Cinci

 I've worked for my current employer for 13 years now and if I'm honest there have been so many changes in 13 years.  One thing that never changes though is the people.  I have always enjoyed who I work with.  I spent the early part of this week in Cinci for a quick training session.  I got together with this group of ladies who are scattered across the country.  It didn't matter that we had never met before.  We have our work in common and that was enough!  Although it was a whirlwind trip, it was good for me to break out of my regular routine and take my introverted self out and among people.  Ha.  

Clearing your land

 About eight years ago Mike and I were able to buy the land right next to our house.  When we bought it it was nothing but overgrown bushes and thorns.  It wasn't anything to look at, that's for sure.  Recently Mike started clearing the land.  I've been so drawn to this process and the work Mike has done.  I've admired the beauty of this property.  It doesn't look much from this picture but most evenings as the sun starts to set the suns light beams stream through the trees in colors of orange and pinks.  It reminds me of God's beauty and His gift of nature.  The holy spirit has been speaking to my heart about what is it to be free in Christ.  Let me explain.  I was listening to my favorite podcaster, Susie Larson, and she gave such a wonderful analogy which provided imagery for me that was literally right outside my bedroom window.  She spoke about all the land we give up to the enemy.  God desires us to have freedom in Jesus.  It struck me almost immediately.  I thought of this land and how for years it's been covered in overgrown bushes and thorns.  At times during my own personal faith walk my heart has been weighed down with overgrown bushes which often has me bracing for impact.  As my relationship with Jesus grows and matures I give up more land that the enemy has occupied and I clear those overgrown bushes and thorns for the abundant life that Jesus provides.  It's freedom to experience all that He has for me.  Freedom from fear, bondage, insecurity.  God knows its a process with me.  I compare it to the picture above.  My land is more cleared out than it was a month ago, even a week ago but it's not perfect.  There are still stumps and thorns in the mess.  Slowly but surely the holy spirit is revealing the lies the enemy has me believing and is clearing my land and space for who God says I am.  You see truth and freedom go hand and hand.  I can't have true freedom without the truth of Jesus.  The greatest freedom that was ever provided was in fact the greatest love story ever told.  Jesus loved us so much that he provided a way for each of us to be free.  

Faith

 How I have missed Faith!  She was in town over the weekend for a visit with friends but was supposed to leave today.  Since I just got home from vacation yesterday I knew it would be nearly impossible to see her.  She texted me today and said she was changing her flight to tomorrow and could we all meet for dinner so she could meet Trystan.  It all came together and we were able to meet for dinner - including Faith's sweet friend, Anna.  I love all these kids so much.  My heart is so full tonight.  I started my week today with a few of my favorite people.  What a blessing! 

Florida 2024

Jay, Trystan and I just got back from Florida.  Mike and Nick opted not to go this year.  It was a wonderful week filled with lots of family time and laughter.  It was such a joy for me to spend this week with Jay and Trystan.  They are such a sweet couple who truly bring out the very best in one another.  Jay is the best version of himself when he's with her.  I am so thankful to God for answered prayers and not only that but He gave me so much more than I even asked or prayed for.  I love how God does that.  I'm so undeserving, I mess up and yet He blesses me.  My relationship with Trystan is easy and natural, exactly what I imagined and so much more.  Thank you, Jesus.  

On Monday we all went to Ohana (Kim's family too).  it was a good meal and a fun experience. 

Almost everyday we were at the pool.  Here is Jay and Trystan playing a game that Jayde and Lauren were a part of.  I love being surrounded by family on vacation.  We all do our own thing and never feel any pressure to do anything.  Most days at some point we all ended up at the pool.  

  Aunt Karen and I.  I love this woman.  She is the cats meow as far as I'm concerned.  

Trystan and I - my answer to many years of prayer.  Thank you, Jesus, for this new treasure.  

Vacation is not vacation without my sister.  Sadly this year she broke her foot mid week (hence the scooter in the side of this picture) but she still managed to get around and have a good time.  I really enjoyed Craig this vacation too.  He was relaxed and had coffee with me every morning on my patio - usually in his speedo but that's another blog.  It provided good entertainment.  

By the grace of God mom got through the week but it wasn't easy.  There were many calls, many frustrations from mom which had a domino effect on Kim and I.  I tried to push her problems out of my mind (for my own mental health) but there were several nights I woke up in the middle of the night, worried.  Mom's warrior daughters are back and she is beyond relieved.  Kim and I have a care meeting scheduled for this week and we hope to get things back into alignment for mom and her needs.  
 

Soul Care Conference

In February as I was on one of my daily walks I was listening to my favorite podcaster, Susie Larson, she was interviewing Dr. Rob Reimer about his Soul Conference(s).  As I continued to listen my spirit was on fire.  I simply could not ignore it.  The message I received loud and clear was I needed to go to this conference and take my sister with me.  Around this time I had been intentionally praying for some things so I knew without a shadow of a doubt that it was an answer to prayer.  When I got home from my walk I looked up to see if there was a conference close enough for Kim and I to attend.  Sure enough there was a conference in early June (when Kim was done teaching school) in our neighboring state, a short 3.5 hours away.  I didn't hesitate and bought the tickets and surprised Kim in April.  My soul is so full from this.  I can't quite put it into words (yet).  I grew in my faith, got to spend time with Kim and got to meet Sylvia (below).  Sylvia is a sweet and young woman who was part of Kim and mine triad.  On the first day when we learned we'd be forming groups of three, Kim and I noticed Sylvia right away.  She was by herself in the row ahead of us.  When we were told to form our groups, Kim touched her on the shoulder and the rest history.  The three of us really enjoyed our time together.  I give God all the glory.  His goodness overwhelms me.  

 

Copper

A few weeks ago during my prayer time I was petting Copper when I noticed a huge hard mass in her neck area.  In that moment I knew she had cancer but I pushed it aside.  At that time she was eating and acting fine.  I got through Nick's graduation ceremony and over memorial day weekend (before his party) I was getting more concerned.  By Memorial Day weekend Copper was barely eating and had lost weight.  I had my dear friend and vet come over and as she felt Copper's neck I could see the alarm on her face.  She took samples from Copper and the day after Nick's party we had a confirmed diagnosis of cancer.  I knew it in my heart but it was still hard to hear.  Through the week my vet, Jami, helped me navigate decisions that I needed to make but kept putting off.  By Friday, May 31, I knew she was suffering.  She was refusing treats, losing her hair and was as skinny as I've ever seen her.  With tears in our eyes me, Mike and Jay took Copper to Jami's office where we helped Copper cross over rainbow bridge.  

Originally Copper was Jay's dog.  However, Mike soon became her favorite person in the house (big surprise).  We got Copper 12 years ago, after I started working from home.  She was the one who showed us what a wonderful breed the vizsla is.  She had a sweet, patience and calm temperament and was the runt of her litter.  Her and Cole were sidekicks and now that she's gone I know Cole misses her.  As for Walker he will miss chewing on her ears (another example of her patient and calm demeanor) until they looked like a wet dish rag.  Ha.  

This isn't a great picture of Copper but this is her laying under my desk one day before she passed.  She didn't come to my office often.  When she did she loved laying on the cool floor (especially in the summer).  She woud sprawl out and groan and lay peacefully until I had to exit my office.  In true vizsla fashion she always wanted to be with her people.  She was the best dog and will be missed.  
 

Nick's Grad Party

We hosted Nick's grad party on Memorial Day and what a day it was.  This party will forever go down as one of the most perfect days.  It was wonderful from start to finish.  The weather was beautiful.  The food we had was delicious but most important it was pure joy to be surrounded by such good friends and family all day.  My mom was able to come (see pic below) and she was thrilled to see everyone.  Jay and Trystan were here all day with their sweet dogs.  Mike's dad came and spent the day with us too.  I could not have pulled this party off in any way shape or form without my sister and Mike.  Kim designed the table above and made Nick's picture video.  My amazing niece made all of Nick's cake balls which everyone loved.  

My uncle's and cousins came from Sterling, Rockford and Springfield.  I was blessed by them making the long trip.  We got a picture of the cousins. 

Kim also came up with the idea to do a cut out picture of Nick.  It was a huge hit!  

                      Can this picture be any cuter?  Jensen and Nick just hanging out.  

 We ended the night with Trystan giving Craig and Nick hair cuts.  It is true that I'm tired this morning and Mike and I still have some work to do as far as clean up goes but my heart is so full.  Spending time with family is truly one of God's greatest blessings.  

Nick's Graduation

We celebrated Nick's graduation yesterday.  Since I didn't get to see Jay graduate (thanks Covid) I was so thankful to experince Nick's graduation.  Our entire family was there except for my mom.  We were all so sad.  She had strained her leg and literally could not walk.  

These are a few pictures that were taken Nick's last week of high school.  The picture above was on the last night of school.  Nick, his fishing partner, Brantson and B's girlfriend went for a jeep ride while Nick rode in the back in a lawn chair.  Pretty sure it was illegal but no one was hurt.  Ha.  The picture below is of the four boys who were headed to the IHSA state fishing meet.  Nick fished right up until the day before graduation.  They didn't do well but Nick didn't seem to mind.  

After graduation Nick ran out of the school so fast I wasn't able to get any pictures of him with his friends.  Chase came over after the ceremony and hung out.  I know I say this all the time but Chase is hands down one of my most favorite people.  Chase and Nick are working together all summer at the fab shop until Chase leaves for GA to attend lineman school in late August. 

 What a blessing it is to have high school behind me.  I know some moms would be super sad but I'm not.  All Nick has wanted to do is work, fish and hang out with friends which he has done all along but now he can do it without having to worry about how to fit school into the mix.  I'm also so proud of both my boys.  What an honor it's been to be their mom and watch them flourish.  

Last Day of High School

The day has finally arrived! It's true that nobody is happier than Nick but I'm a very close second.  There are no tears being shed today from this momma.  Nick's junior and senior years haven't been easy, mostly because Nick didn't want to be there.  He had "more important" things to do like working and fishing.  All this kid has wanted to do is work, fish, eat (a little), sleep, repeat.  I'm pretty sure that teachers either loved him or hated him.  There was probably no in between.  Where Jay was compliant, Nick was a nuisance.  He was respectful but questioned authority at every turn.  When he left school today he apologized to his teachers and the office staff.  To the teacher who told Nick he'd never get far in life or make anything of himself, I say watch him.  Just watch what this kid does in these next few years.  Now go get 'em, Nick.  
 

Reflections on turning 50

 I've been 50 for four days now.  I don't feel any different.  It's just an age, after all.  But in these 50 years of life I have learned a thing or two.  I know I don't do life perfectly.  I mess things up and will continue to stumble this side of heaven.  The blessing as a Christ follower is I rely on Jesus to get me through everything and I do mean everything.  I can pretty much do nothing on my own.  Another blessing is in knowing that however long I'm on this earth I will continue to grow and mature in my faith.  I'll never be done chasing after Jesus.  I won't think, "Gee, I know all there is to know about Jesus."  Won't ever happen.  These are just a few things I know with absolute certainity in a very uncertain world with a  culture that is decaying every minute, riddled in deception and moral insanity.  The older I get the simpler I become.  All I really want is to spend time with my family, my friends and my God.  Sure I want to travel more, reconnect with Mike now that the boys are raised, spend meaningful time with my adult sons as they hopefully expand our family with wives and grandchildren one day but in the end my greatest hearts desire is that I love everyone around me well and that God is pleased with me.   

As Charlie Chaplin once wrote, "We are all tourists, God is our travel agent who already made our itineraries, bookings and destinations.  Trust Him and enjoy life.  Life is a journey, live today." 

I'm 50!!!

Oh my goodness I just got back today from spending my birthday with my dear husband in Nashville! I came up with this idea a few months ago and what a great decision it was.  Since Nick is now 18 and my sister agreed to keep all 3 dogs (God bless her).  It was my hearts desire to spend my big birthday in my favorite city of Nashville.  It did not disappoint.  Mike and I traveled on May 9 and arrived late in the afternoon.  We had dinner at Martin's BBQ and headed to our favorite whiskey bar, Standard Proof.  We ended the evening at Luke Bryan's roof top bar.  This is me enjoying my birthday dessert - more on that.  

Here we are on my actual birthday.  In the morning we got up and toured the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum.  I loved it.  We then walked up and down Broadway.  We would stop at a few bars (picture above), have a drink, enjoy the music and then we'd keep walking (I ended my birthday with 21,000 steps).  We went to the Assembly Food Hall and loved it.  We literally ate a ridiculous amount of food.  By early evening we headed back to our hotel and got ready for our amazing dinner at Oak Steakhouse.  The fries!  No joke.  The fries were the appetizer we got and Mike and I will talk about those fries till our dying day.  We ended the evening at the Nashville Symphony.  A folk singer (Amos Lee) was singing with the symphony.  It wasn't Mike's favorite but I loved it and like he said, it was my birthday so the fact that I enjoyed it was all that mattered.  We got up this morning and headed home.  What a fabulous week I've had with the amazing party my sister threw me last weekend and my fabulous trip to Nashville with Mike.  I am so excited about this new chapter of my life.