Whirlwind Weekend

I'm in such a sweet season of life right now and while it's true it takes some getting use to, I'm really soaking up every blessing God has for me.  One huge blessing is my church and the community of women within that church, including my dear Mary.  Every Sunday I get to worship with Mary and Shannon and all the other women whom I've come to know and love.  Yesterday morning Mary and I attended a womens breakfast at church - organized and run by sweet Shannon.  Mary and I got up early and helped Shannon.  It was amazing to see 70 women in fellowship together, worshipping, learning, sharing and laughing.  

After my womens breakfast Mike and I headed to Springfield to celebrate Karen and Kerry's 40th wedding anniversary.  I was in their wedding 40 years ago.  I was only 9 (almost 10) and like Karen said I was the only one who didn't create drama in the wedding party.  Ha!  I still remember my pale blue dress and my floral headband.  I loved the entire day.  I'm beyond blessed to have such a close relationship with my aunt and uncle and my cousins.  Family is everything.  Sadly my sidekick, Kim, couldn't be there.  She and her family went to Chicago for the weekend.  

 Aunt Karen is my favorite aunt.  We don't let too much time go by without one of us reaching out to the other to see how we are doing.  She continually makes me laugh and vice versa.  She just gets me and I her.  Vacationing with her and our family every summer is one of my most treasured memories.  Happy Anniversary! 

Today as I write this I served at church this morning and picked up some groceries on my way home.  Nick has been at a fishing tournament since Friday and Jay has been with Trystan or working so it's just been Mike and I (see what I mean when I say this season of life takes some getting use to).  I was talking to a young mother last night.  She has two boys, ages 6 and 9.  We laughed at a few of our boy stories together. It's hard for me to believe I'm past that.  I now get to hang out with my husband, relax at parties (since I'm not chasing boys), attend church events without first figuring out what the boys will do when I'm gone and enjoy quiet Sundays.  Thank you Lord for the gift of motherhood, for the blessing of my boys.  For being able to experience all the highs, lows and in betweens.  Thank you for this new season I am transitioning into.  May I reflect you in all I do, lean into you just a little more everyday and desire all that You have for me.   

This weekend Kim and I had our sisters weekend with Lindsay.  We started doing this last year and we loved it.  This year we went to New Buffalo, MI.  We had lunch together, did a little shopping and went to our VRBO for the night.  We had a wonderful time together.  We laughed relentlessly and talked about our kids, work and life in general.  

 

Say Thank You

 Jay is taking a fun trip with Trystan's family this weekend.  As he was packing last night I almost reminded him to make sure he thanked her parents.  It was only a thought, however.  I was instantly reminded that Jay is a grown adult.  Gone are the days where I was trying to mold him, provide a positive example, all while ensuring he understood what good manners were all about and how to be kind.  Although our hearts are always with our children, the argument can be made that a mother's work is never done but I beg to differ.  My work with Jay is done.  Mike and I got him to the end of the runway.  In fact he's already taken off and in flight.  There's a story my mom tells about me where I believe she knew her work with me was also done.  I had landed a summer job at a big insurance company while finishing up in college.  I believe I was dating Mike at the time - the man, who like Trystan and Jay, brought out the very best in me.  One day mom came to visit me at work.  As she waited across the atrium for me, I walked towards her, clicking in my heels the entire way.  Mom tells me she knew at that time she had done her job.  All the worry, all the sleepless nights and parenting in the trenches had been worth it.  That is exactly how I feel about Jay.  What a joy it is to witness your adult children take flight, all while remembering to say please and thank  you along the way.  

Family and Friends - FL & TX

I am at a point in my life where getting away for a week is good for my mental health.  My boys are grown and I am by myself most days, working from home, up to 12 hours a day.  The days are long and lonely.  Thankfully Mike is supportive of these little get aways.  Last Monday I flew to FL with my Uncle Kerry.  I spent a day with Kelly.  I am so blessed by all my cousins.  It is a rare gift to be close to all of them.  Kelly is my youngest cousin and lives in FL so I don't see her often.  I loved spending time with her little girl.  She was parked on my lap much of the day while I read to her.  I soaked it all in.  I was able to spend time with Karen and Kerry and see where Kelly lives.  

 On Wed morning I flew to Texas to spend time with Jenny.  I haven't seen Jenny since last July.  We worked during the days and relaxed together at night.  It was lovely.  I flew home on Saturday afternoon and here I am on Monday morning - back to reality.  

Golden Girls and Mom

I had such a fun weekend.  It started on Thursday night.  Me, Kim, Lauren and Amber (Cora couldn't join us this time, boo) went to the Golden Girls show.  It was so funny.  We had a wonderful time together. 

 On Friday, March 1, we celebrated mom's birthday.  Faith M. and Faith R. were also able to join us.  The six of us had such a nice time at lunch.  We drank wine, ate good food and celebrated mom's 73rd birthday.  The weather lately has been so nice so that was an added bonus!  Happy Birthday, Mom!!