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.  

 

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!!

Sunday Funday

Yesterday was the one year anniversary for my church, Song & Sword.  I got this sweet picture taken with two of the other welcome table volunteers, Mike and Sandy.  I have met so many new people through this church community.  I am so thankful for this church, the people in the church and the pastoral leadership team.  

 It was gorgeous yesterday in Central IL.  Nick and friends went out on a double date.  So cute! 

2nd annual Bass Bash

Last night was our 2nd bass bash.  It's our big fund raising event for the year.  I am so proud of this team and what it has accomplished.  I wrote the proposal for this team in the spring of 2020.  Our school board approved it in what was the dark days of 2020.  In early 2021 I remember me and two other guys sitting in our school library, trying to come up with a plan.  We didn't have one.  Ha.  Over what was a short amount of time Ryan found Jon (above).  Jon became our coach and what a coach he is.  Our team took off and became very successful in a short amount of time.  Last night the seniors gave a speech to Jon, thanking him for all he does for this team.  Even though Nick is graduating, he intends on being a captain next year.  Mike and I plan on continuing on as board members.  

It was so fun to have Jay and Trystan join us last night.  It's such a blessing to spend time with your adult children!  

Mike kept the books last night.  He learned a few things from last year and said this year went much smoother.  The great news is we are able to fund our upcoming spring and fall season with the money brought in last night.  Yay!

More antics with my sister.  I'm always so appreciative of her and Craig coming out for the bash.  

 

Dinner with Lauren

 Recently Lauren and Kim told me she didn't make honor roll but just barely - literally she missed it by a percentage point.  Learning does not come easy for Lauren (oh, how I can relate).  I see how hard she works.  Honestly I love her school but she would have made honor roll at any other school.  Her school standards are tough.  I could see she was disappointed she didn't make honor roll.  I proposed that her aunts take her out to dinner to celebrate her and that's just what we did.  Kim joined us too.  The four of us had a delightful dinner, full of conversation and laughs.