Fall weekend

Even though it's only early September the weather feels like fall.  The weather this weekend was absolute perfection.  Yesterday we celebrated Aaron - Jay's best friend since first grade.  I cannot believe these boys are turning 24!  What a blessing life long friends are.  

          My crew!  I just love these four kids!  The girls make everything sweeter! 

This, that and the other

 It's been a minute since I actually wrote something of substance for my blog.  There is a reason for that so keep reading.  I know I've taken a lot of trips and I document those trips in my blog not to brag (to the maybe 5 people who read my blog - ha).  Instead, I document my trips so I don't forget them because my brain is mush.  Last week when I posted a picture of an airplane (with nothing else) someone commented "you're on another trip, where are you going this time?"  I get it.  I've done a lot of traveling this year and I'm so thankful.  I've enjoyed every single one of my trips, especially Greece.  Spoiler alert I'm headed to Washington D.C. next week for C.W.A.  Mary is going with me and I can't wait.  I am so thankful to the Lord for allowing me to travel so much.  He's provided for me financially and given me the flexibility in my job and personal life to do it.  

So overall how am I doing, when I'm not traveling (ha)?  I'm in the depths of menopause.  My worst symptoms are night sweats, hot flashes, foot pain - I have plantar fascitis like nobodys business.  I have belly fat that needs it's own zip code.  My libido is non existent.  My anxiety is also heightened.  I have what I believe to be frozen shoulder in my right arm.  My brain fog is also concerning.  I'll walk to another room to get one thing and in the 30 seconds it took me to get to that room I've fogotten why I'm there.  We implemented a new system at work and I've had to learn new states.  The struggle has been real.  I feel like the weakest link on my team.  I've also lost all desire to write, hence why I haven't written for my blog.  What can I say?  It's a season of life I'm getting through.  Thankfully I'm not experiencing mood swings, only increased anxiety.  My hair hasn't been effected (yet), thankfully! I'll be honest there's a lot of myself I just don't like right now.  I hate some of the thoughts I have.  I really hate the way I look right now.  I'm impatient, tired and at times grouchy.  

The other side of all this.  There are days I feel God must really be disappointed in me but scripture tells me that's not true.  I know without a shadow of a doubt I need Him every second of everyday and even though I'm battling fear related to my anxiety I know God is good and when I look back on my life He's been SO faithful.  In TN last week I said to Mike Ausili that the Lord has sure been good to the eight of us and Mike agreed, commenting more than we deserve.  Isn't that the truth?  I'm so thankful for life long friends during this season of my life.  

TN 7.0

In December I asked my boys if they wanted to take a vacation in the summer.  Instantly they both said they wanted to go back to TN one more time with the Ausili's - before they all got married and had kids.  Jenny and I put our heads together in January and started planning dates and where we would stay.  We rented an airbnb big enough for the 8 of us right on the main road.  For the first time we flew to TN.  When the boys were little we would always drive the 10 hours but we're older this time and decided to fly.  It was worth it!  We all came together from IL, TX and AZ.  It was such a special time.  I kept thinking the Lord has sure been good to our families - more than we deserve, as Mike Ausili said.  To God be the glory for this friendship that has lasted 40 plus years.  

I believe the kids are 10 (Faith), 8 (Jay and Curt) and 4 (Nick) but I may be off a bit.  Looking closer at Nick and Faith I think they may be 12, 10 and 6.  This year they were 25, 23 and 19.  The last time we went to TN was in 2016 and it was trip #6.  

Faith made this post.  We hiked to the waterfall this year.  I laughed because I hiked it but I sure felt it.  Nine years ago I was thinner and younger - just saying.  

 And here we are.  I just love this friendship so much.  Thank you Jesus for the gift of friendship.  And thank you that we were able to make this happen.  

August Meetings #7

 In 2011 I was hired with my current company.  The summer of 2011 was my first summer attending what has been called during their 75 year history, August Meetings.  It use to be that all the employees would come together every August in Cincinnati.  Several years later we started to meet every odd year.  That's all I've known, meeting every other odd year minus the Covid years.  This year we met in Nashville which to my knowledge is the first time ever we met anywhere other than Cincinnati.  My team is scattered throughout the United States so it is always nice when we can be together face to face.  This picture was taken out in front of the Grand Ole Opry.  We are missing Shelly but other than that these are the folks I work with everyday.  We are a small but mighty team conquering the wild west, as we like to say.  

No doubt my job has changed signficantly in 5 years.  In 2020 I started handling the state of Arizona which was challenging but 2025 has been by far the most challenging year in a long time.  We got a new system and in all seriousness I have been the weakest link in learning it.  Brian has been a life saver in teaching me.  Then I'm learning all the ins and outs with the state of CA.  It's been alot for my menopausal brain to handle.  I'm getting there but it's been a process, that's for sure.  

Texas Visit

A few days ago I flew to TX to spend some time with Jenny and Faith.  I have been able to see Faith every month since April.  It's been a rare and unexpected treat.  The three of us hung out in the pool a lot and did some shopping.  Jenny and I worked a few of the days.  It was super relaxing.  Lately I've thought a lot about how God has gotten me through every storm.  He makes a way for me every time.  It was hard when the Ausili's left IL for TX seven years ago but this 30 plus year friendship endures.   

Proverbs 17:17; A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity

 

4th of July Shrimp Boil

There has not been a shrimp boil that I didn't like but this one was extra special.  This year Lauren came along and spent the day with us and Rylan and Hannah joined us also.  These 3 girls are so much fun to be around.  The weather was HOT (like always) but we managed.  

The food is always great and Mike's butter that he makes is always a hit! 

Jay and Hannah.  Jay has been dating Hannah since March.  They are a sweet couple.  There is such a sense of peace in this new relationship.  

Two of my favorite people! 

So there has been a lot going on with Nick.  On June 26 Nick started a new job, only to get an offer from the company he's been wanting to work for for almost year.  Nick worked at the other job for 2 days and didn't accept any pay from them.  He felt bad about quitting but he accepted the offer from the other company and started what he thinks in time will be his "dream" job on June 30.  Neal Douglas who hosts the shrimp boil and is one of our dearest friends and also works for the company Nick so desperately has wanted to work for (and now does) helped put things in motion for him.  Nick just wrapped up his first week of work and seems happy and confident. 

This fourth of July just felt different, in a good way.  There has been so many things near and dear to my heart that I've prayed for this past year as a CWA leader.  I've seen many of my heartfelt prayers answered this week.  On top of that I read a book while in FL about WWII and the events leading up to us dropping the atomic bombs.  It was truly humbling.  I live in the greatest country on earth and I'm incredibly thankful to the men and women who sacrificed so much for my freedom.  Freedom that gives the opportunity to celebrate our great land each and every fourth of July.  God has extended His great hand of mercy over America.  It's in and through God that all things are made and all things are possible.  Happy 249th birthday, America.  
 

Florida

Kim, Lauren and I spent a week with Aunt Karen and family in family.  We've been doing this since 2017 - the year Kim and I put 11 year old Nick in the car with 10 year old Lauren and drove all the way to Myrtle Beach, SC.  The only year I haven't gone was 2020.  I am so appreciative of the time with family and the cheap price, just saying.  

One day the three of  us went to the beach but truth be told we only lasted about 20 minutes.  We are beach snobs and it was too hot and too sandy.  

I rented a fun Jeep Sahara on this trip.  In the past we haven't rented a vehicle but it was so worth it! 

This is how I spent the entire week - Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset.  I'd get back up in the morning and head to the pool.  I love spending time with Aunt Karen and my cousins!  
 

T N T

Several months ago me, Kim, Cora and Amber bought tickets for an outdoor concert - Tail Gate N' Tall Boys.  The weather was beautiful and we headed out on Saturday night and we even bumped into Nick and Rylan!  

Although the girls and I had a good time, this concert series for me is a one and done.  There were over 25,000 people and about the third time I squatted on a porta potty, I decided I was officially too mature (not old - ha) to battle the crowds and have to pee in a porta potty all night.  

Mom took us out for lunch before we headed to the concert.  Lauren was our driver which we really appreciated!  We decided our next outing will be in October and we're going to Iowa City to visit Amber's daughter, Kaylie!  Until next time, girls! 

 

Jenny visit and Rylan's Graduation

Once again my pictures are not in order but that's okay.  Jenny and Curtis came for a visit because Jenny's parents were in town so I got to catch up with Wayne and Sharon and spend time with Jenny.  Yesterday we attended Rylan's graduation party.  I'm dealing with some back pain right now and although it's better, it's still wears me down.  I was glad it was a little better this weekend because there was a lot going on.  Oh and in addition to all that Kim and I also drove mom to Sterling for Aalin's graduation party.  Another whirlwind weekend that I am thankful for. 

 

Greece

 Long post alert!  On May 19 Mike and I headed to Greece with our church group which just also happened to include my sister, niece and my dearest friends, Mary and Shannon, who are more like family.  It was a trip of a lifetime.  I remember before we left our pastor's wife, Sara, told us that we would spend weeks processing everything that we saw and we'd be overwhelmed by all of it.  She couldn't have been more right.  This post will probably be all over the place b/c I'm still wrapped up in so much emotion from Greece.  It was humbling to walk where the Apostle Paul was.  God used his heart and placed him in Greece where he courageously shared the Gospel.  He was imprisoned, beaten and yet kept on.  He spent 18 mos in Cornith as a tent maker.  I was moved to tears when Pastor Baker and our greek speaking tour guide, Evi, read 1 Corinthians 13 together.  Mike would read a verse in english, Evi a verse in greek.  It reminded me the Gospel is for everyone, everyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ.  I am also incredibly thankful that Mike agreed to go on this trip with me.  Had he not he would have worked himself to the bone while I was gone and would have had no idea what I experienced on this trip.  Instead we experienced it together and Mike was his best self.  He was actually a joiner on this trip and had people in gales of laughter for much of the trip.  He loved seeing all the old archaeological sites.  I really can't say enough about this trip.  I loved every second of it.  

Below is a brief run down of our days in Greece

Day 1 - Thessaioniki, a visit to church of St. Demetrius, we traveled to Kavala (where Paul first landed in Europe).  We went to Philippi (where Paul and Silas were arrested, flogged and imprisoned for causing a public nuisance).  We also went to the site where Lydia was baptized.  Lydia was the first person baptized in Europe.  

Day 2 - Archaeological site of Vergina in Central Macedonia.  Visited the Royal tomb of King Phillip. We went to Beria.  We checked into our hotel that night in Kalambaka

Day 3 - This was one of my favorite days.  We visited a monastery and the rock formations were breath taking.  Truly, I can't put into words how beautiful and majestic it was.  All I kept thinking was God is SO big and I am SO small.  

Day 4 - We left Kalambaka and headed to Delphi.  That night we left for Athens

Day 5 - Panathenian Stadium which was quite a hike but worth it.  Mars Hill where Paul taught about the "unknown God" (Acts 17).  A view of the Agora, the ancient marketplace of pubic life.  We visited the Acropolis and the magnificent Parthenon. 

Day 6 - Athens  and Cornith.  I loved Cornith.  Paul was a tentmaker in Cornith for 18 months.  

These pics are in no certain order.  In fact this picture was taken on the last night but I find it fitting that it posted first because these are my people.  I am so blessed by all of them and to vacation with them as a family of believers was wonderful.  We laughed together and grew in our knowledge and love of Christ.  (left to right: John, Mary, Lauren, Kim, Shannon, Shizuko, me and Mike)

                                    John and Mike at the Parthenon in Athens

Plato, our bus driver and Evi, our tour guide.  These two were the absolute best.  I was amazed by all things Greece but Plato's driving abilities came a very close second.  Evi's knowledge and kindness were amazing. 

Lauren, Kim and I at the Meteora Monasteries.  The views were unbelievable.  Just gorgeous.  

Kim turned 47 in Greece. Here she is on her actual birthday. It was a birthday she'll never forget. 

This sweet picture was taken at the Metora Monasteries.  Again, the view.  The pictures don't do it justice. 

These two pictures were taken in Veria (I think) of Paul's tribute.  We got to hear Mike preach which was another blessing.  

Bubbles made the trip too.  We had a lot of laughs from people seeing Bubbles pop out of Mike's back pack.  It wouldn't be a trip without Bubbles. 

                 A view of Kavala.  We also had gorgeous weather the entire week! 

Mary took this picture of me leaning over at the place of Lydia's baptism.  It was surreal to me.  Again it was humbling as a believer to see where she was baptized.  

Thank you Lord for this trip.  Thank you for your hand of protection over us.  Thank you for the Apostle Paul.  Thank you that you are so much bigger than  my human mind can comprend.  Thank you for everything that I saw and experienced.  

Arizona!

Five years ago my company "moved" me from IL to AZ - not physically but work wise.  I started handling claims within the state of AZ.  The huge blessing of that is every so often I get to go to AZ and this trip just happened to fall on Faith's 25th birthday.  I was able to spend the afternoon with her.  We got pedicures and went to a cocktail bar.  We had a great time together and it was such a blessing for both of us.    

 When I go on these work trips I get to stay at Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.  It is hands down the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in.  It was designed by the late Frank Lloyd Wright and it is elegant and unique and just a wonderful experience.  Although I wouldn't want to live in AZ, I sure like to visit!  

51

Family is truly one of God's greatest blessings.  May is the month where the weather improves and the sun shines.  It's the month where I start to shed the long sleeved shirts and jeans.  It's also Mother's Day and my birthday.  On Friday night Mike and I hosted John and Judy and family.  The picture above isn't great but we had 13 people for dinner.  After dinner we retreated to the patio where we laughed together some more.  I truly love hosting a big crowd in my home.  My boys were there, along with their girlfriends.  Kim and family also came with John's brother, Steve.  It was a great night.  

John is back from another winter in Florida and when he came home he brought his fiancee, Judy.  John met Judy at the dog park and Judy has taking a liking to not only John but his deranged dog, Morgan.  I say that with kindness.  John's dog is just not very friendly - just saying.  Anyway I am very happy for John and I really like Judy.  She is full of energy and I truly believe John's very best years are ahead of him.  I am looking forward to spending more time with them as the years go by.   

Meet Hannah.  Jay has been seeing Hannah since early March.  In fact their first date was on my mom's birthday, March 2.  They are a sweet couple and Jay is really happy.  

Rylan brought me flowers for Mother's Day.  She recently moved into her own apartment.  

 Speaking of Mother's Day.  Jay and Hannah got me a basket of goodies - a bouquet of flowers, chocolate, a new mug and a candle.  It was so thoughtful.  As I told Hannah I appreciated not only the gifts but the display of how it was wrapped up.  Usually the boys just throw my gifts at me in the amazon package it came in.  It's wonderful having these young women in our family.  

For my birthday I had lunch with mom and Kim and Mike and I went out for pizza that evening.  It was a nice, relaxing day - just the way I like it.  Physically I'm 5 lbs heavier this year and menopause is not a fun experience.  My most annoying symptoms is the brain fog.  I can remember nothing.  If I don't write it down, forget about it.  The other symptom that is really bad is the night sweats.  Poor Mike.  He is sleeping in a wind tunnel.  Every night I put my cooling pad on full blast.  I also sleep with the windows open this time of year and some nights I even have the ceiling fan on.  By morning our room can feel like a frozen tundra.  I still wake up with a sweaty night shirt and Mike has icicles hanging from his nose.  What I love about this season of my life is the relationship I have with my adult sons.  Sure there are challenges with trying to detach myself from them in terms of the fact that they are both adults but still live with us.  They are both good decision makers so for the most part I try to stay in my lane and only offer them input when they ask.  I'm not perfect but I try.  I am looking forward to having more time with Mike, traveling more and hopefully as the years go by the boys will expand our family.  What is hard right now is my body.  Nothing looks or feels the same.  The 5 lbs I've put on feels like 15 lbs.  Even my hair (my greatest feature in my opinion) doesn't look the same.  It's unruly.  Eating protein is my 2nd full time job these days and heaven forbid if I step out and eat too many carbs (like I did this weekend).  I will put weight on just thinking about cards.  My friend, Laura, got me a weighted vest for my birthday which I love but that's where I am at this point in my life - religiously eating protein, trying to tame my hair, washing my pillows and night shirts on a daily basis and walking with a weighted vest to help with muscle and bone density.  The struggle is real.  

My weekend

It was a glorious weekend!  The weather was absolute perfection and my favorite girl, Faith, came to visit.  

 I also got to see an old friend!  It was Karen Neal's birthday and retirement party.