Happy Monday my Friends
Late summer here we are. My flower pots are spilling over and starting to fade a bit. Geese have been flying over in giant groups doing their practice runs. The sun doesn't hold the heat it did earlier in the season. And my dear sweet Annie boo headed off to college. 😢 Please hold me? It's a true empty nest now and that guts me, if I'm honest. Being a Mom is the absolute BEST most wonderful purpose I have in this life. And I know that her leaving doesn't change that...but it will be different now. Everything will be from a distance. And it's the transition to a new normal. I'm proud of her and excited - and I know this is how life is supposed to be. But there is now an ache that I know will sit in the depth of my heart for a while. Change is always difficult.
Matt has been a dreamboat. And he was also wonderful in knowing the time I needed with my girl this past weekend...without having to say a word. He went to the lake to visit his folks. And Annie and spent 3 days packing, gabbing, bingeing Stranger Things, watching movies, playing games, going over laundry & many other last minute life lesson tips. We had food ordered in and cooked meals. We had some fun treats. We dreamed on her new dorm room and all her plans for the future in FL. (her Dad is driving down with her so she'll have her car and he'll fly back).
And then yesterday late morning it was time. We hugged and that turned into holding each other and just sobbing for several minutes. Then she walked out the door, got in her car, and I waved out the window like I always do and she drove away. I was happy to be alone yesterday. It was kind of a brutal one. But then late in the day I picked myself up. Did some chores around the house. And then ran some errands until Matt got home. I thank the Lord for this new chapter and for him! I think this transition would be so much more difficult without him in my life.
Yesterday was also my sweet Aaron's 24th birthday. He had been out-of-town for the weekend with friends. We were planning a dinner here tonight with some family over and now he's sick (might be covid or a bad bug from the sounds of it🙈) Poor guy. So family still coming over for a BBQ because of all the food I made and need to get rid of. Lol But we'll celebrate Aaron when he's feeling better.
So kind of a crazy and emotional weekend. But now it's time to move forward into this week ahead....
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS:
ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE THIS MORNING:
sugar free iced coffee with a little protein creamer (fasted until lunch)
ON MY TO DO LIST THIS WEEK:
wedding work/errands, Ruby haircut, home projects, Aaron birthday stuff (if he's well by later in the week), hospice work
THINKING ABOUT:
lots of last minute wedding details on the brain now
AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
Listening to Michael Buble. The sun is streaming in. Ruby is napping on the couch. I see a big vase of hydrangeas I just cut. It feels peaceful and cozy.
CURRENTLY READING
I started a new Moonbright Maine series (it's an Autumn series)
ON THE TV TODAY:
Bachelorette, HGTV shows, Big Brother, AGT, Annie & I have been bingeing Stranger Things (we didn't quite finish but hope to watch remotely together when we're able). Catching up on some taped stuff and then Matt & I will start the Walking Dead (his 2nd favorite series)
*PS: invested in Bachelorette as Marcus grew up in a town only 20 miles from me (not the city he currently lives in). Plus, I like him and think he's a sweetie for Jen :)
ON THE MENU THIS WEEK:
MONDAY - burgers on the grill, Aaron's fave pasta salad, jello salad, veggies & dip, melon brownie sundaes (per Aaron's bday request)
TUESDAY - protein chicken crust pizza topped with caesar salad
WEDNESDAY - stuffed pork chop pinwheels, green beans (from our garden!), salad
THURSDAY - crispy sushi rice & veggie bowls (Matt's topped with tuna)
FRIDAY - out for dinner?
TO RELAX THIS WEEK I WILL:
read, maybe Matt & I can get out golfing?
TIPS OR SOMETHING TO SHARE:
Another favorite protein snack right now - chop up some apple into a bowl. Make a peanut butter drizzle out of pb protein powder (just make it looser than it says for making peanut butter) and pour over apples, sprinkle on sunflower seeds if you want (or other crunchy). So good! Salty, sweet, light, and some protein. Great on bananas too!
I didn't know that, did you?
FROM THE CAMERA:
Annie picked out this diamond art for me to make for her dorm room and I put it into a pretty green frame.
she dozed off when we were watching shows and reminded me of when she was a little girl 💗
Been getting a handful of green beans every few days and saving in a baggie to make it as one of our side dishes this week. More cukes just about ready too.
The late summer moon has been putting on quite a show.
My sweet babies. I can't believe my boy turned 24 yesterday!!
late summer pots flowing over