Happy and Sad

In less than one month Jackie will be moving into her first apartment with her fiance Jason.  I'm happy for them both and yet at the very same time I'm sad to see my girl go.  Jackie has been a huge help to me while I was going to school to get my RN degree.  She was a tremendous help with her brother Brandon.  The last months since my graduation and her getting her first job and getting more independence has been bitter sweet for me.

I'm happy that she is no longer afraid of the world and has in the last year gotten her driver's license, gotten a job and had Jason move in here with us.  Though I know she is ready for this next step and I truly thought I would be ready as well, I'm learning I'm much more worried about her move and her future than she is.  She will be moving to Richmond a full 1.5 hours from home.  I know that isn't so far yet it seems like a million miles away.

Shaun moved out years ago and somehow that wasn't difficult at all.  He never was a Momma's boy, he was always such an independent young man.  I'm not sure Jackie knows just how much I'm going to miss her or if she will even miss us at all.  As much as it shames me to say this, I was so happy to leave home when I did I didn't miss home, mom or dad at all.  Granted I was only a few minutes from home when Bob and I married and moved to our first apartment.  Looking back now I'm not sure how I handled the sudden change.  I'd never been away from home before and yet from the first day Bob and I began our lives together it never felt uncomfortable.  Honestly it was as if we had been living together forever.  It was the most natural experience.  I'm sure it is just like that for Jackie and Jason.  They do seem perfect for one another and I could not have picked a nicer young man for Jackie.

This change may be harder on me than anyone but I do wish them the very best and pray that God gives them the strength, knowledge and where-with-all to handle everything that comes their way. I also pray He gives me the strength to get through this change and the poise, knowledge and support that they will need from me.  Yes as I type this tears are welling up into my eyes (sniffle, sniffle)  thinking of how quickly the years have gone by and how my beautiful baby girl has grown into a beautiful young woman.

Aren't they a beautiful couple!

The above photo is one of my father with Jackie in his arms and Shaun by his side.  I can't believe how long ago that was.

And here I am with my girl.  I'm so proud of her!  Jackie, I love you more than you will ever know!  I wish you and Jason the best the world has to offer!


UPDATE:  Change in plans Jackie and Jason will continue to live here at home until they both find jobs in the Richmond area.  

Thanksgiving memories

Whew! It's been years since I cooked Thanksgiving dinner myself. Now I remember why! I spent hours preparing the meal. While everyone else was enjoying talking to family I was slaving over a hot stove! The funny thing is I really enjoyed it this time. You see usually I take a huge short cut and buy a Ukrops turkey dinner. You know the kind you only have to reheat. Their dinners are delicious but I was kinda tired of the same old sides and said this year I'm gonna do it the right way!
The menu was as follows:
Turkey, glazed ham, homemade stuffing, sweet potato casserole, broccoli and cheese casserole, string bean casserole, hot rolls, country ham slices, mac and cheese (brought by a friend), potato salad (my husband's specialty) and homemade gravy (made by a friend). Actually all the above was completely homemade. I did buy store bought pumpkin pies. It was all so good even if I say so myself.
It was great to see everyone. We ended up feeding 12 but had expected 18 so I had lots of extra food for everyone to take home with them. Its so difficult to get everyone together anymore. I remember in the early years when we would all gather at my grandmother in-laws (is that even a word? I dunno!) , Nana's, all hubby's siblings and their kids and his parents would meet at her house for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Now we hardly ever see them all anymore. Sometimes that isn't a bad thing. The kids are grown and spread all out and a good number of those kids now have kids of their own. Not mine, mind you... and they better not anytime soon. I've threatened them within an inch of their lives if they think of making me a grandma anytime soon. My oldest son says not to worry he isn't ready for kids yet, he's 23. My oldest daughter isn't seeing anyone yet and isn't sure when or if she wants to have kids. My youngest recently said he wants to live with us forever and if he does marry he wants her to move in with us... take into account he is 9. I'm just happy he loves us so much that he doesn't ever want to leave. I know this won't be the case in his teen years. Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Happy Anniversary!

Now I know you will all find this shocking information but it's true, today Bob and I celebrate our 23 anniversary. Yes that's right 23 YEARS! I can't believe it myself. Today as it turns out is very much like this day 23 years ago. We had a light rain which turned to sleet and back again to rain. I remember arriving at the church that damp cold day. I wasn't about to allow the weather to dampen my spirits. I was filled with the joys and expectations of a life together with the man I love. Having no idea what the future was to bring.

Today here we stand as happy as we were all those years ago. Ready to face the challenges that are still to come.


**not sure why this pic is on its side since its upright on photobucket ... as usual I am having technical difficulties.