These will definitely help!

I was scurrying around at lunch today getting a few last minute things for Chad to take to school, and in the drug store, what did I see? The perfect prescription for a mom who's boy is leaving for college tomorrow! Coconut M&Ms! I love all things coconut, chocolaty and delicious. What a brilliant idea. I may or may not buy a plentiful supply of these to ease my sorrow.

Seriously, I have felt lifted up by prayers of my dear friends, family, and sweet sister-in-law who tells me that say, in two years, I will be just fine; she is just now feeling ok about Tate being gone. I am ready for a "new normal" and feel like I can face this with excitement for Chad, some one-on-one time with Garret before he goes down this road next year, and a chance to find out what Rich and I have in common again, besides three kids that we love more than anything.

Coconut M&Ms, life is good!

Who Knew?

Twenty four years. Sounds like forever, but boy has it gone fast. Rich and I are celebrating our anniversary today. We have accomplished a lot in those years. Almost raised three kids, moved four times, two times across country; once when I was 8 months pregnant, gone through too many cars to count, gone through the big hair thing, laughed, cried, gotten snarky, made up, and here we are, and never once doubted that Rich and I are supposed to be together. We have changed a lot; but always know we have each other. When we had Rich's 39th surprise party, I wrote and framed some things I love about him, I looked at them again, and still feel just the same.

I love.....
That he calls me everyday just to say "hi".
That he always wishes he ordered what I did at a restaurant.
When he plays "air guitar".
That after all this time he still thinks that I'm pretty.
That he still gets excited about little things.
That he is always nice to everyone.
That he has so many interests.
That we have already spent half of our lives together and I am still looking forward to the second half.
That he likes Kitty even though he isn't a "cat person".
That he always makes me laugh.
That he always thanks me for making a meal.
The he never gives up.
That he seems to be able to fix anything.( Except the crack in the wall, sorry honey...)
That he is mine.

The Grad

It's signed, sealed, and delivered. My boy is an official high school graduate. We had a great time with family celebrating Chad. That's the good thing about celebrations like these, you get to spend time with family and set time aside to be together. He's off to the beach for a week of well deserved time with friends before he begins his new chapter at UCONN.

Off to Change the World

It's finally here. The day I have been in deep denial about all year. I get teary every time I think of it, and try to be brave, but all I can think about is how much I will miss Chad and how much his life is going to change in a few short weeks.
How did he go from being my bouncing in his "Johnny Jump-Up" boy (that I take full credit for why he is now a kicker, thank you very much), light-up shoe soccer player, preschool graduate, hard-working, goal driven boy, ready to go out in this big world and make a difference? I know, this is what is supposed to happen, but are we ever truly prepared? I am genuinely excited for all he is going to experience and know that God will direct his path, I just have to be willing to stay behind and let him find his own way.