She's graduating college

My baby girl is graduating college Sunday. That sentence is a sobering powerful declaration for me. It is packed with all kinds of emotion that is so overwhelming that as a parent it is almost too much to bare. I've tried so hard to not reflect and just live in the moment, but alas she will always be my baby girl who is grown into a strong beautiful woman. I couldn't be prouder of her for chasing her dreams!!

Every hurdle, every fear, every hardship, every doubt...disappears for commencement. Of course it's replaced with a whole new set, but it will be okay just as college was okay. There's an excitement to starting a new chapter that is electric and I'm so happy for her!!

I hope to get all my little tears out long before the big day, but just in case I can't I hope my camera captures everything my tear stained eyes may miss.

Looking Back at My Christmas Blessings

It's January and everyone has packed away their Christmas decorations for the most part, kids have returned to school (unless you're us and are getting snow days), and people are returning to their jobs and routines. For me it's a time of reflection and a time to look over my calendar for the rest of the year. 

This holiday season was harder than I imagined it would be. My body was still going through quite a bit of an adjustment to the medication so I had to let go of some of my control and have the family help, and I had to try not to micro manage that. That in itself was hard. The family really pitched in to help make the decorations better than my wildest imagination, even if there were candy wrappers on the floor. Yes there were squabbles, eye rolls I'm sure, and other moments that were not our finest, but there were also more laughter, more shenanigans, more memorable moments (at least for me) than I've ever had at Christmas. 

• I was able to see my dad & Hildie right before Christmas and take in a basketball game with them. One of my favorite parts was having coffee with dad early in the morning before the hustle & bustle of the day got started.
• Being able to participate in my niece, Sienna's feast right before the break. I felt real honored that she allowed me to be a part of that with her.
•  Of course being with my grand babies on Christmas Eve and all three of the kids was a priceless memory for me. My oldest grandson Gabriel is wise beyond on years and I love seeing how life is through his eyes, which never stops amazing me. The twins are full of energy and life. Now you mix my children that are grown or just about grown all together and it is this beautiful messy part of life that I help create. I think that's pretty great.
• We went down to my sister's on Christmas day. My mom was preparing Christmas dinner and my sister was suppose to be working. It was a great surprise that she had finished early and was able to make dinner!! I was delighted! I was able to SEE some of the coolest coffee cups in the world she had gotten for Christmas. It was a very relaxed time, a much needed time.

There were many other blessing I had this holiday season. I am thankful for my family walking the unfamiliar path with me.