August 5, 2016

Random Photo Friday

This week's photos aren't really all that random. They are all about my Madison. And this.




My firstborn spread her wings this week. She left for Denmark with her Nicolas. This time, it is for a bit longer. She is planning on staying there for the school year and will be living with Nicolas' family. She is also planning on attending a make up artistry academy as well as taking a Danish language course. We are so excited and happy for her to begin this new adventure! She will be seeing so many new things, as well as learning so much about her true passion...make up. She will also be immersed in the language and culture of the beautiful country Nicolas calls home.

Along with the happiness comes a myriad of other emotions, my friends...among them...disbelief, sadness and anxiety. I will always be honest here, and to omit the fact that my Madison Marie leaving home for the first time has been easy on my heart would be untruthful. But it is her time. She is almost twenty, and is ready to spread her wings and fly. She is mature and excited and happy. She is also nervous and anxious. A new chapter in her life is about to begin, and that is indeed scary. But Steve and I reassured her that she is ready. And that no matter how far away she is, she is always here with us. Always in our hearts. And only a text or Snapchat or call or Facetime away. : )

Me and my girl. : )


Tuesday morning she kissed little Mocha goodbye...

And smiled a brave smile.

Nicolas will miss her too.

She cuddled with him every. single. night.

Then there were pictures on the driveway...


Before they headed off on their new adventure.

Were there tears? Yep. All around.
And hugs and waves and more tears.
But we will see her again in September before they return home for Christmas.
They say a parent gives each child roots and wings.
And I agree.
I just wish those wings didn't have to spread so fast.

Once they left, I got to cleaning. And scrubbing. And dusting.
Then I started scrapbooking. And organizing.
And then I collapsed on the sofa with a piece of this amazing pie Steve's sweet sister Sally dropped off because she knew we would be sad. : )
And you know what? It helped.

Have a cozy weekend, friends.
Thanks for visiting!










24 comments:

  1. Safe travels and adventures to your beautiful girl! Thinking of you all and hoping for a smooth transition for her and you all back at home too. Big hugs!

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  2. Billie Jo- it's hard isn't it- but they all grow older.
    We have 3 adult daughters.
    That pie looks like it could make anyone feel better.
    Have a wonderful day.

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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  3. That's a lot miles between you and your off-spring. Sigh. She looks happy, and so does Nicolas. In the meantime, the strawberry pie will soothe your soul. Just looking at it soothed mine. :-)

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  4. Oh my heart. The love for Madison just pours out in this post. I am sure it is a huge adjustment. Hard for everyone. She is going to grow and it will be good. But still, different and hard. How exciting for her to be doing what she loves, along side the one she loves. So sweet for your sister-in-law to be thinking of you, it looks like a beautifully delicious pie.

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  5. Launching your kids out into the world is one of the hardest things that we do. I feel your pain! Thank heavens we live during the internet era. It makes connecting with our loved ones so much easier. Hang in there, and be extra nice to yourself for a while!

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  6. {{{Billie Jo}}} sending you much love and hugs...you have raised a beautiful daughter...keeping you and her in prayer. I hope you keep us updated...

    (and slightly jealous, I wish our 19 year old would mature and grow his wings, smiles and giggles)

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  7. Oh Billie Jo, my heart aches for you having to say goodbye to Madison. But just like you said, she is ready. She is one impressive young lady and she will do just fine. How wonderful she'll be experiencing another part of the world. I'm excited for her.
    Hang in there. Make sure Peyton supplies you with enough goodies to get you through.
    Catch a hug, my friend.

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  8. Dear Billie Jo,

    Oh how I feel for you. It is difficult to have one's child move so far away, but how nice that Madison will be home in September and again at Christmas - at least you will get to have Christmas with the whole family. I wish the best for Madison :)

    My that dessert looks delicious!

    I hope you have a happy weekend.
    ❤️Hope

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  9. Wow, Denmark! That's quite the adventure! What a blessing that she's going to be with people she knows and loves!

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  10. Wishing it wasn't 1am and up from jet lag (when am I ever going to be able to sleep like a normal person again?) because I'm already overtired and emotional and this post... this post... made me happy but sad and everything in between. You raised a beautiful daughter my friend. Everything she's doing is because of the love that filled her heart for all of those years.

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  11. Sending you hugs, certainly one of the hardest things to do in life, letting them go. Love them enough to let them go secure in the knowledge they love you enough to come back. Take care.

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  12. Brave girl, brave mom. What an adventure her life begins with!! Prayers for your heart. :)

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  13. Oh, Billie Jo, I know exactly how you are feeling. I think the separation from our children is even harder for us homeschool moms. After all, our kids have been around us for nearly their entire lives. It isn't that we doubt their readiness to be away---because the truth is, we've been raising them and training them to leave us one day. No, it's not that we doubt their ability. It's that we know how much we're going to miss them, we know that those days we love will always be a little different in the future. (Different doesn't mean bad...just different.)

    Letting our kids go (especially internationally as your sweet girl has done) gives me a new respect and admiration for our ancestors. They left countries of origin, often leaving their parents behind, to begin a new life in America. They left knowing they would probably never see their loved ones again. I'm so thankful we can Skype these days.

    Anyhow, my best to your daughter, and my prayers for you as you adjust to the new normal.

    By the way, how did Madison meet a young man from Denmark?

    Hugs,
    Patti @ Embracing Home

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  14. Prayers for you, my friend, so many prayers.

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  15. My daughter was away from home for the first time this summer for 5 weeks. She came home today. It was so different without her. I cannot imagine her being in another country. The hard part was that she was in a place that has no internet or cell phone service. I'm glad you will be able to keep in contact.

    God comfort you!

    Please drop by and say hello!
    ஐღLauraღஐ
    Harvest Lane Cottage
    ...doing what I can with what I've got where I am
    on a short shoestring budget!
    ~~~~~

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  16. Oh my...that must be hard. We really are never as prepared as we think we will be when that time comes for our kids to leave (at least that's what I've been told) my oldest is only 15, but he'll be out of the house before I know it. Preparing them is most valuable than ever!
    I'll be praying for you, as I'm sure you'll have sad moments at times... And yes anything sweet always helps. ;)
    Enjoy your week...
    Amy

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  17. Beautifully written, Billie Jo. The picture of you holding on to your girlie is so touching; I can just imagine the turbulent emotions...
    Well done for letting go ~ it is hard! And yes ~ pie helps :)
    x

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  18. Beautifully written, Billie Jo. The picture of you holding on to your girlie is so touching; I can just imagine the turbulent emotions...
    Well done for letting go ~ it is hard! And yes ~ pie helps :)
    x

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  19. Beautiful post. Oh it's so hard missing someone even when you know they are having a wonderful time and new experience. And I can imagine even more so as a mother. Prayers to you and your family! And to Madison for a safe and wonderful time in Denmark. I can imagine how excited she is, and she is also so brave. I'm a few years older than her and I don't know if I'd be brave enough to be able to go that far, so I admire her a lot :) Aw, and every photo is so sweet.


    Blessings and hugs!
    Hope your Monday is full of joy♥
    Jazzmin

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  20. Bless your Momma heart my dear sweet Billie Jo. Prayers sent for strength for you and guidance and protection for her on all of her adventures. I follow her on insta - so I feel a bit invested in her too and will love following her adventures as well. You are wonderful parents, it's so obvious, and thus I have NO DOUBT she will fly beautifully Lovie.

    So chin up Buttercup and know I'm sending you a giant hug and a big shoulder and listening ear should you ever need it.

    Blessings. xoxo

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  21. I am sitting here with teary eyes hanging my lip, I cant imagine how hard it is for you (((hugs))) here I am already trying not to freak out that my baby girl is a senior, and you are dealing with Denmark. Madison seems like such a smart, mature girl and she has a plan. its good that she's spreading her wings but I agree why so far away. I am sending Prayers for you all especially her and Nicholas they seem like such a perfect couple I hope all their dreams come true hugs again friend, you have raised a wonderful girl.

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  22. Blessings to her as she begins a new adventure!! And prayers for peace for your momma heart. :)

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  23. Oh Billie Jo... Our girls really are growing up, aren't they? I can't believe they're both close to twenty. It's just crazy and a good reminder to me to just keep letting Jane Anne go, to encourage her to spread her wings and fly whatever that may look like. It's certainly time. I'm so happy for Madison on this new adventure! It's very exciting but of course brings about a myriad of different emotions for her and for all of you. I wish her the very best and you as well as you acclimate to life without her living at home. I look forward to following her adventures on social media and seeing all God has in store for her. Love and hugs to you, sweet friend! And can you hardly wait for our favorite season?! It will be here before we know it! XO

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo