Just Like That!

Last night, we enjoyed a delicious meal and a cozy evening with Madison and Nicolas at their lovely home. As I sat there, watching them work together in the kitchen, I realized I was now my Mom. (And there is no one I would rather be!) I remember so many times calling my parents and inviting them to my house for dinner. When they arrived, my dad would sit in his favorite chair, and my Mom would ask what she could help me with. I always told her to sit down and relax or play with the kids because she had cooked dinner for so many years! It was her turn to relax. Last night, I realized I am now the mother, visiting and relaxing while my daughter and her husband cook for me. So when I asked Madison what I could do to help, and she told me there was nothing they needed and to sit down and relax, I did just that. And just like that, I realized how wonderful life is. Each of us is but one link in an endless chain of people sharing precious moments in time. 

Everything was delicious!!! They prepared homemade strawberry lemonade, chips with guacamole, cheese sauce, and salsa, fresh crunch wraps, and strawberry pie! 

We finished the night with a fun family game called KNOW IT OR BLOW IT. It is really fun for everyone to play together.

I so appreciated the delicious dinner and cozy evening at my oldest child's house. Once again, I am reminded that grown children are a whole new kind of wonderful!

Have a lovely weekend, my friends.

Thanks for visiting!

BillieJo

Monday Morning Coffee Talk

 

Good Monday morning! Thanksgiving 2022 is but a memory now. We enjoyed the roast turkey, turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, and pumpkin pie for days. The fridge is now empty of leftovers and pretty much everything else, and the tablecloth is washed, folded, and stored away until next year. Suddenly, it is Christmastime! We have only a few weeks to enjoy Christmas music in the car, twinkling tree lights in the evening, nostalgic shows on television, and that general joyous feeling reserved for this time of year. I say this not to incite fear or a sense of panic but instead as a reminder that the joy of time of year is specific to each of us and our families, as is how we choose to spend it. This year, I choose simplicity, introspection, intention, and calm. That works for me, but not for all. Some people wait all year for the excitement, the shopping, the parties, and the crowds. That is joyous for them. Enjoy your time with your people, for it passes quicker than Santa flies back up the chimney.

Before the Christmas celebration began here, we celebrated the birthday of my firstborn, Madison Marie! My Madison turned 26, and as I type those numbers, I still remember all the excitement, happiness, and joy we felt in a hospital room on a snowy November evening. I remember holding the baby I had dreamed of and thinking she was mine. I was her mother. Madison has brought us joy from that day on, and I am so proud to be her mom and her friend.

Her husband Nicolas planned an entire party for her, which was amazing! Nicolas prepared the most delicious food ever! My favorite? Smoked salmon and cheese spread with radish on Brioche bread for an appetizer. And the dinner was fresh pasta with vodka sauce with the most delicious tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad. He served us and cleaned all the dishes. It was the most beautiful party for my wonderful girl. 

The cake? Oh, the cake! Madison is perhaps the biggest Taylor Swift fan ever, and Nicolas was inspired by a cake in one of Taylor's videos. He sent the picture to Peyton, and...well, I'll just show you.

This is the picture from the video...

And this is the cake that Peyton made...

Madison was so happy!

It was delicious.

 Just a little note to any mom who feels sad that her daughter is growing up. I validate you. I do. But allow me to let you in on a little secret. Grown children are a whole new kind of wonderful. Your child becomes your friend. You will step back and let others do things for them out of love, which will bring you so much happiness. I promise. 

Well, time for me to pour another cup and get going with my day. Today I plan on finishing my laundry, so my bathroom will be ready for the yucky hunting camp laundry. I also have some lesson planning to do. This week is pretty quiet except for tomorrow when my little Mocha goes to the vet for dental surgery to clean and extract some of her teeth. Poor little thing. She will be at the vet most of the day. I am nervous for her, but I believe in the people there who know much more than I do.

Have a cozy day, my friends. 

Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning! How was your weekend? Quiet here. I did manage to deep clean the family room. And that is about it! Progress, right? I also spent some time with these lovely people...

My Madison, her husband Nicolas, and their pup, Draper. You know, I used to be sad thinking how quickly my children grew. I wanted to stop time, to keep them little and with me forever. But then I would have missed out on the incredible person this one became and the extraordinary man she found across the ocean and, yes, even that furry little pup who never seems to realize Mocha is not playing with him when she runs and hides under the dresser. 

Shoutout to the husband who takes charge of exterior decor every season.

One last shot of our backyard before we packed it away for the winter. Can you spot our visitor?

And lastly. If you come across this in your local grocery store, pick one up. 

Happy Monday, my friends!

Billie Jo

Just An Update On The Circus That Is Us!

 First up. This young man celebrated his birthday this week. Thank you for all the kind wishes! He read and appreciated them all. I was so proud of Madison for incorporating his beloved Denmark into the celebration she planned. And if I may, I am so very proud of this young man. Here he is at work with his favorite pup, Draper. Madison dropped in as a birthday surprise and brought ice cream! Nicolas is working at the dealership and has consistently strived to learn as many aspects of the business as he can. He is currently the manager of one of the franchises, and he is doing an exceptional job!

Speaking of working at the dealership, this little lady started her first job last week! I dropped her off, and Daddy met her at the door. I am so happy for her! She was super excited to go to work with Daddy. When I was about her age, I remember vividly starting work at the department store my parents owned! I wish I could say I was as excited as Flynn is!

These two newlyweds became homeowners last week! I am so very proud of and happy for them. They are two of the hardest-working young people I know. 

And these two young people. They are the cutest couple ever. Rhett is also working at the dealership, running the Business Development Center. He is unbelievably knowledgeable and hardworking! It is almost as if he were born into it! He loves his work, and I am so very proud. 

Madison continues to run her beautiful bridal store. She is still working with brides by appointment only and has found that to be much more enjoyable and productive. She enjoys giving each bride her undivided attention. She has also spent so much loving quality time with my Flynn lately to help with the transition of Peyton not being here quite so much.

Steve and I continue to adjust to life as parents of older and married children. It is very different but wonderful and blessed in its own way. I am so very thankful to God for sending us Flynn when he did. We are still parents of a young one! And for that, we are thankful! 

Oh! And I made pizza! I am usually good with meal planning, but I found myself with nothing on the schedule one night this week. I rummaged around and found three loaves of frozen bread dough, some blocks of cheddar and parmesan cheese, a small bag of fresh mozzarella balls, and a few cans of tomato sauce. Pizza it is! I thawed the bread dough on the counter all afternoon. Then I made some sauce by putting some Hunts Tomato Sauce in a pot, adding Italian seasoning, garlic powder, a bit of sugar, some grated parmesan, and a bay leaf. I let that simmer while I shredded the cheese. Then I assembled the pizzas and realized I might have a few pieces of pepperoni somewhere in the fridge! I baked them until we couldn't stand the delicious smell any longer, and then I set them out to cool. Steve was so eager to cut them, but I made him wait until I took them all out so I could take a picture! All for the blog, my friends!

Well, that wraps things up here. Have a wonderful, cozy, fun family weekend! Here in Pennsylvania, it is going to be chilly and rainy! As in 48 degrees chilly! We have a few plans, especially since we have one more birthday to celebrate! Peyton has her special day Monday, Memorial Day. 

Thanks for visiting, my friends.

I am always glad you do.

A New Tradition And Waiting For A Snowstorm

 

We Skipped Spring And Went Right To Summer

Green Card Happy!

The Great Big Beautiful Wedding Photo Post

Madison and Nicolas

February 9, 2019

Friday Phone Pictures From The Wedding

One of these days I am going to post things not related to the wedding. Today is not that day. While we wait for the professional photos, I found a few fun pictures on my phone to share.

All ready to head to Pittsburgh and begin the wedding weekend Friday morning!

Madison And Nicolas Are Married!

The wedding day was perfect! My Madison was the most beautiful bride. And her Nicolas was the happiest groom. The day was sunny, the mass was beautiful, the reception was fun, the food was delicious, and the venue was amazing. Most importantly, Madison and Nicolas were surrounded by their closest family and friends, and so much love you could feel it.