Monday Morning Coffee

Would you believe my coffeemaker needed cleaning? And that the little flashing light wouldn't stop until I did?? I started it last night and forgot to finish rinsing it. So, in the interest of not having coffee that tastes faintly of vinegar, I opted for the next best thing! 

Good Monday Morning, my friends! Today, we are heading to Disney! Fortunately, our flight isn't until late, so I have time to change the bedsheets, finish the laundry, and pack my things. We are blessed to have some very dear friends staying here to watch the pups, so I don't need to worry about the house or the pups. Both are in good hands!

Yesterday, Madison and Nicolas hosted a beautiful Mother's Day luncheon for me since we will be away next Sunday. Peyton and Chris joined us on the phone, too! Every day, I am reminded of how very blessed I am to be living the dream I have had since I was little: to be Mom. 

We ate in Madison's beautiful dining room...

She had dessert set up on a Disney-themed kitchen table...

We enjoyed Jersey Mike's subs... my favorite, salad, fresh fruit, and homemade cheese-broccoli soup. 

And did I mention dessert??

Afterward, we all snuggled in their TV room and watched a Disney movie of my choice! This was extremely hard to narrow down, as I love so many! Some of the ones I considered, but did not choose? Bambi, Tarzan, Sleeping Beauty, and a new favorite, Maleficent. The one I chose is considered one of the most beautiful of the films, I think. The music, especially. Madison and I must have watched it over a hundred times when she was young. It is considered a princess film, too. Any guesses? I'll let you know down below! In the meantime, have a wonderful Monday. I will be back late next week with some photos of Disney to share. And after that, I will settle in for some blessedly ordinary days with my regular posting schedule of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, along with regular visits with you! Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and thoughts as I navigated all my appointments and packed up our house. This world here is such a wonderful place, and I am blessed to call you friends. 

Happy May! Happy Mother's Day! 

Billie Jo

Disney Movie Answer:

Ok! The Disney movie I chose to watch was...

Pocahontas!

And this scene gets me every time.

Friday!

Hello! Well, here we are on the first Friday of MAY! While this month used to be filled with all kinds of activities when the kids were young, it is now much slower, with a bit of preparation for the long summer months. The porch furniture will be hosed down, the flower pots filled, and the deck swept off. Summer days are coming!

The past few days have been blissfully normal. Between unpacking, doing laundry, and going through mail, I managed to sneak in an afternoon nap or two. What else went on these past few days? Well, I got a summer haircut...

and sent the obligatory selfie to Madison. Early morning walks resumed...

And the pups enjoyed some quiet time at home.

And we ate some delicious, cozy food like grilled cheese and tomato soup and homemade apple pie, sent back with us from Steve's sister, Deb. The first night we were home, Madison brought us a delicious dinner. She made chicken legs, homemade macaroni and cheese, and a salad with strawberries, walnuts, and cherry tomatoes. It was so good, and we were so thankful!

That is about all I have today, my friends. This weekend looks to be rainy and cozy here. We have mass on Saturday and will be preparing for a family vacation to Disney on Monday. Yep, we are all going to Disney together! I am so thankful and also excited because, even though I no longer have little children holding my hand or riding in a stroller, I know the magic of Disney makes us all young at heart.

Have a lovely weekend, my friends!

Billie Jo

Home Sweet Home!

We are home! Yesterday, Peyton and Christopher came to help us with the last of the packing and purging. I don't know how we would have done it without them. We were also blessed with Steve's sisters and their husbands, who came to say goodbye, and promised to come visit sometime! We even came home with a homemade apple pie! We planned to leave Pennsylvania at 4:00 in the afternoon,  and actually waved goodbye at 5:15, so that wasn't too bad. Christopher took one last photo of us, and we loaded up and took off. With only one quick stop, we arrived home in Maryland around 11:45, and were welcomed by the brightly shining porch light Rhett left on for us.

Thankful, exhausted, excited, and fueled by Peyton's delicious cooking and a few extra Dunkin' coffees.

The day started with this stunning final sunrise at the lake...

And ended with a beautiful, cozy welcome home complete with homemade cupcakes and fresh tulips, courtesy of Rhett and Kyrstin.

I hope things are well with you, my friends. I will be around to visit soon. Have a cozy Wednesday! 

Billie Jo

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends - the very last one from the lake house! After eighteen days, fourteen appointments down with two more to go, countless hours of purging, sorting, organizing, packing, and reminiscing, fun-filled visits with family and friends, and awesome dinner and game nights at Peyton and Chris' house, we are heading home to Maryland tomorrow! 

While these past couple of weeks have not been easy, we have been blessed with help and support beyond measure. We are thankful for the memories this home has given us, and we leave here with happiness in our hearts. I am also thankful to no longer have a house filled with things here, sitting empty for long periods. I am excited to have my life in one place again, and to have that place be Maryland! 

As we pack up and drive off tomorrow, I am reminded yet again of the most amazing woman I will ever know, my mom. When she and my dad sold the house she raised her five girls in, the house she loved for so many years, she shut the door, smiled, and went on to the next adventure. I will remember that tomorrow, and know she will be cheering me on from Heaven as I do.

Some final pictures of the lake...

And one of Peyton and Christopher on their fifth wedding anniversary!

You may not be able to read this, but my shirt says "Keep it cozy" and was a gift from my best friend Heather, who knows me so very well. I am off to get ready for my eye doctor appointment, and then to finish packing up the house. Peyton is making lasagna dinner tonight, and I can't wait. I hope you all have a wonderful Monday, and please know that although I may not have been around lately to visit with you, I am thankful for your kindness and promise to catch up soon. 

Time to start a new chapter.

Billie Jo