Good Monday morning! How was your weekend? This weekend had me thinking about life's different stages and how quickly we travel through each one. Our weekends used to be filled with young children, family movie nights, mass, dinner, and Sunday morning brunch. We went to the park and the pumpkin patch, followed by pizza and brownies, and baths before bed.
Our weekends are different now but just as fun. Those little kids are grown—three adults and one teenager. This weekend, they went to a music festival here. On Friday and Saturday nights, Steve and I found ourselves here with four dogs! We were at the condo, and it was cozy and fun. We ordered our favorite Italian pasta, watched TV, and sat by the ocean. Oh, and Steve drove and picked up because traffic was insane! The kids had the best time and sent pictures and videos to share with us. I am so happy and thankful that my children are each other's best friends, and they all enjoy spending time together. And Steve and I do as well. We laugh now and say we are suddenly our parents; honestly, there is no one else we would rather be.
People sometimes comment on how nice it is that my grown children enjoy spending time with each other and us. They say they hope their families are the same and ask how we did it. I quote my fantastic mother, who told me years ago to create a place my children will want to return to when they are grown. I did. And they do. And we are glad. Thanks, Mom.
She can't resist my new mug. Or the smell of pumpkin spice?
My first and my last.
Madison and Nicolas
Rhett and Kyrstin were there, too, but I don't have a photo of them.
And the beautiful ocean in late September. I will take this over July every time. It is quiet, cool, and cozy, but there is a tiny ominous hint in the air.
Today, we head over the bridge and back to the house for homeschooling. Flynn has an online art class tonight, and we also have some Big Brother to catch up with. I plan on decorating for Halloween soon, too! It will be spooky fun, not crazy scary!
Well, I hope your day is cozy and calm. Thank you for visiting!
Billie Jo
I do love how close your children are with each other. I get along with my siblings but they all live in another state so I rarely get to see them. I feel family is important but distance has been a problem when it comes to mine. So, I am really trying to teach my kids the importance of being close to one another and I hope when they are adults on their own they always find their way back home for a visit. I hope you have safe travels home and you're not caught in all the rain.
ReplyDeleteWise words from your mother and I hope to embody them myself!! Enjoy your Monday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing that you two have each other! Life is so short, so enjoy and cherish.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy hearing about your fun weekends. Your kids sound much like mine. Our daughters both live with 5 miles of us and my house is like a revolving door...Family and friends...You have a beautiful family and it is great that you all are so close. Enjoy them as much as you can...
ReplyDeleteI love sitting and looking at the Ocean.
ReplyDeleteThose were good words from your mom!
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely family and I'm so glad you get to enjoy them.
I always love your expert and beautiful shots of the waves! Can't wait to see the decorations! We don't put out scary dark stuff wither.
ReplyDeleteMake that EITHER!
ReplyDeleteThose were very wise words from your mother. If I had it to do over, I'd pay attention to that.
ReplyDeleteCute pictures of the kids. It's nice when the siblings remain close. My siblings are all real close, and my kids text text each often, and Nel and Jess are best friends. I thank the Lord, who holds us together. I love that picture of the Snoopy cup and your doggy with the soft blanket. And that is a lovely picture of Madison.
ReplyDeleteHappy October Billie Jo! Our favorite season is here!
~Sheri
It doesn't always work out that way though. Our daughter hasn't talked to us in 12 years and wants nothing to do with us. :(
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed.
I love September too. No humidity and cooler. Perfect in my book. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSomething about this time of year makes me nostalgic for those times too - pumpkin patches, movie nights, apple picking - my oldest is 4 hours away at college and it feels like those days just flew by
ReplyDeleteI love how much your kids get along with each other and like to spend time with each other. I only pray my boys grow up staying close with one another.
ReplyDeleteThat video of the ocean waves, I could watch it over and over. Love that quote from your mom. I think I've been subconsciously trying to do just that. My kids are grown but I'm trying to create a game room, have things for them to do while they're visiting... I just didn't realize what I was doing. But I think that's it exactly.
ReplyDeleteDearest Billie Jo,
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely when children love to return home to their 'nest'.
So happy for having back Internet and Power after almost 5 days being out due to Hurricane Helene.
Hugs,
Mariette
Happy October lovely Friend!
ReplyDeleteSeasons of change are truly a thing.
But I agree about being blessed and having it no other way.
But it still takes a little getting used to (at least for me) 😉
Living in the present right now time for our absolutely glorious and favorite time of year!
Bring on all the Autumn cozy October brings, and fun Halloween vibes, football, comfort food, hot tea, snuggly sweaters and socks, and yes - you're beautiful ocean and my beautiful bay.
Life is GOOD! 🍁🎃🏈🍂💛🧡
Hi Billie Jo~ I watched the video, at least twice... ;0) I loved it! I agree with your mom, she is a wise woman. Photos of your kids always make me smile. You can tell they just adore being together. My days are much different than they were when my children were younger, but I try to embrace each stage by aging gracefully, looking back with happy tears, not sadness, and always looking forward to the time we spend together. Thank you for sharing all of your beautiful photos! Have a great, first week of October! Hugs, Barb
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to spend a weekend. Your mom is a wise woman who gave you wise advice. And another thing I find so heartwarming with adult kids is when they make some traditions that we had, their own.xx
ReplyDeleteThat weekend sounds lovely - here's to plenty more in the next few months ahead!!
ReplyDelete