Chaos & Fairy Dust

I am at my peak mental stimulation when I am put in a position where there are so many things that need to be done that it makes me dizzy. Yet, to have full reign to run with my thoughts, ideas and organizational skills challenges my mind and keeps me sharp.

It's like being an artist with a blank canvas creating a colorful and beautiful world made of country clubs, golf lifestyles, exclusive events, and I get to color the picture to the world what we are doing and sprinkle it with fairy dust creating a production out of thoughts, hopes and ideas.

Excited, hope-filled brides envisioning one of the most special days of their life and their smile when I share ideas and suggest special touches. "Yes! That is exactly what I want!" they echo.

Panicked designated event organizers not certain what do to make an event happen beyond calling us and I make it easy for them leading the way. Asking simple questions they can answer and turning it into an event before they realize it, to where they feel as if they actually can plan an event.

Resurrecting social media, rebuilding websites, creating order out of chaos, dotting missing i's and crossing unknown t's, and becoming the communication queen, I am in my zone making things happen.

It's just how I like to work.

That and a flexible schedule where I decide day to day when I want to come in and go home is absolutely perfect!

By the end of the day, it is literally seconds that I am in a deep sleep when I close my eyes.

Extremely busy is good for me and it keeps me out of trouble. I believe I am putting off pheromones as men are resurrecting from my past one after another as well as crossing paths with men every day. It makes me smile, even at 48.

#spoiled

What a fun night at the country club! Tonight I had a wedding rehearsal for an outdoor wedding on the golf course tomorrow with a formal dinner reception, open bar, and dancing for 210 guests.

The wedding party was a lot of fun and I quickly found myself in our sunken bar making mixed drinks. Note: I've never mixed drinks, but learned quickly. It's easier than I thought.

I had a few minutes and took some photos for you to see of one of three banquet rooms we have at one our two country clubs. I love this room for its view of the golf course, the large fireplace that is open to both sides, the giant sunken bar beside the dance floor to the formal dining. It really is a fabulous space.

They are starting to gather for the wedding rehearsal. Golf course weddings are beautiful.

The evening was full of excitement and energy and as I am saying my goodbyes and looking at our chef's photos of wedding cakes he does (much like my sister-in-laws) as well as the ice sculptures he's created, truly he is an artist.

He asks if I have had dinner. I hadn't even though I have access to anything I'd like to help myself to. He insists on preparing me something and asks if I like salmon and to give him 10 minutes.

Voila!

Cooked to perfection! There is a sauce on it, I have to ask him what it is, it was amazing. #spoiled

Tomorrow is a busy day of a tour through both country clubs for a bride to be, a golf outing in the afternoon, then the wedding/reception and a simultaneous graduation party. 

The air will be electric in the energy of celebration, the display of food picturesque, and a kitchen and staff in their mode of focus executing a beautiful production. 

Me, I get the best of it being present, observing and ensuring all is well.

My 48th Birthday

Beautiful floral cupcakes, a Coldstone Creamery chocolate ganache ice cream cake, and a Ghirardelli cake, my sweet tooth is satisfied!

48, I am ready for you. I woke up to sunny & 80's, sweet text messages, phone calls, a thick French accent "happy birthday" voice message, and a day completely full of happy birthday wishes.

Three successful meetings at the country club. One where I was sitting in a cabana for a meeting with a group of gentleman, competitors from Budweiser, Anheuser Busch, the House of LaRose planning the biggest golf outing event of the year. One that fills three (3) country clubs for a days worth of golf to have every player come back to our country club for the dinner and banquet festivities. 

One of the gentleman told me to get the signature of the gentleman sitting next to me, that he is big time. I will have to look his name up as I still haven't yet and don't know who he is. In the casual planning meeting I came to the conclusion I may be the only person sober during the golf outing. Each distributor asked what I liked to drink. No thanks, I will keep my wits about me! Someone may need to.

I was able to slip home mid-afternoon to spend some time in the pool, it's exactly what I wanted to do to relax. A quick shower, then I was off to the other country club to make an appearance at another golf outing banquet.

A successful day accomplished and ready to enjoy the evening with my family and I couldn't wait to get my Sofia in my arms.

 

We made a birthday wish together ...

"Here sissy, try this. Trust me, you've love it!" Guess who loves chocolate, too?! My girl has a sweet tooth and was kissable with chocolate all over her lips.

I love being your Grandmomma, Sofia. It was such a good day. 

Our Brie, Unbelievable!

I met my banquet team at our other country club tonight working a "no expense was spared" golf outing. I really like them and they were so warm, welcoming, and grateful I am there. They really need leadership and communication. That I do well.

The hors d'oeuvre buffet was beautiful, but it was our Brie presentation that had me dreaming what it taste like. Wrapped in fresh strawberries and grapes with a floral-shaped special dough baked on top, I desperately wanted to dip a strawberry into it and put it in my mouth.

I hugged and told our chef he is my very favorite person. The Brie was unbelievable! Absolute heaven! Our chef who is fond of me was pleased with my celebratory appreciation of his talent and work.

Everything he makes is exquisite and it makes me proud as an event coordinator that I can lavishly boast in his ability in confidence knowing our guests echo his praise.

One guest tonight named a high-end seafood restaurant and said our salmon hands down was far better. I was happy to share that with Chef Bob. 

Hors d'oeuvre, appetizers, fine cuisine, desserts, I wondered for a moment what Brooke was having for dinner. ha ha

Good night, world wide web.

Birthday Week

I'm not certain when birthdays transitioned from one special day to a weeks worth of events, but I have every day this week planned precisely to accommodate celebratory dates with family and friends, as well as a busy event schedule.

48.

That's getting really close to 50 and I still cannot wrap my head around that age. In my mind, I am mid-30's, and in my mid-30's mind, 50 was pretty old. It makes me smile.

By no means am I old, I remain classic.

clas·sic

adjective

1. 1.

   judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.

   
   

   "a classic novel"

noun

1. 1.

   a work of art of recognized and established value.

48, I embrace you. Happy birthday week to me!

I Work at a Country Club (x2)

"You're Invited" and "Be Our Guest" invitations are received, R.S.V.P.'s are extended, calendars are noted and a special afternoon/evening out gives you an event to look forward to.

It's my every day.

I absolutely LOVE my job and I love the people I work for and with! The family who owns both country clubs are as kind as they come and they are truly good people. The son, Johnny, who I worked with 26 years ago is a few years old than me, is a sweetheart and absolutely hysterical. They are hard workers, God knew where to put me.

Yesterday was incredibly busy:

    9:00 a.m.  - Tour of the other country club, event sale.
    11:30 - 1:30 p.m. - A beautifully creative Christmas in July birthday party
    2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - I slipped home (2 miles away) for our community Margaritaville Pool Party
    5:00 - 12:00 a.m. - I hosted a Fundraiser back at the country club

The fundraiser brought in a beautiful selection of donated items. I was impressed! They also held a raffle game that went on 3 hours (way too long). That's when Johnny handed me a handful of raffle tickets he bought and told me we will act like we are married. He had to leave for a bit and for me to pay attention to the numbers when the game comes up, if his numbers are picked he gets his $50 back  he bought the tickets for then we can split the winnings 50/50. Deal!

Don't you know hours and a couple hundred people later, I held the winning number in my hand?! Cash in hand, I went to the Pro Shop to remind him we are married.True to his word, he gave me 50%. I told him I wasn't taking his money, he absolutely insisted. Nice tip!

Hours into the event our staff was getting hungry and one of the guys grilled us up delicious, thick pork chops with sides and we had an amazing turtle brownie in the cooler we couldn't keep our hands off.

At the end of the night, after getting hugs of thanks and appreciation from the wife who hosted the fundraiser for her husband very sick with cancer, the few of us left gathered at the bar for drinks. They started on shots and me, give me a 1/2 glass of wine. I'd rather have a 1/2 glass of wine and keep my wits about me and know I have the freedom to pour and drink whatever I want, whenever I want.

I honestly cannot remember the last time I laughed so hard. We had a blast! John is naturally funny, with shots, hysterical!

I'm meeting so many people. Ladies, you want to meet a guy? Forget the bars. Good looking, polished, hobby-oriented guys relaxing and enjoying themselves are on a golf course. They golf, sit on the patio to eat and are not desperado's interested in the bar scene to be seen.

Driving down the road into the country club with the golf course wrapped all around is peaceful. The serenity of the quiet and beautifully manicured holes makes me smile when I think to myself, this is where I work.

How to Entertain "Bored" Teens

Putting on a pot of coffee, I turned on the news to hear a segment about what to do with your teens this summer when they say they are bored.

Interested in what they are going to recommend, I was surprised to see a reporter prattle off several suggestions such as going to a concert (mentioning the recent Taylor Swift concert), window shopping at the mall, browsing new make-up products, they spotlighted Play: CLE, and finally got around to mentioning no-cost suggestions such as local beaches.

Are you kidding?

Entertain kids with concerts? Active entertainment centers? Shopping at malls without handing money over to allow them to buy all the things they just saw they don't have and now want? What in the world?!

I spent the evening with a group of 20-30's somethings. A clean-cut, middle class group of young adults that work the events we host and I've been told to tighten the ship.

Do you know what happens to kids and teens who are lavishly and constantly entertained because they are "bored"? They show up for work because it's fun to socialize and quickly into their job they are being paid to do, they need lots of breaks. Aren't we lucky they are there? That they showed up?

This generation is our fault.

We teach them laws to abide by to get them through life so they don't end up in trouble, then lavishly provide their every want on top of their every need to give them the best, most fun life possible.

They are crippled when it comes to work ethics. They are blindsided when the life of luxury they've been accustomed to is now their expense they must work for to afford.

I've always gotten along best with hard workers. I won't be the favorite of the low-performers and I couldn't care less. The bar is being set high, keep up or you have to go. It's their choice as I see it.

All dressed up and in the kitchen last night, I was kindly and politely told by our chef who I am most impressed with that I look far too nice and am the brains of the mission, I am not to lift a thing. Delegate.

My work is behind the scenes handling all the details of the events and a presence during the events to ensure all is well, which gives me a bird's eye view of who is doing or not doing what they are supposed to.

We love our kids. We believe that they will learn good work ethics leading by example. It doesn't work that way.

Good work ethics are learned by hard work. It's either in a kid or it isn't. When it isn't, they will need to learn the hard way. The best thing we can do is step out of their way and let them learn it themselves. Don't they know everything anyway?

It's a choice. They will either have or have not. It's their choice.

The Queen of Sheba

Floating in my new favorite chair in the pool, I had forgotten what an incredible read, "It's Good to Be Queen" is on the Queen of Sheba.

Unmarried and alone on the throne, she was captivated by the fame she was hearing of King Solomon.

Sheba set out on a journey, on a quest for wisdom and to seek truth. She had a sense of boldness living inside her and as Solomon declared, "The righteous are as bold as a lion."

"A lion is ever vigilant, ever watchful. Ears tuned in to every sound. Eyes that are all-encompassing. A nose that detects the slightest change in the air." As Solomon wrote, "Ears that hear and eyes that see - the Lord has made them both."

"Lions are regal in their bearing. They act like royalty and are treated as such." Sheba clearly understood this. A queen never forgets she's a queen.

A male lion protects and defends. The lioness provides. Both fearlessly do what God created them to do.

Her boldness brought her far. her openness and willingness to gain wisdom carried her into Solomon's presence.

Oh, King Solomon, how I would have loved to have been on that journey with her! My three favorite books in the bible are and have been Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs (Song of Solomon). Be still my heart!

Open, candid, and honest, she asked and shared all that was on her mind. He answered her every question. Brave and oftentimes breathless, she finished exceedingly well. She set out on a quest to learn more about the stories of King Solomon and his wisdom and found God. She returned and shared Him with her people.

It was a delightful read and a timeless wisdom on her quest and God.

Know who to look up to and admire. As the world looks at their own limitations of their reflection in selfies, be the one who seeks wisdom and God.

*It's Good to Be Queen, Liz Curtis Higgs

A Monstrosity

My mom called last week laughing. She and my dad drove by my former home on Walbrook to see three adults in the front yard doing yard work.

One, the husband, pushing the same size mower I used for 15 years, stopping to wipe his brow looking exhausted from the hill and the heat. Two ladies raking, because they let the grass grow too high, now they need to rake.

Everyone looked exhausted. I laughed.

For the record, I worked full-time, raised two little girls, and kept my home and yard in beautiful condition. Always. The new owners are a couple in their early 40's, younger than me, and there are two of them vs. just me.

Welcome to Walbrook where the front yard is a hill and if you mow mid-afternoon in intense heat, it will kick your butt!

I mowed two times per week, edged and kept my flower beds looking nice.

Today I drove down Walbrook.

Never, ever have my flowerbeds look the monstrosity as it does now. Weeds as high if not higher than the flowers.

I hand-pulled weeds and if I had a week where it was raining a lot and it was difficult to tend to weeds due to my work schedule, my personal life and the rain, I would at least take the weed eater to chop them down, quickly rake them up and spray them with weed killer.

The new owners always have the blinds pulled shut, which is odd. I always keep my house open. I'm betting if they close the front of the house where nobody can see inside anyway due to being on top of a hill, that they hate the fact that the back of the house is completely open. I never had window coverings over the windows.

I'm betting they hated their life mowing. Wait until it snows.

A Thoughtful Housewarming Gift

Him: How do I get to your new place?  Me: Follow the North Star.

Him: How do I get up there (to my 3rd floor apartment)?  Me: Climb. I said laughingly from the balcony.

It was sweet seeing an old friend climb the stairs with flowers in hand. A thoughtful and charming housewarming gift.

My New Favorite Chair, Best $7 Spent

I couldn't wait to get home today to my new favorite chair.

A book in my hands, a beverage in the cup holder, just floating in the water with the sun warm on my skin. It was mid-afternoon, just me, a good book, and the pool to myself.

It's been such a good week and I love the freedom of my schedule. I can come in and leave when I want and in my first week there I've quickly gotten my arms around a lot. I enjoy the events, the serenity of the golf course setting, the luxury of access to anything I want, and I've conducted several tours at both country clubs and enjoy those conversations.

Handling an excited, yet nervous bride on her wedding day, smiling and assuring her in confidence all is well, everything is under control, "Let me get you a bottle of champagne", and the smile of relief on her face is fun stuff. Looking across a banquet room filled with beautiful linens and flowers ensuring the presentation is absolutely perfect is second nature.

Dressing casual when I want and running home to change dressing up for the event occasions is a complement of both worlds. Exactly what I like.

Going into the country club late morning if I want or coming home early and heading down to the pool makes me laugh. Who would have ever thought this would be my life?!

Blessings continue to shower me.

My Rocking Chair

This was my rocking chair when I was a little girl. 

A treasure that was stored in my shed and I'm grateful I never got rid of it. My dad made it beautiful refinishing it in white for my granddaughter.

My Sofia is everything good and perfect. 

She is a perfect love. A perfect gift from God that wants to be held in my arms at all times and I am in love with her happiness next to me. An armful of sweet chubbiness and unexpected wet kisses from her. Her curiosity of all things and I get to experience life through a new set of eyes.

That sparkle in her eyes when I watch the thought of something ornery enter her mind. That pep in her step when she sees me coming after her, she tries to out crawl me, and her laughter when I tickle her. 

Her need to be in my arms and the God-given natural grandmother instinct of pure joy when she is.

Oh Sofia, how I love thee. 

Her mommy comes home and cannot wait to see her and kiss her to receive a turned head while she is in grandmomma's arms. My sweet daughter, she loves you and will need you for a lifetime, but enjoy your moments of break when she is happy with her grandmomma. God gave her to you, and she is mine, too. 

In a few weeks she will be one year old. 

Hostess With the Mostess

I woke up at 9:00 a.m. today. For this 6:00 a.m. every single day girl, 9:00 a.m. is a record.

I'm exhausted.

In the last two days I met the Mayor for the Mayor's Golf Outing, hosted Brooke's graduation party, hosted a golf outing and while the golf outing was wrapping up their golf outing & banquet, I met with the bride and hosted a very beautiful and very successful 10-hour wedding and reception for 250 guests who partied like its 1999.

That's why I woke up at 9:00 a.m.

Looking ahead at this week, what events am I hosting? What days and hours do I want to work?

It is really odd to plan my week around being available for hosting events, which includes making sure everything is flowing as it should, being the "Hostess with the Mostess", enjoying the luxury convenience of food and beverage to which I was absolutely, unbelievably impressed with the wedding menu last night. The food, delicious! I am pretty judgmental when it comes to event food taste. Our chef, impressive! Our team who set up, served, and cleaned up, impressive. Good team!

It's so hot out already, a perfect day to be poolside.

Brooke's graduation party in our clubhouse was a perfect location. Clubhouse, pool, event room, fitness center, movie theater, a pool table in the great room, and free Starbucks. Guests were free to do what they'd like.

Our menu was: Create your own shish kabobs (thank you to my son-in-law who did the grilling) with chicken, fresh fruits & veggies. We had fresh fruit bowls, chips & dips, a candy bar, the graduation cake (thank you to my sister-in-law who makes cakes), and a fun selection of beverages.

House sold. Move done. Graduation party complete.

I will be poolside.

Misting Flowers

It's so refreshing to wake up in the morning with the cool morning air coming through open windows.

The sun wasn't up yet and I smile to myself how perfect the morning air is, how soft my bed sheets feel, and I am ready to put on a pot of coffee.

Opening my balcony door and feeling the burst of fresh morning air, I am grateful for early mornings and the sun is beginning to rise.

Coffee ready, I look forward to pruning wilted flowers giving life and energy to the rest of the plant. Generously watering and misting them for refreshment. It's a morning routine that I enjoy.

Do I want to workout in the fitness center or go for a walk while the air is cool? No need to fix up for the fitness center this early, I prefer to do that late evening when I can come home and shower before bed.

Pulling my hair up, putting on a touch of lipstick and sunglasses, I questioned the comfy outfit I was putting on for my morning walk. It's just a morning walk until ... I get to the bottom of the stairs and run right into my sexy neighbor parked at the bottom of my stairs. Seriously?!

That's it, no more comfy outfits.

Only. God.

My Daddy has always said I can fall into a pile of sh*t and come out smelling like a rose.

My Dad was talking to his friend yesterday and heard about a job opportunity, ran it by me to see if I would be interested, and when I said Yes! he called me at 6:30 a.m. this morning to say the owner wants me to come in right away, when can I be there?!

I believe I had the job before I even got there.

A pleasant conversation, told I was exactly what they need, given a grand tour, shown my office, introduced as the new manager, told I can have a flexible schedule working the hours I want and work from home sometimes, and we settled on a salary more than I was making a week ago.

When I walked outside into the sunshine and I realized all that has happened in the last week from job loss 1-1/2 weeks ago before my move giving me time to pack, move my entire household, unpack and get completely settled, pay debts, establish a nice bank account, then BOOM a better job without even looking. Timing perfect.

Only. God.

I had goosebumps.

I told my Dad, "Thanks for ruining my summer off!" We laughed.

Pool Life

There are several things living here that was unexpected.

There is concrete between the floors and walls and the floors don't squeak. Having a ranch home with a lower level, you always knew where someone was because you could hear them. It's so quiet here and Brooke and I are getting used to not hearing each other when we walk into a room.

This community has a dog park and the population of the residence are in their 30's, 40's and 50's. It's surprisingly quiet.

And, I never knew how much I was going to love my balcony. It's a pretty oasis of flowers and I recently added a mint plant to pinch off leaves for tea. From here I can see the pool and hear the pool music on a fun afternoon. I watch cars, see the neighbors and watch the sunrise as I am doing now. It is the perfect spot for a cup of coffee, a good book, blogging and conversations.

Who would have ever thought six months ago that my home would be sold and pool toys and beach towels would be part of my every day life?!

I'm meeting neighbors and my handsome neighbor and I said, "Hello" at the pool yesterday.

It feels as if I am on a resort vacation.

Everything here new and I so appreciate this picturesque crisp, clean and well-manicured community.

Clean, bright side walks, sharply edged and freshly mulched flower beds and shrubs. I even like the new blacktop with bright white lines. Goodbye neighbors who didn't take care of their yards!

To think my new pool life would include chairs with beverage holders makes me laugh! Yet somehow, this is exactly where I am supposed to be.

Rejoice!

I'm sitting on my balcony, drinking coffee in the sunshine blogging a couple days ago, just like I am now, when out from the apartment complex across the parking lot walks out this really good looking guy. I'm talking smoking hot!! Tall, large strong frame, super clean cut hair, well-dressed and tattoos.. My kind of hot. Rejoice!

Openly watching him get into his car, I was seriously hoping he isn't a guest visiting.

Last night when I got home, it was dark and as I was opening the sliding doors to my balcony, I see him.

What are the chances he lives in the apartment eye-level, directly across from me?! Only God! lol

Because it was dark out, his lights were on, I could see him in his kitchen. Okay ladies on the world wide web, what is it about a man in the kitchen that is very sexy?

"Brooke! It's him!"

"Mom, why are you wearing that?" she asks in knowing challenge. "Really? Why are you running around in panties and a tank top?" I knowingly challenged back. "Because I always do!" she safely replied.

Perhaps, its time to replace my comfy, favorite go-to outfits that scream "I'm comfy, who cares, I'm a grandmomma" with something much prettier, silkier and sexier.

Perhaps, it's time to get off this dating sabbatical I've grown so comfortable in. Lord knows I know how to step my game up with decades of experience. I was waiting until I was moved and settled and here I am.

What are the chances directly across from my balcony and bedroom is a super hot guy at eye level? No female in sight. Being eye level is conveniently fair game with a whole new twist.

Only God.

Normal Isn't Our Anchor

Last night as I was sleeping and I heard the thunder roll. Perfect!

Opening my bedroom window, saw a flash of lightning, heard its powerful crack and listened to the rain pour for only seconds before I was in a deep slumber. Oh, how I missed this!

My home was a ranch, all windows on the first floor, and for chicken/safety sake I kept all windows shut at night. On the 3rd floor here, I sleep peacefully with my windows completely open.

I continue to find fun and new details with my luxury apartment.

Yesterday, Direct TV came out to install cable. I told them where I lived, they obviously didn't listen and sent a technician out to put a satellite on the roof. Not here. So, he said I'd have to switch to AT&T. I had bought one of those 8" x 11" flat satellite pads that goes against the wall for $35 months ago when I wanted to drop cable bills. I found out due to the airport a couple miles away, located between the radio stations and my home, satellites didn't work well. I saved it for here.

Hmmm, what if it works here (living on the other side of the airport). It does!! Bye bye cable bills. Thank you, Jesus! I have over 20 television stations, my favorite main stations in perfect HD.

Just when I was getting close to property taxes being due, I was relieved when I fell a couple weeks inside the window of the new home owners have to pay the taxes due July 5th. Then, yesterday, I get a check in the mail, I have no idea why, but not only did I not have to pay upcoming property tax, they reimbursed me for almost six (6) months worth!

A second check in the mail arrived yesterday. I paid off my credit card when I sold my home and I obviously overpaid by $193, they reimbursed me over payment.

I don't know how it happens, but I thanked the One who can make anything happen!

So many blessings and falling in love with my new normal, I read the neatest devotional this morning from Encouragement for Today. It was titled Adjusting to a New Normal, "If your on the cusp of a new normal, you won't always know exactly what to do. At some point, you'll celebrate those past seasons and all that they held, but you'll also embrace the adventure of the new season ahead. Normal isn't our guide. It's not our anchor. Our connection with God is."

Normal changes, God doesn't.

Today is my first not busy day. No moving or unpacking, all decor is up, the home on Walbrook is officially the new home owners, and I have television.

Just in time for the weekend.

Rottenness

I look around me with awe on how fabulous my new luxury apartment is, many details I am still finding, and I cannot help but feel as if I am on vacation at a resort.

Everything is brand new and I would say 98% of everything is put away and decor on the walls with a fabulous new piece, an early birthday gift from my mom & dad. It's perfect!

All my kids and mom & dad were here yesterday, there is space and fun places to sit, walk to and enjoy.

Sofia and I played a game called, rottenness. She knew! The moment I called her rottenness, her knowing smile reached her eyes and they sparkled in excitement. "You are rottenness, rottenness, rottenness!" and we would press our foreheads together looking into each others eyes. She laughed!

Day 1, we all enjoyed the pool! The water was walk-in comfy, I'm sure due to the 90 degree weather we've been having. We met neighbors and they shared the low-down on monthly community parties all inclusive with provided food, drinks, DJ, nice giveaway prizes and mixers. There are always pool parties and everyone shares what they bring.

Today, I will fill the freezer for cookouts by the pool. They have two big grills (propane provided) on the patio by the pool. It smelled so good by the pool when a small group of people were grilling their dinner and listening to music. Patios with tables to eat, there is much to do to try everything.

Getting ready to head down to the pool ...

Sofia, you better smile! I love your bikini, sissy! Chubbilicious Snugglicious did get attention at the pool. She loves the water.

Day 2: Much is accomplished. I knew I would would this place, but I myself am surprised how beautiful it has all come together.

Thankful. Grateful. Blessed.

Independence Day & Day 1

It was amazing waking up in my comfy bed seeing the sunrise through my giant bedroom windows. I am such a morning person! I laid there and watched the sunrise and felt the cool morning breeze through the open windows.

My home on Walbrook faced south and because of large trees, I could not see the sunrise or the sunset from my home for 15 years. There were many requirements to selecting my very specific apartment and it is BEAUTIFUL!

Here I sit in the sunshine on my patio blogging as the sun is coming up and it's going to be smokin' hot today. It's perfect, I have a pool!

The move was smooth yesterday. The moving company came with 3 guys and my helpers were my dad, my brother, my mom, Mariah & Jeremy, and Brooke and Alex. My heartfelt thanks, love, and appreciation for such a team of family members who gave it their all!

By 4:30 p.m. I was smoked! The heat, the steps, awake every hour the night before the move, I hit a wall and there was one final load back at the house. I told the kids I don't have any more, that I can do it tomorrow. Jeremy said, "We will get the rest, you stay, take a nap and get some rest." I unpacked boxes while Mariah & Jeremy went back to the house, loaded the rest up and hauled it up.

Two flights of stairs kicked everyone's butt and I am so grateful the rain held off until our move was complete.

Everyone is enjoying the 24/7 FREE Starbucks and my son-in-law, Jeremy, a coffee connoisseur, seems highly impressed with the coffee selections. Brooke is in love with the hot chocolate. Everyone has already gone over a couple times and enjoying the freedom of 24 hour access to the clubhouse and all the amenities.

I feel like I am on vacation and this is a luxury resort, complete with the convenience of all my belongings. I knew I would love it, but it's far better than I imagined and this is the bells & whistles I want my family to be able to enjoy.

My former home once small and cozy, to my now open floor plan, vaulted-ceiling apartment with plenty of room for everyone.

An unexpected life blessing. What a fun and generous God!

Happy Independence Day!

Last Day on Walbrook

It's my last day on Walbrook and as my home is being boxed up, I want my last morning to be my normal.

Coffee made and in my favorite mug, the windows open, the Today Show on mute (I like to look up and see what topics they are discussing, not necessarily hear it), my home quiet with the wind chime playing a tune in the breeze, the birds chirping, and my laptop on my lap.

Everything is about to be boxed and it still feels surreal.

Time is a vapor and the nostalgia of memories from my girls being little (3 & 7 yrs old) to now, fill my thoughts. This home served is purpose well and I am grateful.

To think the next time I blog, will be in my new place and between now and then a lot of moving is going to happen. I'm ready!

Thank you, God, for my home on Walbrook.