SOLD

When I wasn't sure if it was going to happen or if I even wanted it to happen anymore, things went from so slow moving to my getting a text all things approved and my closing date is in 10 days! 

I'm looking at everything in my home and came to the peace of mind, if the item/decor does not give me pleasure, it's not going in my new open and airy, big windows, and vaulted ceiling apartment. 

New season, new look. Only take what I love most.

After months of looking I found my new set of dishes. My first new set of dishes in 15 years and I knew it the moment I saw it! Why wait? I did a complement of two different sets of dishes, selecting my favorite pieces from each to use as one set of dishes. Both beautiful to bring change and a whole new look to my table. 

Washed and in my cupboards, my old set wrapped and boxed up for when Brooke moves out. 

I stopped by the new community that I am moving to and admired the pool that was put in, finished, and appreciate their lounge chairs and gas grills they have enclosed in stone poolside. I saw the glow of the state of the art fitness center and look forward to its convenience and unlimited access to everything any time of the day or night.

Grabbing a complimentary free, 24/7 Starbucks coffee and grilling my dinner poolside while chatting with neighbors. Monthly community events and unlimited use of the clubhouse, where Brooke's graduation party will take place, I look across my home and am grateful for it being exactly what it is, the home we transformed into us and I raised my daughters in. It was perfect for that season in life and I all the time thank God for it. 

If I had to stay, I would have focused on all those good things, too.

Seasons change. Life changes. And this new season is far different from the last 23 years. This season is not raising babies through teenagers to young adults. That wonderful season in life is right there, directly behind me. I've done that, loved it, and it took everything I had and was to do it alone. 

It's time and I am so ready to look inward at me now. Not a selfish focus; rather, a life built around everything I love, with financial freedom, life experience, passions, interests, and openness and desire to experience knew things. 

Looking in my cupboards at my new dishes makes me very happy! I am ready to purge and the next few weeks are going to be welcomely hectic blur.

A Letter to Herself Arrived in the Mail

A letter arrived in the mail addressed to Brooke. We were in the living room when she walked in opening it and I asked who it was from? Her hand went over her mouth and she began to cry.

It was from her 5th grade teacher that mailed her a letter Brooke wrote to herself in 5th grade for when she graduates! What a wonderful and thought-filled gesture!

Brooke cried and said, "Look how sweet I was then, it must have been before. And I knew myself so well then, will you go out and celebrate or stay home?" Before her dad's suicide.

That was a teacher following through seven years later and I wanted her to know how much it touched our hearts.

I emailed her through the school website and shared with her how much the letter meant to Brooke and me. That graduation was a life milestone reached when many years my daughter didn't choose life. Her thinking-ahead with this project is appreciated and so worth it. I wanted her to know in case she was tired one evening writing out graduation cards, envelopes and stamping them. Wondering if it mattered.

It matters.

Less than 15 minutes later, the teacher replied and said she cried when she received my email. She shared her own son attempted suicide last November and she wants to make a difference. She gave me her cell phone number and asked if Brooke would please call her. She would love to take Brooke out for lunch, a movie, and spend time with her.

Understanding how fresh all her mom-trauma is, I replied back with my cell phone number and told her to call me anytime she needs mom support or a sounding board for her.

This card and letter is in Brooke's keepsake box.

Dark-haired, Brown-eyed Beauty

In the midst of her cousins, the Martin clan (with a few cousins missing), sits my granddaughter, a dark-haired, brown-eyed beauty, the first in seven generations of blue eyes and blond hair.

Sofia's daddy, blond hair, blue eyes. Mariah's dad, blond hair, blue eyes.

Grandmomma & her momma, dark hair, brown eyes.

She adores her cousins and is ready to laugh when a child is near. I love seeing her so happy and think this is the sweetest photo!

Graduating Class of 2018!

The graduating class of 2018 had over 500 students tossing their hats in the air! 

Getting dressed for her ceremony I grabbed my phone and snapped a couple photos of her when she came over and hugged me and said, "Awe, mom, you are already crying." 

She did it! Thank you, God, she graduated! 

I am so proud both my daughters graduated from the very best high school around! It was so important to me when I moved into this community over 18 years ago and I am grateful. 

Impressively, five from this class graduated with a 5.7 GPA, and 189 of 500 had a 3.9 GPA or higher. The ceremony was in pure, Jackson-style class and extensive recognition went out to so many of the students with a shocking 7 million dollars in scholarships! 

Hearing her name called as she walked across that stage accepting her diploma was exhilarating! 

Sweet sisters celebrating together ...

Brooke's love by her side ...

And Grammy & Papa ...

Lots of photos, but these were my favorites. 

A beautiful diploma that reads my daughter's name. 

A milestone accomplished.

Congratulations, sweetheart, I am so proud of you!

It's Graduation Day!

Some moments feel surreal. One moment I am holding my granddaughter at our last cookout in this home ...

... then I am ironing my youngest daughters graduation gown. Tonight will be Pomp and Circumstance and I will be breathless is gratefulness and praise!

So many changes, so many blessings.

Memorial Day

It amazes me on social media American's who still do not know the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. 

It's safe to say they most likely order Expresso's (Espresso) and say exspecially (especially). 

MEMORIAL DAY

A day to remember and honor

those who made the ultimate

sacrifice while serving in our military

VETERANS DAY

A day to show appreciation to

those who have served in 

our military and are still living

Before I opened my eyes this morning, I thanked God for our freedom in this country. I am also known for extending thanks in prayer to those who served and died for our freedom. 

Today looks to be my last cookout in my home. Sunny & 90's, thank goodness for large trees and their shade. A relaxing weekend off, time with family and friends, my now quiet home will soon be filled with laughter and loud conversation, good food and a day in the sunshine. 

#Gratefulforfreedom

#Knowthedifference

#Educateyourkids

Momma to the Rescue!

I was in a meeting on a conference call when a text came through from my mom, "Mariah called, Sofia's been crying for 45 minutes!"

Then, came a phone call from my Mariah. She always Facetimes and I knew the phone call was different. Stepping out of the meeting I answered the phone to Mariah crying, that she was having a really bad day, and the baby won't stop crying ..." my sweet girl needed her Momma.

Assuring her I would be there directly after work, canceling plans, I was on a mom mission to get to my daughter. Sofia is teething, miserable multi-symptoming, but it was my little girl that needed me most.

Regardless whether they are 9 months, 2 yrs, 15 yrs or almost 23 years old and a mom herself, there is a sense of urgency that is triggered when you hear your child cry.

A teething, miserable baby makes for an exhausted momma. She needed a shower. She needed to go to the bathroom without Sofia falling apart. She needed to eat without shoveling food in her mouth. She needed to get something accomplished, and I know she could use a good weeks worth of sleep.

Standing in my arms for hugs, soft kisses on her cheek, it was my Mariah who needed her momma most.

I told her to get out of the house for some quiet me-time. Take Jeremy and enjoy that alone time. I have Sofia. She wanted all of us together.

Sometimes a girl just needs her mom, no matter how old she is.

Jeremy brought a delicious dinner home after work. A gorgeous evening and a walk in an absolute beautiful park, her disaster of a day turned out just what she needed.