My New Condo

Happy birthday to me! I asked what day I close on my new condo and was thrilled to hear it is on my birthday next month. A perfect day, what a gift! Thank you, God.

When I sold my family home one year ago when my youngest graduated, I wanted a season of not owning a home and have cherished my year in my beautiful apartment community with vacation-like perks.

Over a month ago the letter came asking if I was renewing my lease, moving out, or going month to month. Wanting to exhaust my options, a dear girl friend of mine of 15 years turned realtor, have had a month of touring homes and condos. We've enjoyed many patio afternoons and evenings at the lakes recapping tours. She is so attention to detail, perfect for house hunting. We've had the best time!

Just when I decided I was going to stay at my apartment for another year, I saw a condo, jumped in my car to see where it was located in the beloved community I raised my girls in and sent out an SOS message to my friend Jaime to get us in immediately. It has hit the MLS only hours earlier and less than 24 hours later, we were the first to tour and my offer accepted over the other offers made that day.

With flawless credit, zero debt to credit ratio, and the ability to move right away, I am a model home buyer.

When I pulled into this hidden neighborhood I never knew existed, nestled in the privacy of trees, I had an "AHA!" moment. Behind the wall of trees are unique well-kept condos with lush landscaping, a sprawling pond that runs along behind the condos with a water fountain and a boardwalk to a gazebo over the water surrounded with a walking path. It is a beautiful oasis and I knew I belonged here.

The special touches, I wanted with a view with water, my bedroom on the 2nd floor also facing the water where I can sleep with my window open at night. A 2 car garage, finished basement, fireplace and tons of closet space, not to mention 3 bathrooms.

My floor guy is meeting me at the condo today at the home inspection and bringing the flooring samples we've chosen to measure for my new carpet and flooring. When I get the keys next month on my birthday, painting and new floors will begin before I move.

Within 2-1/2 miles from both my daughters and grandbabies, in the community I love, I'm excited for this next adventure.

It's a Boy!

It's a boy! Welcome and happy birth day Rowan Ezekiel!

Arriving June 7, 2019 at 12:22 p.m. weighing 9 lbs. 5 oz., my handsome little grandson has arrived.

Sofia was much happier being in my arms with her little brother as I was holding him and I found myself in a moment ... my gosh, I have two grandbabies.  

A granddaughter and a grandson. I've enjoyed hours of holding him, feeding him, changing him, smelling in his sweet newborn scent, and listening to the little sounds a newborn makes. And my sweet little Sofia, lots of snuggles, time and kisses with her, too. 

"Grandchildren are the crown of the aged" - Proverbs 17:6

Pretty Piggy Toes

It's been many years since I've painted my little girls piggy toes. A difficult task 9 months pregnant, this (Grand)Momma was happy to help prepare my daughter's toes to look pretty in delivery. 

Matching toes for Momma & Sofia, I painted both their toes and Sofia loves it! A fun 1st. 

Maternity Photo Shoot

After a nine month pregnancy journey, safe in the womb of my little girl who makes healthy choices for her babies, we are all ready and waiting. 

Give me Adventure

It was my 1st towpath ride this year and it was so perfect in a sunshine and hot, everything is fresh and spring green kind of way.

Riding about 15 miles, I stopped several times to simply take in the scenery, spend time in nature, basking in fresh air and the open outdoors. It felt like a lifeline breathing in the scents and sounds of nature and I didn't want it to end.

I knew I missed it, but there is something magical being in nature that restores balance.

No running around, shopping, buying, or dining compares.

Give me adventure.

That is where my soul awakens.

Balcony Oasis

I am pleasantly surprised the new guy who moved into this community across from me has made effort with his balcony. Thank you.

Nice touch with the string lights and airy palm tree look. It has a fun, beach feel to it and I appreciate the view. 

Rule of thumb is, flowers cannot go outside until after Mother's Day because the nights can still be too cold. Every year I add something new and different and this year I've added the Hawaiian Love Plant as I am going with a pink palette for a splash of color this year.  

Several plants already potted and I've just begun. I love being on my balcony.

We met with the florist and selected the flowers for Brooke's wedding, I cannot believe it's only 4 months away. 

The baby is dropping in position and my poor Mariah is so ready. It's time to get my own bag together so no matter where I am, when the call comes, I'm prepared. 

I remember so vividly when I held Sofia for the 1st time and knowing that moment is coming again in glorious baby scent is exhilarating! 

Not knowing if it's a girl or a boy, having no idea what the name will be (that's always a secret), and wondering what color combination with this little one be. Yet, I am already in love. 

 *The 1st time I held my Sofia. 

The BEST Mother's Day Gift

In the hustle n bustle of a busy Mother's Day, time slowed down for a moment for the best gift ever.

As I was leaving, my Sofia in all her chubbilicous snugglicious glory, was watching me leave blowing me kisses as she stood inside the glass storm door. I am blowing so many kisses and telling her, "I love you, I do, I love you, I do", when she said, "I do!" 

I do means I love you. I said it to my Dad and I still do. Now my Sofia says it. 

What a Mother's Day gift!