It goes so fast

The weekend started when my husband and I took our last big road trip of the year in our Corvette with the Spokane Corvette Club. We weren't sure what the weather was going to be like since it started raining the night before.  We knew we would go anyway, since it was a club event and we had help working out the drive itself.

We headed out from Spokane, WA and ended in Bonner's Ferry, ID.  I promised myself I would unplug, something I am trying to do more of.  I found myself not even taking pictures of the surroundings that were at times breathe taking. 

It also had a lot to do with the large group we ended up traveling with, 32 cars for the whole drive.  We scheduled meet up places in a couple of different cities so we could all regroup.  I think the most favorite thing in doing this, is seeing people's reactions when you are in a parking lot together or just driving in a long caravan.  You really end up meeting a lot of different people and getting into some wonderful conversations.

This summer was also about our clubs event Glass on Grass, held at Riverfront Park in Spokane.  Again it is a day of hanging out visiting with the community and enjoying every ones company.  This photo is of one of the cars at the event; 1964 Convertible, pretty sweet!

One of the other fun things we got a chance to do is to participate in the Spokane's Torch Light Parade as part of the Make A Wish Group.  We had 7 cars and each of us was able to take 2 children.  It helped me to feel yet again that having a Corvette isn't just about having it but about putting smiles on people's faces!  You can't put a price tag on that.       

Fun finds

The beginning of the summer is always marked with heading out to Farm Chicks.  It is probably one of my most favorite things to do.  This year I wasn't really looking for anything but I found a few things I can't wait to put to use!

Each year is themed and I love that.  This year it was about scouting, for just the perfect items.  My fun finds included: A framed piece with handmade flowers, special linens for tote bags, buttons, scrabble tile pieces and two old bank money bags.  I think they each will make nice bags for marbles.

I've collected marbles for years, these however are my sons.  I think it might be time for me to take pictures of my stash.  I remember playing marble games with neighborhood kids, that is when I lost my favorite shooter.  Marbles were also something simple and small that if I went on a trip I could bring home as small gifts to my children.  They also make wonderful stocking stuffers, to fit down inside the toes!   

A few changes

So the month of June in this house marked a big milestone we have been working on for a year.  We got our major stuff moved from the garage to the new shed my sister in law helped us build last summer.  This meant a big thing for me, I got the old little shed for my stuff.  Okay, so I knew I had a lot of stuff but it was all spread out so I didn't think I would actually fill the dang thing.  Yep, well I was wrong and I now see myself as someone who does not need to buy a thing.

My sister in law also moved into her new house so the spare bedroom is now the Grands/Guest room.  It is also coming together nicely.  The first time we had the Grands over, they were so very excited to have their very own place to play.  Everyone was quiet and playing nicely together.  We also had a special visitor one night, our little Sage, who isn't so little anymore.  It is so much fun putting this room together for them.   

It has taken a lot to move from caregiver to where I am now.  While my feelings of being a Granny are somewhat new I can tell you that it is wonderful.  It just so fun to be with each of them.     

A new understanding

In February of this year my Son went on an adventure to Blackburn England, he would be gone for 10 months.  It has been hard, sometimes ugly for me.  We have all heard the statement; you never know what you have until it is gone.  That is what happened to me.

My Son is the last child at home, so I chalked it up as empty nesting issues.  For the first three months I lost sleep, cried loads, and ran away from myself.  It wasn't until I lost a large sum of money somewhere in my house(and still haven't found), that I woke up to realize what was happening.  Once I embraced my loss I have been able to move forward.  I know I haven't really lost my Son but in letting go not only am I growing but he is too.

Here's the thing; when he was little I never wanted him to be considered a Momma's boy.  You see it in the movies and in real life, the Mother that doesn't want to let go of her Son.  It can turn ugly and instead of growing into the man he is suppose to be he shrivels under the weight of his Mother.  I didn't want him to be that young man or for me to be that Mother.

We did normal Mother/Son stuff, snuggles before our day started, the park, movies, video games and coffee dates from the time he was born into now adulthood.  We fought over stupid things, we both hate change but somehow embrace it.  I remember the first time he asked me if he could hang out with his guy friends instead of with me.  He even had done all of his chores.  I knew right there that our lives were changing.  I however clung to knowing I would always be the one he loved first.  

Once we crossed into an adult, adult relationship instead of parent, child relationship the feelings I have for him have gotten stronger.  He is one of the most incredible people I know and I am more thankful for him now than I have ever been.  The strong bond of love that I have for him, hit me hard and has been a sweet surprise.

So today is the first of October, my favorite time of year.  It has taken me more than a week to write this post simply because it is an emotional one.  Today also marks 21 days until my wonderful son comes home.  For my birthday he told me he was coming home early.  To say that I'm just a little excited would be an understatement.