What’s Up Lately?
Life.
It’s taken all the little snippets of time that I could steal away from daily life just to pop in here and share a photo for the past few weeks. I figured it was time to fill you in with “what’s up lately.”
Missed those? You can find a Naples, Florida sunset here, Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland in this post, and a Stuart, Florida sunset in this one.
While life isn’t necessarily settling down any during the present time, I wanted to catch up a little. The last time I sat down for a chat was at the end of July in this post.
Change.
I talked about how life had brought about some changes and that I was heading down to Florida for a week.
Good Vibes.
For a while I let the chaos of change get to my emotional state. My personality prefers control and order and life was just not handing me that.
However, during my time down in Florida, I began to again refocus on the good vibes. Usually, if you look for them, some can be found in every situation.
My commentary may make it sound as if I thought the changes were a bad thing. I did and do not. It just required the reworking of plans and creating of solutions. Things that I’m good at, but that are also mentally (and sometimes physically) intensive.
Moving Time.
If you caught this post on Instagram, you may have already guessed one of the changes in my life.
Big Mr. is moving to Florida.
If you’ve been reading my blog for some time, you might be like “wait…what”.
Yes, my oldest child is moving back to Florida.
Sometimes I’m asked how I feel about that.
It may be something I address in more detail in the future, but at the same time this is also one of those stories where you can read various chapters, but the story is not mine.
As for how I feel…
I will miss my son. 800 miles is a long way away.
I’m excited for him to begin this adventure into adulthood.
I’m jealous that he gets to live by the beach.
I’m proud of the fact that he found the courage to get off of the “supposed” to train and then climbed aboard the “want” to train.
(p.s.- I love this picture of him with his best friend down at the Stuart docks because that cloud looks like a Stallion rising…ready for the wild unknown).
He’s been home for a week and I have him for one more week before he moves.
Back to School.
I had to beeline it back home after a week down in Florida (that’s 12 hours just in drive time y’all…and I did it in one day).
Big Mr. stayed another week, but I wanted to make it home to see the other two teens off on their first day of school.
Mr. D is now a Senior in high school and Miss Sunshine started her Freshman year.
Eeek! Where does the time go?
Bathroom Remodel.
The upstairs bathroom remodel is ongoing.
This is a sneak peek of it in process. It’s a little further along now.
I design. The hubby executes my vision.
This means that projects take longer to get done because…ya know….he has a full-time job as well.
I’ll do an update when it’s complete.
Birthdays.
Last Friday, Mr. D turned 17.
I still cannot believe it.
I was reminiscing over his old photos since recent ones are rare. This is from around the time when he was in Kindergarten.
And yet, I’ve just had his Senior photos taken!
The time truly does pass in an instant (even though it doesn’t feel like it when you are going through it).
Soccer.
Soccer mom in full effect.
Miss Sunshine started back to practice with her U16 travel team.
Last weekend they had a season opener tournament and played four games, each ending in a shutout.
Thus, they were the U16 Champions!
My weekends (and some weekdays) will be filled with soccer all the way until Thanksgiving.
Selfie.
And in case you’ve forgotten what I look like since I’ve been in hiding (just kidding…sort of), here’s a silly selfie from my time in Florida.
I hope that you all have an amazing weekend and that brightness shines into your soul during the coming week.
Let me know what you have been up to lately.
Let your light shine!
Amy
What a weird feeling it must be to see your child move away… wow. Those days are still far ahead for my 1-year-olds and I hope time doesn’t fly too fast 🙂 Good luck!
Thank you! It seems odd to watch him pack up his room. I know that it will feel very strange with him gone. I once heard “the days are long, but the years are fast” when raising children. I have found that to be true. 🙂
Yes I’ve been told that too and it seems true so far!!
Oh my goodness- I’m sure you are dealing with just so many conflicting emotions, but you have articulated your thoughts so beautifully, Amy!! I love what you said about your son choosing the “want” rather than “supposed”. Not many do that- and it’s awesome that he is taking the road less traveled!
Thank you for catching us up on your wonderful life! Best of luck to your two youngest as they start the school year. I know it’s always a busy, yet exciting, time of year! XO
Thank you Mackenzie!! I am very happy that he is listening to himself. It’s a wonderful skill to begin to master. It is definitely a busy and exciting time. I’m finally beginning to find a few more moments here and there for myself which is a welcome reprieve. 🙂 xo
Eldest daughter, Sissy, did not make the trip north with us when we moved. She opted for Florida, where our son was in school as well. (And my mother is there, too.) It is not easy, Amy, and my heart breaks for you. Bubba has happily returned to the north for his masters and says he doesn’t plan to leave. He just recently upped himself into a 2bdrm. Having him home on random weekends and breaks is SO much better than having him briefly only summer, Christmas, and spring break. It’s also comforting to know we can get in a car and go to him in a few hours if we need to. (Here to the panhandle is 11 hours, not the same at all!)
Further, Sissy changed her plans and went a completely different route.
It is a tender time, parenting young adults, because YOU KNOW they have to make their own decisions on their journeys. I totally get it. I understand — you’re proud and it’s bittersweet and you’ll miss him so. <3 <3 <3 Fortunately, there are countless members in this new tribe you belong to.
I know it's also a BUSY time to try to process your thoughts and feelings, too. I'll be thinking of you.
My last two are in high school, finally. LOL For a long time I thought it'd be forever until they were in the same school. That alone is a huge relief in my stress in terms of transportation and events.
Work is good.
This week has been marital bliss.
The weather's been cooler.
I'm happy 🙂
Thanks Joey!
I’m pretty sure that if I had a crystal ball it might show more trips down to Florida in my future 😉 It’s beginning to feel real as he packs up his bedroom, but I’m not sure the full force of it will hit me until he has actually left.
I am SO happy that the other two are in high school together. While I still have to be involved in parts of transportation, it has definitely decreased.
I’m glad to hear that word is good. Ahhh…marital bliss, that’s cause for celebration. I have enjoyed some of these crisper days. I do love fall. I’m so happy that you’re happy!!! 🙂
Thanks!
Yeah, you’ll settle in to your new normal, you always do <3
I’m having a wonderfully quiet weekend. I need to get back into taking photos of life as it happens – yours are always something of an inspiration.
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoy my photos. I’ve spent some time away from my photography in the busyness of the recent season and have realized that I actually miss it. I’m glad to hear that you had a wonderfully quiet weekend!! I’m a big fan of moments of solitude and quiet. I don’t do well when I go extended periods without at least some of that.
Oh wow…
Well, as a mom of an adult son my heart goes out to you. Mine still lives at home and I’m grateful for that. That is for me…of course. I don’t want to get to the days where I worry…and wonder…and worry some more about the things that I will worry about when he no longer lives with us.
That being said…bravo to him for…as you so eloquently put, ‘getting off of the “supposed” to train and then climbing aboard the “want” to train.’ (I love that!)
How exciting to go out and live your life all fresh and new. <3
ps…cute selfie. <3
Thank you Nikki! He just made it down to Florida. Between getting him packed and prescheduled things with the other two teens, I’m late in my replies.
It hasn’t fully sunk in yet as I’ve been on the go and am away at a soccer tournament with the youngest this weekend. I’m sure the reality will hit hard at some point, but I know this is what was the best thing for him. It is such an exciting time for him. 🙂 <3
Back to school chaos is in full swing, isn’t it? I’m sure it’s hard watching your oldest pack up and move forward into a new chapter of life. I dread that day myself, even though I still have a few years left. Yes indeed, the days are long and the years are fast. It’s crazy…Sometimes, I wish time would slow down… just a little bit.
Full swing!! He’s made it down to Florida, but it hasn’t sunk in yet. I had a driver’s license ceremony (part of how Virginia gives under 18 year olds their license with a mandatory courthouse proceeding) with the second son and am now at a soccer tournament with the youngest. Slowing down their rapid propulsion into the future would be nice…but just by a bit. 😉
Love all these instas, what a good catchup!
—
http://www.areweadultsyet.com
Amazing instas, what a great catchup!
—
http://www.areweadultsyet.com
Change is always scary but he is well prepared for his future! You did a great job 💕😊
Thanks so much!! xx
Wow! You have had a busy time. Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures and the journey with us! I will face my oldest ones leaving the next within a few years. Lord, help me!
It has been very a very busy time! I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures. 🙂 It’s definitely an interesting time as they leave the nest. My second son is a high school Senior this year…so it won’t be long until I face it once again!