John's next chapter ♥

 Hello Lovely Friends! ♥

I posted this on Instagram and Facebook this week, and I wanted to share it here as well.  Because you all have followed John for so long - I started this blog when he was in kindergarten!! - I feel like we are all family. 

Soooo....after one year of community college and a bunch of core requirements under his belt, he's decided to transfer to a state university in the fall as a Music Education major.  Music has been his passion since he was 3 years old, so I couldn't be happier that he's decided to follow his dream and pursue a career in music.  

I must say his year at community college was no less than amazing!  It served its purpose of taking required classes (that all transferred over) while being able to take a step back without pressure to really think about what he wants to do. All for FREE btw! : ) I highly encourage anyone who is not quite sure what their path is after graduation (and let's face it - who does?!) community college is the way the go! He was able to thoroughly think about and research the programs without the pressure of high school finals, activities, and general excitement that year brings.  It went by so fast! He's now able to enter as a second year student at university into a program that he is sooo excited about. 

And honestly, the only reason he's not sticking with the community college is because they do not offer a music program, which is where his heart is truly at.  He'll be able to perform in the orchestra, jazz band ensembles, study music theory, and much more.  It's all finally coming together for him, and we couldn't be more excited to see what this next chapter brings. 

The university is only about 40 minutes from here, so he's decided to commute which a lot of local kids do. He'll not only save money, but this way he can still keep his job at the movie theater (which he loves) and participate in the bands he has with his friends on the weekends. I feel like it's all coming to together for him.

If you could all keep him in your prayers as he enters this next chapter of life, I would truly be grateful.  I honestly believe you don't always need to take the traditional path to get where you need to be in life.  Sometimes it takes time and a little sidestepping and that's perfectly OK ♥

Love you! xx 

Goodbye Summer, Maine, & John's Birthday! ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

Guess what? I lit my first Fall candle of the season yesterday morning.  Yankee Candle Spiced Pumpkin, which I got on sale at the Yankee Candle outlet in Kittery, ME this past weekend. The smell is still wafting through the house today. It's the scent of the season and tells everyone that enters, it's fall! It's my all-time favorite.  As you well know, there are a lot of pumpkin scented candles out there, but none compared to this one.  It's the best.  

We have been blessed with cooler temps this week (some might say even "chilly" in the mornings) and it's blissful. I can feel the shift happening.  We have arrived.  Finally :) 

But before I go on about THAT I wanted to share a few pictures from our weekend in Ogunquit, ME.  It's quite beautiful there, with its quaint shops, restaurants, and overall Hallmark FEEL if you know what I mean.  The beach and ocean view are stunning. 

 I did not go to the beach, but I did spend my fair share of time sitting on a balcony looking at it and taking it all in. It was very relaxing and I did enjoy being away for a few days.  I could feel the stress leaving my body and peace filling my lungs in the form of sea air. It's funny how the ocean can do that.  

How could I stop taking in this view ♥ 

 

We went with Rob's family (our annual summer trip) so there was 12 of us total.  We separated at times to do our own things but always met up for meals and games at night. Some went to the beach, some the pool, some shopping, and some of us read books while listening to the waves, only getting up to eat. 

It was super fun.  

One highlight was stopping on the way up at Nubble Lighthouse in York, ME for lunch.  We had beautiful weather!

Here is John and his two cousins, Anthony and Julia! 

I had the same delicious lobster roll I had last year (when in Rome..:).  

It's the best I've ever had.  So fresh! 

On Saturday we celebrated John's 18th birthday!  

My father-in-law picked up a tiramisu cake at a local bakery and we surprised John at the hotel.  He loved it!  

I can't believe this boy is 18!!!! ♥

I wish you knew John.  Some of you might.  He's a special kid.  Smart, funny, caring, and kind.  I'm so proud of him. 

Did I say kid? I guess I should say adult now. Wow! 

To be honest, all weekend I was fighting myself not to worry about my Dad at home.  He's been feeling great lately and assured me he'd be fine.  I left him fully stocked with meals and all the essentials he'd need.  He joked me with me I was only going for 2 days, not 2 months, so RELAX!  I called every day and he was as he said - totally fine.  Whew! 

Before heading home we stopped by a candy store (of my dreams!) that sells this yummy black liquorish bridge mix that I remember from last year.  Are you a fan of black liquorish? People either love it or hate it. 

Personally, I love it!  I have to keep the bowl out of my sight, or I will in fact, eat it all.  

We arrived home on Sunday afternoon.  I caught up with my Dad, unpacked, did laundry, sat on my bed and took a rest until dinner.  Why is riding in a car doing nothing so tiring?  Anyway, I'm glad to be home. And now the time has come.  I always use John's birthday as my time meter.  Once we've properly celebrated his summer birthday, I can turn the page to Fall. I'm so excited for the season to change.  I feel myself coming back to life once the air changes.  I love to decorate and craft and especially bake and cook in the fall.  All the things that bring me joy.  

John is in Boston today with some of his friends, still living his summer dreams. He still has a few weeks until his classes start so he's hanging on to summer, not letting one second of it slip through his fingers. A lot of his friends are heading off to college, so this week will be a long week of goodbyes.  

 I know summer's not over just yet, but it is for me! ♥

Have a great day friends!  I'm making chicken pot pie for dinner. 

 This girl isn't messing around! LOL 

July days so far ♥

*picture taken in the wee hours of the morning when the sun was just waking up*

 

Hello Friends! ♥

I'm back from a short blogging break.  I've missed you and this space so much! It's hard to believe that we are 3 weeks into July already.  The 4th was not even 2 weeks ago but seems like a month ago! How have you all been?  The weeks since John's graduation have been a rollercoaster ride for me.  My Dad was in the hospital for almost 3 weeks.  He came home for a week and then he had to go back...thankfully just for a few days.  I can honestly say I've had my fill of that place (so has he!).  Not that he wasn't getting good care, it's just not a fun place to be. He's home now with visiting nurse services and that's working out very well.  He's getting stronger and (after some medication changes) is finally feeling much better.  He's up and about and today I took him to the barber shop to get a haircut.  He was quite happy about that and feeling like himself again. 

The shock of John's graduation has passed and now we are getting excited for the future.  He'll be starting community college in the fall and will continue working at the theater nights and weekends.  He enjoys working there, especially the perk of being able to see all the movies for free.  I am loving the idea of him commuting to community college.  It's a great way for him to ease into figuring out exactly what he wants to do without the pressures of a four-year university.  I think it's a great fit for him and I'm excited to see where he goes from here.  But like I told him, there's no rush so take your time. You have your whole life ahead of you.  There are many paths that can lead you where you want to go.  What's the rush? ♥

As for me, I'm trying to enjoy the summer as much as I can.  On Saturday night Rob and I took a drive to the beach. We got hot dogs and ice cream and watched the sunset. It's my favorite thing to do in the summer.  I don't like the heat and it's been so hot lately, but sunset at the beach is perfection to me.  I usually hibernate in the summer. I spend my days in air conditioning sipping on iced coffee, reading books, and thinking about Fall.  Just like I did when I was a kid.  Except now The Price Is Right is Hosted by Drew Carey instead of Bob Barker! (which still seems weird to me:)

I know, I know...it's early.  BUT I can still be excited about it.  It's nice to have something to look forward to, and I wait all year for pumpkin spice.  I really do.  

Ok, back to summer....but just know that this is always on my mind ♥

If you happen to pop by my house unexpectedly recently this is how you would probably find me.  Hair up, glasses on, and in my favorite housedress! Gifted to me by my friend who somehow knows exactly what I need exactly when I need it.  It's so comfortable! And not only that, I'm living out my I Love Lucy dreams because I can so see her in one of these.  Our mothers and grandmothers really knew what they were doing, didn't they?  I feel comfortable like I'm in pajamas yet put together at the same time.  I can answer the door or run to the gas station or do an errand without having to change.  I absolutely love it.  I need more of these in my life.  

#bringbackthehousedress 

House projects are a constant work in progress around here.  This is on the side of the house at the end of the driveway.  We are still deciding what to do here. What to plant, where to put it, etc.  For now, it's mulch and rose bushes.  There's a bird bath that I like to keep my eye on from the deck and that entertains me sometimes.  I'm embracing the idea of slow living and trying to be more present in everything I do.  It's a constant struggle for me but I'm trying.  

I appreciate the outdoors so much after sitting with my Dad in the hospital for weeks.  You miss the sunshine and fresh air. Unfortunately, it's been too hot to spend much time outside right now but I've had my moments.  Usually in the early morning hours.  Just me, the birds, and the bunnies : ) 

Back inside the house I'm surrounded by summer things:

Fresh fruit from the farmers market ♥

My favorite summer PJ's ♥

 

My plants that thrive in the summer sun ♥

Summer salads ♥

 And seafood!  ♥

Because of my Dad's health issues he's had to go on a strict low sodium diet which has forced me to become a little more creative in the kitchen.  Are you aware that pretty much EVERYTHING we eat has sodium in it?! UGH.  It's hard to work around that but I'm getting there.  He's not too happy about it, but his heart certainly is! 

I'll leave you today with a glimpse of this beautiful hydrangea bush by our front door.  It makes me smile every time I look at it.  

Happy Summer Days my friends! I pray you are all well. 

Have a lovely Monday and I'll see you soon! xo 

PS this pretty much sums me up in the summer! Just to confirm...I'm the one on the right : ) 

John Graduated! ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

It's hard for me to put into words what I felt that day.  I was overjoyed for John.  It was such an achievement and happy occasion for everyone.  As I sat in the bleachers watching my only son walk with his classmates (402 of them!) while the music played, the last 17 years flashed before my eyes.  It all happened so fast.  I am so proud of him! I was on the edge of crying the entire time...happy tears of course...some a little sad. It's really happening. 

*Also, does Pomp & Circumstance give anyone else chills? That song is so emotional!*

He was SO Happy! It was a beautiful ceremony.  And the best part was John got to play with the band one final time.  He's played at graduation for the last 3 years and this year he got to play for himself.  How cool is that ♥

Afterwards we went home and celebrated with family and friends.  We ate, told stories, laughed, and it was wonderful.  I thought about my mom a lot. I wished so badly she was there with us.  And my Dad, who unfortunately was in the hospital.  He's still there battling a few things but thankfully getting better and hopefully coming home soon.  (More on that later)  

 

For now I'd like to say Congratulations to John.  You did it!!! I know you'll do great things! On to the next chapter! We love you soooo much! ♥

And now that that's over, I'll be back to my regular scheduled program of coffee, candles, and cozy posts.  It's almost summer! 

Happy days my friends! And thank you for all your kind messages and congratulations to John!  

He read them all! Xx 

I'll be back soon with an update on Dad ♥

John's Prom! ♥

Good Monday morning, friends! ♥

It's a coffee on the deck kind of morning.  I'm sipping away watching the birds. I know I have a busy day ahead of me, and this is a nice way to begin.  

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  It was another busy one for us as we prepare for John's graduation in just a few days.  Thank you to all who reached out to and left lovely comments about my last post.  I'm realizing that feeling sad is normal.  I had a good cry with Rob on the phone on Saturday and after that I felt much better. I said how sad I am that things are changing and how life is "so different now." One thing about me...I hate change.  He understands that and gave me the pep talk I needed. He told me all things that I already know.  Yes, things are different, but that doesn't mean it's bad.  So much good is yet to come. And adult John is so much fun (and just as wonderful as baby John), which so many of you shared with me too.  Adult kids are awesome in so many ways.  I started decorating for the party, ordered the cake, and started to feel excited again.  I can do this! (she said to herself in a questionable voice...:)  My mom always told me that I'm stronger than I think I am.  Maybe she was right about that. 

Anyway, on to happier things.  Friday night was the prom!  John and his beautiful date, Liliah, had a wonderful time! They were blessed with great weather too! Nice and sunny! 

Do they look lovely?! She's a doll too! ♥

John opted to wear a suit instead of a tux, which some kids do nowadays.  

Who knew?! ♥

 

They met at another friend's house to take pictures.  One of the moms sent me this.  

I think they all look amazing! ♥

The class meets at the school and they have a "red carpet" situation before boarding coach buses to take them to the venue.  

I think it's great because no one has to drive. 

A moment for the tie... Yup, that's Elvis (of course!) ♥

He has a collection of different ones that he got from his uncle and fellow Elvis enthusiast.

They come out on special occasions! 

They had a great time!  I was so happy for him! ♥

It will be a busy week with more activities as we count down to graduation on Saturday. 

My mom's roses and peonies have started blooming and I think that's a sign that she's watching over us.  

Hi Mom! ♥

I hope you all have a happy Monday! I'm going to pour another cup of coffee, get dressed, and get some work done.  

I hope the sun is shining on you today.  Can you believe it's June already?! ♥

XOXO

John's last day of school...♥

Hello Friends! ♥

And all of a sudden, here we are.  John's last day of school.   High school over in a blink and I'm still in disbelief. Has this really happened? Yup!  

Here he is.  

The first day of 1st grade....

and today...the last day of 12th.  

 

I kissed him goodbye this morning and off he went.  All smiles! ♥

It's hard to put into words how I'm feeling today.  I'm so full of joy and pride my heart could literally burst. My little boy has grown into a confident, smart, funny, kind, well rounded, talented, young adult. He loves people and people love to be around him.  And now he's about to graduate high school. The world is waiting for him and he can be whatever he wants to be.  He's excited for his next chapter and I'm excited for him! 

However...♥

Selfishly I feel a little sad.  Sad because it all went by so fast. All those years of making lunches and driving him to school.  Helping with homework and teachers' meetings.  School shows and field trips.  Is it really over?  I guess I'm just too nostalgic for my own good (at least that's what Rob tells me : )

How do countless mom's get through graduation season every year?  

I'm also sad because I wish my mom was here to see this.  She and John were very close and I know she'd be so proud.  She always said she wanted to see him graduate.  I'll know she'll be there looking down on him, but still...I wish I could see her and talk to her about everything that's going on.  The prom and all the party preparations.  It just doesn't seem right without her.  I constantly feel like I'm doing things alone these days.  Things I should be doing with her.  It's really hard without a mom.  

But it's not about me is it? It's about John and I want to make these next few weeks as special as possible! If anyone deserves it, he does!  

As some of you may know, John is a drummer.  He joined the school band in 5th grade and never looked back.  He loves music.  I cannot say enough about the high school music program!  Every year I am more and more impressed by the talent of these kids (and teacher!).  The transition into a large public high school from a very small catholic elementary school was not an easy one. BUT one thing made it so much better.  BAND.  He loved it from day one and some of the kids he met there have become his best friends.  They are even planning of forming their own band this summer.  

Wednesday night was John's last performance in the jazz band.  I wanted to preserve a few clips here on my blog because music has been such a big part of his school life.  It's hard for me to imagine no more school shows.  There have been so many!! But I'm excited to see what comes next.  I'm sure it will be something great! ♥

And now I think I'll make myself a hot cup of vanilla coffee, wrap up in a blanket, put on an I Love Lucy episode, and dig up some chocolate that I know is in the house somewhere.  Chocolate always helps!  

I'll be ok ♥

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, friends!  The summer is practically here! 

Love you! xo 

My weekend ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Monday! ♥

I hope you all had a nice and restful weekend.  We were blessed with beautiful weather (in the 70's) both days which made me very happy.  If only it would stay that way...but alas...I know it won't.  It's ok.  I'll enjoy it while I can.  I had all the windows open to let the glorious fresh air in.  I'm finding I do that more and more these days and I really like it.  I even sleep with my windows cracked now, even if it's on the cooler side.  I think the fresh air helps me sleep better.  Rob is usually freezing and I'm "just right." That's marriage for you.  Just wait until we put the a/c on! : ) 

I spent the better part of Saturday out here on my deck with my new little friend.  He really took a liking to that spot and would not leave.  I thought maybe he was building a nest or something because he seemed to be guarding the spot, but after further investigation I didn't see anything. I'm still not convinced.  I'll report back later : )   

I finished Darling Girls which I really liked!  

I hadn't read a good book in a while and this one got me out of my slump.  This week I'll head to the library to find my next read ♥

 I had run out to Walmart (which...going on a Saturday is like going into battle!) but I needed a few things and wanted to check them off my list.  First stop was to Dunkin Donuts to get the mango refresher.  

It's so good and really hit the spot! ♥

I've needed to repot one of my plants for ages and wanted to get that done this weekend.  I picked up this pretty one which is perfect for my kitchen.  Only $5 too - so the trip into battle was worth it.

*Not to say I don't love Walmart because I do. It's just MY Walmart (the one near my house) is very small and always crowded.  They never have enough people working there so it's a given I'm going to be standing in line for ages.  It's literally my worst nightmare.  All to save a few pennies on paper towels and dish soap, but I do what I have to do! I've been to super Walmarts that are so much nicer than mine.  I hope one opens closer to me one day. I can only dream!*

ANYWAY - I also picked up a few things for John graduation! EEEK! 

Today marks the start of his last full week of school.  As of Friday, that's it! Except for finals, he's done.  It's so hard to believe and SO exciting too!  

Next up is prom! ♥

This is one of the proofs that I got with his senior photos.  I didn't buy this one for his senior picture, but I really like it.  He looks so grown up! 

On Sunday it was such a beautiful day Rob and I had a little day date and took a walk on the beach.  The water and sky were so BLUE.  I needed to hear the sound of the waves and smell that salt air.  It's so peaceful. 

 And notice how there's no people?  Glorious! It won't be that way after Memorial Day so we're getting in our beach time now. 

We always stop and comment on those condos over there.  We dream about retirement and even toured the inside once a few years ago.  I would love to wake up to this view.  And Rob would never have to do yard work ever again! ♥

And so begins a new week.  I have to get better at meal planning.  I'm definitely slipping because It's already lunch time I have no idea what's for dinner.  My plan for the week is to work on staying organized.  With John graduation (and everything that goes along with that) coming up, plus my Dad's recovery (and everything that goes along with that) I've felt like an actual hot mess. I know I need sleep and am in dire need of a pedicure so I can bust out my sandals.  I just need to find the time to do it.  

                                                                            

If you have any tips, please send them my way! Love you! Have a great day! XO 

PS Update on Dad - He's been working with PT like a trooper and it's going well.  He saw the doctor on Friday and he said everything looks great.  The pain will get less and less, so keep going.  It will be worth it.  Fingers crossed it's sooner than later ♥

This week flew by! ♥

                                                        Hello Friends and happy Friday! ♥

It's a rainy one here today. It's supposed to rain all day today & tomorrow, but we're promised a sunny day Sunday for Mother's Day.  The Lillies of the Valley are in full bloom just in time.  I would always pick a bunch for my mom on Mother's Day.  She loved to put them on her night table so she could smell them while she was in bed.  The smell will always remind me of her and that makes me very happy.  

This week went by so fast! My Dad is doing well.  PT is coming every few days to work with him.  He's still in a lot of discomfort but overall recovering nicely.  I'm in charge of daily meds and ice packs, as well as meals.  He's getting there! ♥

I made this yummy dinner the other night that was a hit with everyone.  Chicken piccata over linguini. It's one of my go-to weeknight dinners.  I hadn't made it in a few weeks, so it tasted extra good. I added fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. My Dad is still traumatized by the food at rehab so anything I cook tastes like a gourmet meal to him! LOL 

It's been a week of catch up for me.  Work, phone calls, and errands.  It suddenly occurred to me that John is graduating in less than a month and we have a party to plan! It's coming up so fast I can hardly believe it.  I'm making lists like crazy and it's really fun.  

I'm so happy for him I could honestly burst ♥

Time really does fly! ♥

In other news I watched an interesting documentary last night that made me SO SAD.  

Blackfish (on Prime) is about the killer whale Tilikum, an Orca, who was held at Sea World and involved in the deaths of three people.  It highlights the consequences of keeping orcas in captivity.  This documentary is so disturbing, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about.  The torture this poor whale went through. And it's still happening. All animals should be able to live freely in their own habitat. I am certain I will never step foot in Sea World ever again.  Please watch this documentary if you haven't already.  

My weekend plans include things around the house on Saturday and then meeting up with my friend Julie for lunch.  Our kids have known each other since kindergarten so it's an emotional time for both of us! : ) 

On Sunday we are heading to my sister in laws for brunch and them I'm hoping for some R&R in the afternoon.  

And of course coffee, coffee, coffee! ♥

Have a great weekend, friends! ♥

Talk to you soon! xoxo