Reenie's Ramblings

I watched them walk off together with a lump in my throat. They look so cute in their new backpacks, new shoes and clothes.  There is an excitement about the first day of school that isn't like anything else. (They woke up early and ready for the first day before my alarm had a chance to yell at me!) While a lot of Mothers are excited for this day, when they have peace and quiet, I dread it. I am so happy and excited for them but there is this emotion Im not sure how to describe. Its hard to watch my kids become independent.  Its hard to let them go, to grow up.   Its not that I don't want them to, (I'd be worried if they didn't) its just that moments like today, the first day of school, make me realize the saying "Time Flies" is not just a saying.  Its a fact.  They were feeling so "grown up" today it breaks my heart and makes me smile all at the same time! I struggle with finding peace with letting them stay in the care of someone el...

Don't Give Up!  Its about to get SO GOOD! When we first got married, I was literally head over heals!  Our first year of marriage was a honeymoon.  So many firsts.  It was an absolute thrill simply to be his wife.... I couldn't understand how people could EVER divorce or separate!  Then one day, I got it.  I understood.  I realized in that moment "This is when most people leave". We hadn't even reached our 3rd anniversary. I felt we were just roommates not connected in any other way. I was miserable. I was going to leave. I still loved him, but I was so unhappy, so frustrated and so DONE. I am beyond thankful our story ends differently. While I am far from a marriage expert, we will be celebrating 11 years this month and I am thankful every day for the man at my side, my partner, my friend, lover.... my husband. I wish every young couple would read this or at least have a good chat with someone who will tell them this: There WI...

I was 20.  I had been married 6 months.  I had bought my second car on my own, been to a year of college and was saving to buy our first house. This is what happened. An old family friend whom I hadn't seen in awhile came up to me and said "It's so good to see you!  Now lets see, are you a Sophmore or Junior this year?  Pretty soon you'll be on your own!" I went from pleasant to livid... (in my mind)... and smiled sweetly (I hope it was sweetly) and said, "Actually I am finishing my first year of college!" In my head... I thought "I will NEVER do that to someone!"  I was one of those blessedly-cursed people who when I was in high school looked like I was in college and when I was in college was asked if I was there doing running start. It drove me CRAZY! Fast forward to present day and it gets SCARY! This just happened last week! I was at a coffee stand in the town I used to live (8 years ago) and noticed my barista was a kid th...

Memorial Day weekend used to mean, sunny days of BBQ's, outdoor playtime and an extra day off work/school!  It still is those things, we still get together and have a BBQ with family, and still enjoy the extra day to the weekend but it now means more to me. Since losing my Dad, this weekend is : take-flowers-to-his-grave, try-not-to-cry, put-a-smile-on-my-face-and-reflect-on-the-short-while-we-had-him-with-us-weekend. I know there are many who have faced tragic loses, and this weekend means more and more to them than it ever did... Take a moment to consider them.  Then enjoy precious time with your loved ones.   Give each other a sweet hug. Smile, laugh, and cherish this time you have together. I know I will. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend.