This 'n That...

This is our last "free" weekend. Jon starts at his new school on Monday. I think he is nervous...so am I. This year has seemed to turn topsy turvy for my family. When my children were little I told hubby that whatever school they attended in Kindergarten would be where they graduated. Since we were renting at the time and Morgan was 3 1/2 we stepped up our house hunting. We were successful and Mo will graduate from Leetonia...where she has attended since she was 5. However, things are not looking good for our school to be in existence by the time Jon graduates. Therefore we have decided to send him to a neighboring district. He is in complete agreement and was excited. But as we close in on the first day that excitement has turned to nervousness. You suddenly realize you don't know anyone and the comfort zone you have built over the last 13 years is gone. I'm sure we will have rough days. But I'm hopeful that either a.) he will love his new school or b.) Leetonia's levy will pass and he can head back "home".

We also are preparing to leave our puppy, Sidney, home alone for a full day for the first time. It's been such a change adjusting to a puppy again. We miss Josie everyday...some days the pain is overwhelming...but we're moving forward. Sidney is learning to live with us. Her house training is coming along...slower than I would like, but she's getting there. She definately seems to be getting comfortable with us...not saying she's attached...but comfortable. She goes to the track with us every weekend and is starting to bark when people come over. At the track she stays under the trailer until we come back from running the cars. Then we head to the motorhome for a drink and a snack. Saturday we had some downtime between races. Apparently Sidney and Frank needed a little cap nap.

This morning I was getting ready for church...August is one of my months to Deacon and feeling a bit lonely. Frank was headed to the track to run, Morgan was working and Jon had just rolled out of bed. I've been a bit overwhelmed lately with Morgan being a senior and getting ready to start her adult life. I suddenly know just how precious every book we read, game we played and song we sang were. I am all about family. Always have been. Sundays are my favorite. When I was growing up it was a time for church, family picnics, visiting...things like that. Now it's still family day. Could be church, visiting, watching Nascar, football or drag racing (on a good day all three)...could just be getting some chores done as a family and then sitting down for with nummies while we play some cards or a board game. Lately Mo has had to work alot of Sundays, and it's just not the same without her. When I opened the frig this picture was what greeted me.

I think it was God's way of saying everything will be ok. I know, I know! But who says God can't use a pickle to communicate?!

Around The Dinner Table...

Sitting down with your family for dinner (aka supper) used to be part of daily life. Unfortunately due to schedules that are way too busy families rarely take the time to visit over an evening meal.

When I was pregnant with my daughter (17+ years ago) I started making my hubby sit down for dinner. Even though it felt a little odd with just the two of us...we kept it up. When Morgan was born we pulled her high chair up to the table...and then there was three. By the time Jon came along dinner together was part of our everyday schedule.

This is such a wonderful time to decompress from the day, to connect with your family and to get ready for what your evening may hold. Chores, games, homework, school activities, meetings, etc... With a little planning (and I mean a little) you can have a meal. It doesn't have to be fancy. It could be take out (but not too often). It's more about the family time than the food.

Over the last few months my world has felt disconnected and ungrounded. Dinner became whatever you could grab on your way to the next "obligation". I hadn't "talked" to my kids or my hubby for that matter. I took a step on Monday to get back in touch with my life, family and peaceful feeling by planning a sit down dinner. As you see the food was not fancy (tasty though). We were ready to sit down to dinner when Morgan walked in the door from band. It was amazing how the mood of the household lifted just by taking the time to sit down together. Morgan shared her first day of school, Jon talked about what he did throughout the day (he starts at Crestview a week later than Mo)...we just visited. It's great to reconnect.

Even if you open a couple cans of soup and grab the loaf of bread...take the time to sit down with your family and your friends. It's more rewarding and relaxing than you can imagine. Life can change in the blink of an eye...grab every moment you can while you can.

Now that's Blog candy...

This is my first attempt at linking for blog candy. If you scrapbook or rubber stamp...you have to check this out! http://priscillastyles.blogspot.com/

Good Luck!!!