Lasts Lead to Firsts

I've noticed, after two solid weeks of hiding in the staff bathroom sobbing, that I am a very involved momma.

Yes, I had a feeling before, but these two weeks of watching my son walk out of the middle school (which I happen to work in) confirmed it.  Make fun of me.  It's ok. I'm good with it.

All the "lasts" hit me like a ton of bricks...last ride to work together....last time he gets trapped holding the door open for me and the string of kids/teachers behind me....last time I hear them say "Wow! Great manners!" or "There's no denying he's yours, Marla!"......last time splitting off in the hallway and saying "Have a great day, Benji!  uhhh I mean Ben!!!!"...…..last time of him jutting his chin out at me when I pass him in the hall.....last time all of his friends warn him when they see me coming "It's your mom, Ben! BEN!!  YOUR MOM!!!!"

I never wanted to embarrass Ben at school (except that time I wrote him up), but I LOVED being in the same building as one of my kids.  When I subbed last year, the best thing ever was to get called up to the high school where Abby would track me down like a blood hound for hugs and insist that we have lunch together or, at the very least, meet up at her locker.  While homeschooling was sometimes difficult, it forged strong bonds with my children.  I'm so grateful.

So now come the firsts....yesterday was the first time Abby got a "senior" discount (Yes, they really gave it to us at a store that was having "senior" day and I mentioned she was now a senior!!!)….. we had our first JV football meeting for Ben to play for the high school...... we're going on our first roadtrip where a kid can help us drive...... and in a couple of months our kids will be headed to the same school together (that doesn't take place under our roof) for the first time.

It feels like all that is ahead for them are steps away from us.  Lots of lasts to come, and lots of firsts.

Dusting off the old blog.....

Hi Friends!  I know.  I know...it's been a while.  The last three years have been a blur.  In fact, I can honestly say that I never saw this coming.  By "this" I mean the moving to the North, the mental illness in my son, football, going back to work full-time, or Andy being unemployed....thrice....in as many years.

Life happens.  And can I just testify to the fact that it reeeeeeally doesn't care if you're prepared or not.  It.  Just.  Doesn't.

In the great and grand scheme of things...I have Andy.  I have Abby and Ben.  And Momma and Beth and Tomi.  I have Jesus and a faith that grows stronger by the day.  I have a great job with great insurance and summers off!  (For now) I have a comforting home with wonderful neighbors.  I have a church family of the most authentic, transparent, encouraging, and loving people.  I'm doing quite well. In spite of.... life.

I'm dusting off the blog because I have felt like I have a lot to express lately- and no safe place to do it.  Sometimes just putting the words down....triggers a relief..release...acceptance.  So I'm coming back. Re-vamping and adding and changing her.  She should be shiny and new soon.