Empty

my house was empty this morning when i awake - my little man had already reported for duty - his first day in the academy.  i headed to my acct'ant and michael's to treat myself for a job well-done. today its been 64 degrees in January in Va.  what an amazing day.  now that my year-end stuff is pretty much done and i can concentrate on art and more art.

i celebrate a wonderful son who will bring all his dirty laundry home for the weekend until he moves into his permanent residence in February. 

The Backside

something about watching my youngest walk out the door and seeing his tall, straight back as he was leaving for his first new job after graduating college. it made me cry - i didn't think i would cry but that scene triggered a memory  from his childhood and a letter he wrote me last Christmas that i read last night.

he touched my heart and i'm all the better for it - his final move won't really be until mid February when he moves into his apt at the beach.  then everything from his room goes, that will be different.

i love you little man, forever mom.

learning to iron

its never too late to learn something new.  even though son graduated from college he needs to learn how to iron those military creases for his uniform.  of course he could take them to the cleaners but he still needs to learn how to iron. i remember not knowing how to do that, probably couldn't even boil water when i got married BUT i learned bc it was important to me. 

Orientation

last night was orientation and family night for the academy.  i think my son was in overload. but the group are already working on schedules for studying together and ways to encourage one another. how awesome is that! i've been reading a few sites on staying aways from the grocery store to buy food, very interesting, buying local from farmers. and 'the artist within' book and creatively fit.  some wonderful blogs.

one thing i am thinking of doing after youngest moves to the beach - disconnecting all my electrical gadgets everyday to see just what kind of impact that would make on my electrical bill. have a wonderful life.

Great 3 Weeks

hubby has been off for three weeks and it has been fabulous time spent together.  we've walked three dogs usually twice a day, talked, prayed as we've walked and enjoyed the unusual warm weather. mid 60's today so he played golf with two sons and his best friend.

i watched the Green Lantern three times in two days. that is really a great movie and very spiritual more than you probably could imagine.

letting go

my hubby is having a very hard time of letting go of the last child. his graduation was long earned, his move to the beach not far away, hubby will miss his sweet, mischievous smile and his quiet demeanor, so will i.  BUT i know my son needs to lift those wings and soar into his own life.  establish family traditions that will lead him into his future life. he's a great son!
today they travel to the beach to get his benefit pkg and decide on one; he picks up his uniforms for the academy and tries to settle his temporary living arrangements until his permanent home is ready.
i am excited for him, i am excited to see what God does to expand my hubby, i am excited to see and feel and express my love for him through so many different ways.

there will be challenges, blessings, trials, decisions - but - that is life. he comes out of the shadows of two older brothers and the safe wings of his parents to test his wings on his own. i am proud of him.

He Reigns Rain