How do you mother-when the birdie has done flown away?

I can't believe that the day has finally come-Sen went to Roberts Wesleyan College today. Since about day 4 of Sen's life Shawn has teased me about relishing every moment with him, that one day we will wake up and it will be the day we take him to college. He even woke me up one morning when Sen was about 3 months-saying Vic, Vic hurry up we have to take (Shaw) to college today. I woke up panicked-thinking I had missed his whole life.

Well, today was that day...My heart is so full of excitement and pride for him. He worked so hard to be able to go, he received so much money in scholarships and grants that we knew God was directing every footstep. Praise God!

My heart also feels broken in two. I can't help but sob, I miss him--or the anticipation of missing him. What a great time we have had; good and bad it has all been part of God maturing us.

I went into his empty room--I could see the floor. I would rather not be able to see the floor. I miss his guitars and sound equipment, his books and clothes, his desk open with his laptop as if he were coming back to work on something.

The kitty has been meowing non-stop- she misses him too. She verbalizes in the volume that my heart can't.

I know the ache will diminish some, God says he will only give me what I can handle. I am so glad He is with me, I couldn't do it alone.

Has anyone else gone through this season in their life? Anyone that can give me encouragement?

Funny something-from last night. Shawn was saying to me we should be pleased with how well he has turned out, how smart he is and all. I said "Well, I would like to go in there and slap him silly, so he can't think straight--then he won't be able to go to college and he will just stay home here with us." With wisdom, Shawn told me I may not do that--so here we are today. Maybe I shoulda let him eat paste when he was little...

I took a test on my personality--OY!

You Are An ENTJ

The Executive You are a natural leader - with confidence and strength that inspires others. Driven to succeed, you are always looking for ways to gain, power, knowledge, and expertise. Sometimes you aren't the most considerate person, especially to those who are a bit slow. You are not easily intimidated - and you have a commanding, awe-inspiring presence. In love, you hold high standards... for yourself, for your relationship, and for your significant other. While it's easy for you to impress others, it's hard for you to find someone who impresses you. At work, you are organized and good at delegating. You understand how to achieve goals. You would make a great CEO, entrepreneur, or consultant. How you see yourself: Rational, calm, and objective When other people don't get you, they see you as: Inflexible, controlling, and overbearing

What's" Your Personality Type?

20th Anniversary

So Shawn surprised me with what we were going to do on our special day--we went over to Skaneatles-one of the Finger Lakes. It was such a gorgeous day partly sunny and great big puffy clouds, not too hot and a nice breeze.

It took us a couple of hours to get there-because we started out going towards Buffalo on the thruway--you know your marriage is good still, when your conversation is still distracting enough to have all your husband's attention and he misses the turn. ;0) The ride was so nice out, then we were afraid we had gone too far on the thruway so we got off (what ended up being 2 exits too early) and went east on 5/20. It was quite pretty and we loved the scenery and towns we went through.

By the time we got there it was lunchtime, so we took our picnic to a bench by the lake. We just enjoyed being together, watching boats go by, people laughing and walking past us.

We spent much of the day walking around the town of Skaneatles. It is such a quaint town filled with some very beautiful buildings and lots of specialty shops. Shawn bought me a beautiful opal ring. It is an Australian opal-which is funny because I don't think I saw any that were quite this amazing over there. I just love it, and I will always remember it for our 20th.

My eyes look a bit funky here because I was trying to keep them open into the sun. But oh well, we had a fabulous time! I love my husband, and am so glad we got to spend such a great day together.

20 Years of Growing Together in Christ

20 years ago on August 6th--

Shawn became the lawfully wedded husband of Vic--and he also became the "proud owner of a beautiful 1975 blue volkswagon bug" . Which was the better deal you might ask--well, I have lasted longer and I didn't use cases of oil to keep me running. Shawn is also reminding me--I have never had to be push started...

Not many believed we would stay married for long--circumstances as they were (I was 5 months pregnant with Sen), but God had bigger ideas and plans. ( Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Life was not always easy, but then nothing worth having ever is. We were both worth fighting for, and we both determined in our hearts what was good and right-and stuck to it. Thank the Lord we kept running to Him-when we struggled-it looked so easy to give up sometimes, but with Him we toughed it all out. Because we did He has given us so many times of joy and such blessings it is hard to believe it sometimes.

We are celebrating 20 years of living life together, 20 years of laughter, 20 years of tears, 20 years of building the foundation of Christ into our marriage and child. We are so excited to see what the next 20 years will bring for us. As young as we are still-God has so much time to use us for His purposes--we are up for the ride of our lives!

One more month of pounds

July 2007

May 2, 2008

June 2, 2008

August 2, 2008

Okay so as most of you know the 2nd of every month is picture day so here goes. first the starting ones and then today's pic. Can you tell that 75 pounds are off this body? Boy I can sure feel it!



Some things I can do now that I couldn't before.

Run

walk 3 miles in 45 minutes

run up stairs

do the stairs at EF-not just once but 15+ times in one day!!!

fit in the back seat seatbelt

sit in movie theatre seats-and not have to squish myself in (I don't even touch the sides)

Be hugged by Shawn with his arms all the way around me

I love being me--who God made me-just in a shrinking body that is getting healthier.