REFLECTIONS ON EMPTY NESTING

You know you are an empty nester when:
-You look for some clean underwear and realize you haven't done laundry in 1 week
-Supper is cereal or whatever is leftover in the fridge
-the dust bunnies are very infrequent because of lack of activity in the home
-or the dust bunnies that are there can't be blamed on my daughter any more
-you can reclaim the extra bathroom in the house as yours
-your college age son visits and asks " so, is this how you spend everynight?"
-you read blogs from young moms and think "it really wasn't that long ago, was it?"

I'm sure there are many more but at the moment these are top of mind. It really is a nice place to be at but rather surreal at times. I have to remember to enjoy the journey :)

It's gone but actually just beginning

You know, the day has come and gone. I can't believe you spend all that time for that 1 special day and phuff... it's gone. I guess, from experience, i do know that but it was my daughter's wedding, my one and only daughter's wedding, and it's gone. It was a wonderful day. Beautiful weather, great friends and family. The stresses of the week tend to rear their silly heads. But in the end, beauty. Wow!!!

the newlyweds are very happy. It is a joy to see them in new love. We have to be reminded of that from time to time. It brings a smile to my face. Just knowing the growth that will happen between them. The ups and the downs all equal a very complete, and satisfying love. Where would we be without all the "stuff"? Learning to work together to make a family, a God fearing, loving family. Thank you, Jesus.

Tending to the relationships. It requires perserverance. It is work but, in the end, very gratifying and special. To choose to spend the rest of your life w/someone who is willing to sacrifice for you and you for them, cool! Growth!