Thankful Thursday | Lots of Lisey things
We helped Lisey move out this past week, so lots of my thankful things have to do with her; I am practicing what I preach by looking for the good here.
(Did I tear up at the grocery store this week when I reached for the string cheese and then realized my string cheese eater moved out? Yes, yes, I did. Right now, I'm bumping into a lot of things that remind me that my girl isn't here.)
As I'm in the midst of adjusting to no-Lisey-in-the-house after 20 years of Lisey living here, I'm finding it helpful to hunt for the good.
The sad stuff pops up without me looking for it...but the good stuff requires hunting.
So.
This week, I am thankful:
that Lisey lives right by my aunt and uncle!
Remember this uncle?
I was probably about four years old here
And remember how this aunt finished a quilt my grandma started, and now that quilt is on Sonia's bed?
Well, when we went to move Lisey into the room that she's renting, we realized that she lives on the same Pennsylvania road that my aunt and uncle do! In fact, she is less than 10 minutes away from their house.
So, that makes my mama heart happy; my girl has family right up the road.
(I wrote a little about how my aunt and uncle's house feels so homey to me, and happily, Lisey feels exactly the same!)
that we've seen Lisey a lot
She's been back and forth a few times since moving, to get various things. And Mr. FG and I spent several hours with her at my aunt and uncle's house too, which was lovely.
So, her transition to living on her own has felt a little bit gradual, which makes things easier for me. 🙂
that there's a lead-up to kids leaving
That above sentence doesn't really explain it very well.
So. When kids are really small, they are home A LOT. Especially if you homeschool.
But as kids reach their teen years, they get busy with classes and jobs, and they get their driver's licenses and they are out with friends, and so on.
I always think that this really helps smooth the transition as they move out. I get to gradually get used to them not being here for dinner all the time, or not going with us on trips, or not being here during the day.
So then when it's time for them to move out, it's not such a terrible shock.
that Lisey's leaving to go on a good path
Of course, I am sad that she's not here anymore!
But it is very lovely that she's leaving on good terms, to pursue her education toward a fruitful career that uses her gifts well.
And she's being very financially responsible about the whole thing.
I can't really think of a much better way for her to move out. 🙂
that Lisey found a job with UPS
She's going to be working there part-time while she goes to school, and apparently, UPS has a really good tuition reimbursement program.
So between UPS and her Mike Rowe scholarship and all the money she's saved up, she should be in very good shape in terms of paying for her schooling.
that the internet makes it easier to stay connected
I'm really happy I can still text and video call Lisey!
that this week might be the last of the 90 degrees
We have some super hot days this week, but as I look at Accuweather's forecast for the next month or so, it seems like perhaps this is our last go-round with highs in the 90s.
that my friend wants to take A&P with me
I made friends with another mom in my online biology class last semester, and she purposely signed up for the same anatomy and physiology class that I did.
This one is a hybrid, so we will actually get to meet in person this semester!
for the bruised peaches I currently own
I got another box and I am a happy camper.
for library books
I am currently immersed in a library copy of Unorthodox.
What are you thankful for this week?
P.S. In case you missed it, I wrote a whole post about wistfulness kids growing up and moving out. And as I wrote in that post, I am currently reminding myself, "There was beauty then. There is beauty now. And there will be beauty in the future."
I’ve been reading your blog in college in 2007 and this post made me tear up. Maybe because I now have kids about the age yours were when I first started reading. Thinking about them someday leaving and not being around all the time is such a huge thing. I’m also thankful that there is the transitional teen years. Thanks for posting the good and the hard and being real about it. It helps me plan for the future and enjoy the days I have now.
Yes! That's such a fruitful way of reacting to the thought that they will leave someday: to enjoy the right now while it's still right now.
One link led to another and I found myself reading this blog post https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/im-back-from-south-dakota/. And it made me wonder what your garage-0wning grandfather likely would be of Lisey and her choice of career. Based on yourself and the little bits about your family that has seeped through over the years, it seems like he'd like it.
I think you are 100% correct! He'd be quite pleased.
The uncle I mentioned in this post is a son of that grandpa (along with my dad), and he's currently got a classic car in his garage that he's re-doing. Lisey's hoping to get to help if she has some spare time!
Suffice it to say that my whole dad's side of the family is quite enthusiastically supportive of Lisey's career choice. 🙂 And my grandpa would be included if he were still here.
Hugs to you Kristen - you are such a good Mama!
Thankful for all the encouragement that you provide to those of us in that role through this blog 🙂
My eldest got his first regular job this month at a busy restaurant that is understaffed; I've been making that adjustment to not having him here for meals and such, and I was shocked at how difficult it was for me (and for some siblings) at first.
This week I'm thankful that:
*my west coast aunt made it here for a visit.
*we have functional air conditioning.
*we have plenty of tasty water.
*I can and do laugh at myself.
*my niece and her children are coming for a visit today.
*that same visiting niece fixed my shoulder up last week with a massage.
*Lisey's situation has worked out so well.
@Jody S., My eldest started football practice this week, with very long practices, and it's been surprising how much it throws off the whole family when he's not here. His younger siblings are not pleased when he's not here for dinner. Me neither, actually, but as Kristen noted, this is the beginning of the stage where they want to find their way outside of the family. It's hard to watch, actually, but it's definitely natural and beneficial in the end. He sure is happy to be home now, though. He doesn't bug his brothers nearly as much. Too tired. 🙂
Right? Even a kid missing at dinner is an adjustment at first, so it's good we get to do these adjustments in stages.
Oh. The string cheese. Ouch. But I'm excited for Lisey! Such an incredible time of life.
This week I'm thankful mostly for the fantastic group of people I work with at the school.
We did our in-service this week, and as we only have one car this week, I got rides to school with one teacher, and home with another (because she was coming to my house anyway to pick up her son, who is playing football with my son and who my husband just brought here after practice so son's friend could hang out here instead of at the school to wait for his mom to be done with work).
That second teacher also kept an eye on my younger kids while my husband and I were both tied up with a very long CPR/First Aid course yesterday. The older two sons were put to work by the shop teacher, carrying supplies to classrooms, hauling empty boxes, etc. So everyone was occupied for the whole four hours and weren't running in and out of the training every ten minutes because they were bored. 🙂
Also thankful my husband's work is at home and flexible enough that when I need to be at work for three days, he can stay with our kids without any issues.
Very thankful we have medical insurance so a simple checkup uncovered something that could be serious for my girl. Yes, I'm scared but I think of what we'd be up against if it wasn't caught early and we couldn't afford the surgical option and shiver.
Thankful that my girl is launched into adulthood but still has a relationship with us. Every little step in her childhood and adolescence led us here, this latest phase will be the longest and most meaningful.
That I have a.c. and can keep cool during this heatwave.
That I am rested and ready for another challenging school year.
Coffee, coffee, coffee.
That's a very good point...assuming average life spans, the adult-children stage of parenting is the longest!
Mine have been home during the pandemic and they didn't have jobs or friends here so we've been together a LOT. But my girl is starting classes in person again in two weeks or so and will be moving back to NYC. I will miss her and get a bit teary.
My boy did get his Wall Street job but for now he's working at home, still. I'm glad in a way that he's here since I can help him so much with professional things, such as making calls, business emails, and so on. Plus he's stressed about it so I can talk him off the ledge.
I am thankful for my wonderful kids who are turning out so well. I am very lucky to be their mom.
Teary right along with you!
@Kristen,
When it's happened to me in the past--my kids never seem to stay gone, ha!--it's always in the supermarket. Dunno why--something about providing food for my kids, or something.
Yes, a lot of food-related things. Also, an empty bedroom. Oof.
If she lives anywhere near Kutztown, please let me know...we can be an adopted family for her!
I will have to look that up!
@Kristen, or Rockford, IL?
Oh! My grandmother lives in Rockford IL, so I have been there multiple times.
Hi Kristen, I am readi g this post during a brief coffee break from work. At his moment, I am particularly grateful that I managed to understand and successfully update the formula's in a complicated spreadsheet!
It is all great news on Lisey. I hope she will be happy in her new home and life, and I wish you all many happy get togethers for the future. Your aunt and uncle must be thrilled too!
Yes, my aunt in particular is delighted that Lisey is going to be close by. 🙂
That's a shock the first time you remember you don't have to buy someone's favorite food, isn't it?
Speaking of family, I have some thanksgivings about them:
1. I'm thankful for the picture my daughter sent me of her three oldest snuggled up with their dad as he read them a book before they go to bed (the baby was already asleep). He's such a great dad (and husband to her) and I'm so thankful for that.
2. I'm thankful that when I texted my oldest, teenaged grandchild to see how her first day back at school went, she didn't text me back, she actually picked up the phone and called me and chatted for about 30 minutes or so. And, her day went well, too.
3. I'm thankful that yesterday we got the word that we will be getting most of my husband's caregiving costs paid for us, taking much of that particular financial burden off of us. It's been a two-month ordeal to find out if we would be approved, with lots of paperwork and background checks, but it is worth it.
4. Thankful yet again that I went to the lawyer to get our affairs in order. Among other things, she has set us up to have Pre-Need guardianship for ourselves, so nothing like that movie, "I Care a Lot" can happen to us :), not that we will be rich enough to be targeted for that. This lawyer is also who pointed me in the right direction for getting the assistance in paying for the caregiver.
5. I got an item from Amazon that was damaged, even though the packaging was undamaged. I'm thankful I had free return shipping.
6. I'm thankful I discovered the little "chain mail" cast iron scrubber. It cleans stuck deposits without taking off the seasoned finish. I had a gift card and got mine at Lehman's Non-Electric online.
Oh, that is such good news about the caregiving costs. Yay!!
@JD,
Those chain mail scrubbers are fantastix. I got one for my little sister for Christmas and it was her favorite gift! A little funny how much she loves such a small thing. All of her skillets are cast iron that she inherited from our parents.
@Maddie, @ JD, for the past 8 years, I've cooked exclusively with cast iron and I just love my chain mail!
Ah, what a bittersweet phase! Both of my kids are in high school this year, and last year didn't exactly feel like the traditional intro to high school, so I feel like we're doing it twice this year. Knowing my "baby" will most likely only be living at home for the next four years is definitely reminding me to enjoy our time together.
Things I'm grateful for this week:
-A garden, to keep me busy, provide plenty of entertainment, & for all of the delicious goodies. Maybe next year we will figure out how to grow cucumbers that are not super bitter
-For my oldest son, really pushing himself in a sport he wants to excel in. Things don't always come easy to him (he has ADHD), so it makes me really happy when he settles in to focus, with a tremendous amount of effort, to achieve his goals
-For takeout. We don't do it often, so it's both a real treat & a lot of fun when it happens. I know this runs counter to your post from yesterday 😉
-For a bit cooler weather today. I'll take it! Running in the heat is miserable
I’m thrilled for Lisey’s new adventure, but totally, totally get how this is a big adjustment for you and your family.
Hugs to you!!
You have done a very good job, mama. (((Hugs))) It's wonderful that she has family so close by.
This week I am so thankful for wonderful student workers, who are such smart, kind, patient young people. They are making my job so much easier. Also thankful that a family friend who has struggled with seriously poor health and unstable housing is getting some substantial long-term help from local agencies; that we are all still well and working; that nothing major has broken on our house in the past month: for a while there, it was the Major Monthly Thing; and we might see a break in this very hot, very humid weather soon. It's so humid the mosquitoes are just unreal right now!
This post made me sad. I am going to feel like part of my heart has left when my kiddo leaves. Likely about 5-6 years away. SIGH.
I feel like there's a country song about kids moving out but it's escaping me at the moment.
I have to say, it's crazy because of how long I've read your blog I still sometimes think of your kids as ... well, kids. Mine is starting Kindergarten soon and I'm already broken up a bit about it. I don't want to mourn the past at the expense of enjoying the present but it is difficult some days to enjoy it just how it is now, ya know?
Let's see what I'm thankful for this week.
My grandmother had another birthday so that's another year we got to spend with her.
That I've been spending a lot more time with my father lately. He's definitely getting older and with his disabilities it's harder for him to get around. I also love that he loves his granddaughter as much as he does.
For BJ's Rotisserie chickens giving me a reason to not cook in 90+ degree weather.
That my daughter and I have been having some fun things together. We've been watching a show together, building some Lego together and stuff like that. I feel bad that I don't get to spend an awful lot of time with her and often it's interrupted by my own issues (I have anxiety issues and can get overloaded easily.) So when we do get to have fun together, I'm happy about that.
Aww, good for you for having some fun times with your little girl. Not only are those times good now, they will also be good memories when you look back.
@Battra92, there’s a country song that says, “You’re gonna miss this.” Forget who sings it though.
@LDA, That song always touches my heart and it’s so true.
@Battra92, There's also a Kenny Chesney song called "there goes my life."
@LDA,
I guess there are two songs on the topic. The one I was thinking of was Letting Go, sung by Suzy Bogguss.
The thing about reading blogs is that pretty much the people who post are happy about the way their children's lives and their relationships with them have turned out. It can be painful when your life has not turned out that way despite years of work and love poured into your children.
I am working harder, though, at polishing the few good family things that transpire and trying to simply put aside the things that I clearly have no control over. I'm trying to delight in smaller things.
1. This week I heard about a nearby place that is supposed to have great ice cream cones, on the cheap, and I told my husband we're going there for one this weekend. He's happy. 😀
2. We dropped cable because of the incredible spiraling cost, and we're trying to find ways to get our favorite shows through alternate ways. Really, my eyes just glaze over when people start describing techno stuff to me, so we are taking it incredibly slow. First, we got an antenna and installed it. Then we got a recording box so we have programs to watch when we're ready. Then we got something else, I don't even know the name of, to make the recording box work. I figure we'll have this worked out sometime in the next year or so.
3. I'm a flower nut but haven't been able to get any zinnias to grow from seed for the past couple of years. I finally scored some baby plants this year and they are just starting to give me some blossoms. I'm so thankful for that.
4. I'm so thankful the pandemic brought my sister and I closer together than we have ever been. She lives in Europe but we talk for an hour every Sunday morning.
I know you've mentioned some of the pain with your kids (and some of the progress you've seen with your son). Much love to you. I don't know if you saw this post about my own kid pain: https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/qa-kids-marriage-and-money/
@Anne,
I went through some VERY dark times with my two. Jail (him--DUI), cutting (her), depression (both of them), divorce (I had to literally sue their father)--add in to that my father's death, my mom's stroke and suicide attempt, job loss, my own ill health--you name it. All in less than four years.
What I hang on to is that I did the best I could for them, always. Love (and money, let's not kid ourselves here) were applied lavishly. And my children made it through.
A good friend of mine--her son was arrested for armed robbery, sticking up a bank to fund his heroin addiction. He did his time, he's now clean, in a good job and a happy father.
The future is unwritten. I hope for the best for your children. And I do understand--my beloved brother basically noped out of our family out of his own depression issues. I talk to him sometimes (most recently, Monday) but he's almost not really a member of the family any more. My father died heartbroken because my brother hadn't spoken to the family so long.
It's not all sunshine. If you need an ear to listen, email Kristen for email address and I will be happy to listen.
@Anne, Take heart. My brother spent a lot of years (25, actually) in the wilderness of drug abuse and finally made it back around. He has been doing great for 15 years now so we have stopped holding our collective breaths that the change might not be permanent. It can happen even though sometimes it seems hopeless.
@Lindsey and Rose, thank you both so much for your kind words. In the sea of wonderful family stories that people offer up on the internet, it can be so difficult to not feel overwhelmed and alone. It's so nice when folks are willing to offer up a different picture to share. Thanks you both.
Thankful for our gym membership. It is so nice to be able to take the kiddos to the pool and play or to the daycare so I can exercise.
Related to the above post, I am so grateful my body is healthy enough to run, dance, jump, and lift weights. Being able to move as you wish without pain is something not everyone gets to experience.
Thankful for my parents, and what awesome grandparents they are to our boys.
Thankful for my husband. Our ten year anniversary is coming up and he is still my best friend and awesome person to spend life with.
Thankful for good knives. It is a small thing but they really make cooking so much more enjoyable.
I am happily following (through this blog of course) the start of Lisey’s carreer path. I work for a major airline and just last week a youngish woman mechanic came up to the flight deck to work on a mechanical issue… I immediately thought of Lisey because there are so few women A&P mechanics. I usually do a double-take. Women pilots make up about 7.5% of the pilots at my airline (and that is at the high end of the industry) but women mechanics are at a much lower percent. I’m excited to see her journey. On a side note I had the opportunity to take the extra time to get A&P certificates during my schooling but didn’t recognize the value at the time. I kick myself today snd am mildly envious of Lisey(in a good way!)
I have a very big thankful. I had heart surgery to replace a severe aortic stenosis
(Bad aortic valve) on Tuesday and came home yesterday-only overnight hospital stay. Thankful that the surgery could be done through the femoral artery. Thankful they used a Sentinel device to catch any calcium deposits that can come off the calcified valve when new one attached (deploys little nets into the 2 biggest arteries that go to the brain) and it caught fragments that could have caused a stroke. Thankful the procedure didn’t disrupt nerves that would necessitate a pacemaker. So many people were praying for me and my doctor that I would not have any of the complications that can occur from the TAVR (fancy name).And those prayers were answered. I had told the doctor before the surgery many people were praying for him. He told me he was so appreciative of the prayers. It was nice to know that all the nurses working with my doctor love him-the best recommendation a doctor can get!!
So glad you came through all of that so well. Whew!
@Nan, Hi Nan, wishing you a great recovery! You will be amazed at how much easier it will be for you to do all you love to do. I had an aortic valve replacement 20 years ago, although at that time it had to be accomplished through open heart surgery. Hence a longer recovery because of those darn cracked ribs! I am thankful for so many things in my life ( my parents, siblings, husband, daughter, grandchildren, and friends), but this surgery was right up there on my grateful list for its allowing me to return to a normal life. Thanks for the reminder!
@Alice C, thank you for the words of encouragement.
@Nan,
Wow, I’m so glad all went well for you. Wishing you the best as you heal and return to optimum health.
Thank you for this post! I also have a 20 year old daughter who is moving off to college in about 10 days. I'm happy for her and, like you said, already sort of used to her being gone, but moving 6 hours away is a whole different ball game! It is reassuring to have you list some positives. Thanks again!
We have had a child (my stepdaughter) go no-contact this week, without giving a reason. So this post made me tear up too, but everything does atm. I know you understand both of these situations and this way is so much better, not that you will miss her any less.
Oh Jem, I am so very sorry to hear this. Hugs to you guys.
@Kristen,
Thank you. The hardest thing is just not understanding.
Oh, I remember when my daughter left for college. She was one of those been ready to go since middle school kind, all independent and raring to take on the world..so I thought I was SOOO ready too...I got her settled, left all smiles and happy. Then 2 days later, went into her room to put something away and sobbed for the next 3 days..lol. I really didn't think it would hit me hard like it did. For my son, who will be off to school next year, I plan on going on vacation with my best friend for a week...
Lisey is a wonderful young woman! I found it so difficult when my daughter left the nest. When my boys went to college, I was ready! However, I missed my daughter terribly. It did get easier. Lisey may no longer be in your house, but she will always be in your heart and you in hers.
I am grateful this week that —
My daughter is healing from her surgery without complications.
I had a safe and uneventful journey to and from North Carolina.
I had the resources and the time to help her through this difficult time financially and emotionally. This is one of the reasons I’m frugal.
I received an enthusiastic greeting from Rescue Pup when I returned home. I know it may sound silly, but few things make me feel so good!
For friends, library books, Netflix and my dear family who made the days after the surgery go by a little faster for my daughter and me.
Our kids are years from leaving and going out on their own but I can imagine that it'll be hard when they do. So good to be reminded of what we're thankful for when it's easy to dwell on the bad.
I'm thankful for ...
- Our library. My girls love reading so we take advantage of borrowing books and their children's program.
- Vacation Bible School. There's a wonderful lady who leads out preschool ministry that does it. It was great getting out to with the girls. They got to learn about Jesus, do crafts and play at the playground afterwards.
- Many summer days spent at the lake with my husband and our girls. Good memories formed.
- Beautiful sunsets. Always remind me of what a great painter God is and how the sky is his canvas.
- And for the cool breeze, reminding me of how fall is coming. My favorite season.
When my youngest of three moved out, I bought (and eventually threw out) gallons of milk for several weeks until it sunk in that there wasn't anyone there to drink it anymore. One day, I even cried in the cereal aisle when it hit me that I didn't have to buy "his" cereal anymore. I must say, though, I've adjusted very well since then, but it was a bumpy beginning.
That son is now in the military, stationed in Italy, and thank god for the internet so we can have video calls and texting.
Yep, I feel you. And it makes sense. I've been buying groceries for Lisey for 20 years! Not feeding her anymore is a big adjustment.
@Kristen, one of my sons lives on the other side of the country. Although we talk frequently, we only see each other once or twice a year. I send him packages often with his favorite foods in them. Obviously string cheese wouldn’t travel, but some of your delicious homemade bread would. I feel like it’s still my job to make sure he is well nourished.
My middle child is about to return to in-person college after unexpectedly being home for months due to Covid closures. She attended school online while here and will graduate in May of 2022. The hardest thing for me to handle, and I am doing a very poor job of that, is that she won't be returning to her childhood home other than visits here and there. She will be making her life in an enormous city that is a 7.5/8 hour drive away. She and I are very close and I am so sad that this phase of our life together is ending. Of course I want her to have her own life. I'm excited to see what is in store for her. The finality of all this is causing such grief and that grief is ramping up since it is nearly time for her to leave. There are parents who have lost their children so I need to get a grip.
Of course I have thankful things for today. My husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary yesterday. I have my health. My family is healthy.
Just under lots of stress. 🙁
Yes, it's the closing of a chapter that hits hard, I think. Like...a kid may come back to visit, but the chapter of them actually LIVING there, sleeping and waking up there most days, is over. And that's what's hard.
I think it just is going to be hard at first, while we adjust. But eventually, I have faith that we both will adjust to our new normal.
Gah!! I dropped my 5 year old at kindergarten this morning! I can’t handle talk of him moving out. But so happy you’ve been able to find the good things. Wishing Lisey all the best!
All 3 of my kids somehow got covid this last week (husband and I are both vaccinated and negative) - school started today for the older two and they're out until next Monday for one and Friday for the other. I was feeling a bit whiny about it yesterday when we found out about the second two being positive and another week isolated at home, but am making myself be thankful: 1) the oldest ran a fever for 48 hours that prompted us to check, which allows us to keep them home and not be spreading it at school, 2) other than that fever last weekend, all 3 of them are feeling good, no symptoms, 3) I stay home with them which means it's an inconvenience and not-fun two weeks, but not an emergency, 4) we have good community and several sweet friends have offered to run errands and grab groceries as needed, and 5) we love our house and yard and have room to be isolated without being up in each others business - our 8yo set up Underwear Land: You Can Only Come Down If You're Wearing Underwear in the basement today, and she and little brother had quite a thrilling morning. 🙂
Oh, goodness, Kristen. My son leaves Monday for college in Michigan's upper peninsula. It's a five hour drive at the best of times, across the Mighty Mac bridge which connects the peninsulas, so, yeah, this is gonna take some getting used to. I'm excited for him--going to college was so much fun for me--but sad that this part of my life is drawing to a close. I've been working on final details for his move (making sure he has copies of all the forms he needs, etc.) and that is bringing it home to me. He was home more than he normally would have been this past year, due to covid restrictions, so I'm VERY used to having him around. I've been thinking that I'll have to scale back on buying food, haha. Anyway, I'm thankful for the time I've had with him, for the privilege of raising him, for my husband and daughter and the tight family unit that we are, for the friends who are checking in on me, and for new options opening up for me as a result of these changes in my life (my mom passed away in March and while I miss her, the demands on my time have loosened considerably). Oh, and I'm thankful that my son is in contact with the campus Christian outreach ministry. Reading through the comments, it seems that many of us are in a similar situation with having our kids transition to adulthood. I'll be praying for all of us!
Oh, I remember you navigating the care of your mom. I'm so sorry for your loss!
@Kristen, thank you.
“There was beauty then. There is beauty now. And there will be beauty in the future.”
So so true and so beautifully said --I got a little weepy. My girl is 3000 miles away and I am thankful she is healthy, employed, making friends, and working through the ups and downs. And that we can talk and visit as often as possible. I guess we can be proud we have sent them out to embrace the wide, wonderful world. Thankful for this post today.
1. That both of my kids will go back to school in-person in a couple of weeks. And that my son has his best friend in his class. That made him very happy.
2. For our health insurance. And that it covers mental health services such as therapy. That wasn’t always the case and it’s sad to me that some people aren’t able to be treated because of lack of insurance or insurance that doesn’t include mental health. Mental health is something I am incredibly passionate about.
3. For the flexibility of my job as a home health nurse. Life will get more busy when the kids start school again with drop offs and pick ups and activities so I am thankful I have a job I love AND it allows me to be there for my kids.
4. For being able to sleep a little later during the summer. That will end soon but I am thankful for it while it lasts.
5. For candy corn being in the stores now. I know that one is controversial but I love it and I believe it’s acceptable to enjoy it in August. 🙂
I've been wondering how her move went and have been praying for you both as you came to mind this week. Glad to hear she's near family!
This is my thankful Thursday - camping edition!
1. I'm thankful that we were able to complete all 4 days (Monday-Thursday) of our camping trip. We got 7 inches of rain in 2-3 hours Monday night during the most intense thunderstorm I've ever camped in. Much of the campground flooded - tents had rivers running through them, sites were flooded to the picnic table tops... it was bad. But our site didn't flood! We think we got around 10 inches of rain throughout the 4 thunderstorms we had, so I'm really thankful (and a little shocked) that we were able to stay the whole time we had planned.
2. I'm thankful that, since we tent camp, we were situated pretty well to handle the 40 hours of no power at the campground. And I learned that while I love modern bathrooms and showers and will always choose them, I can rustic camp if needed! And I'm thankful we didn't lose our food since it was already in coolers.
3. I'm thankful that the power came back on last night and I got one shower during the trip!
4. I'm thankful for the fun beach we found and that we got to be there at a time where it was unusually empty (thanks to thunderstorm #3 rolling through yesterday afternoon).
5. I'm thankful that our "make the best of what we have" muscles have gotten so much work this past year and a half. I think parenting little kids helps with this, too. (Or maybe just learning to think beyond myself??) I don't want my kids to be grumpy because of unfortunate circumstances around them, but to try to enjoy what they can. It wasn't a perfect trip (at all!!) but we found the good we could and it felt like we were quite practiced at the process of looking for the good.
Thanks for sharing this. My oldest just turned 17, graduated early is continuing to go to community college at home. I'd love to have him with us forever, but seeing all the positive aspects you point out will make it a smidge easier when the day comes he decides to venture out on his own which I hope won't be until he's much, much older!
Oh. I was not prepared to cry so much at this post. But having small children and seeing you with your little one in the picture above made me realize that in a blink I'll be in the same position. Thank you for bringing grace to this season of life
As they say, the days are long, but the years are short. Hugs to you!
These comments are seriously making me tear up. My mom and dad just cried when I left for college, and me too!!
Kristen, have you watched Unorthodox on Netflix yet. I don’t watch very many shows, I’m kinda a baby, (don’t want to watch The Crown anymore because it’s too sad with Princess Diana…) but I really enjoyed Unorthodox.
I have not, but now that I read the book, I really want to watch the show!
1. My rising sophomore in college hasn't been home since Christmas break due to CP's quarter system, COVID restrictions, and her job, so I am very, very thankful for video calling. Being able to see her face while we are talking makes her absence so much easier to bear.
2. My youngest just went into Residential Treatment for anxiety and depression, so I am missing her something fierce, but I'm overwhelmingly thankful that she is getting the help she needs and there's a strong possibility when she graduates she will be my old girl again.
3. I am thankful for the Covid vaccine and being able to get back to the gym and get the worry and Covid weight off, so I feel more comfortable in my own skin.
4. I have started a habit tracker app and am really liking it. Feeling more productive, actually practicing self-care, both things I haven't felt or done in a few years. Also, started Noom back up. Yay for technology that helps us treat ourselves better.
5. Started Rosetta Stone to get my Spanish back. Thinking about the Lifetime deal they have going on right now, unlimited languages for life. At some point, we will be kid free and then retirement, so I'm going to see if it fits in the budget while the sale is still on.
These comments are so beautiful. There is so much love in this community, and I frequently reread Thursday thanksgivings because of the encouragment that I see from so many.
My thanksgivings:
1) Two of my kids get to go back to school this year. It's going to be so good for them, and I still get to see them lots because it's only 2 days a week, and I am their teacher the other three. It's the best of all the worlds, truly.
2) Our pediatrician who cares so much about our family and my fragile son. We left from a hard appointment this week, and I was so thankful for our pediatrician sees his job as his calling, not just a paycheck.
3) I get a few extra weeks with my middle child whom I never get to have just by himself. RSV cases have caused full hospitals here with severely overworked nurses, and given his weak lungs and low immunity, it's not safe for him to be in school. Of course, it's sad that he can't be with his friends and teachers, but I'm glad for the extra days I have to hang out with just him.
4) School is starting. After school comes fall, cool weather, and then Christmas! This is the Best Time of the Year.
5) Music. I've listened to music a lot lately and have spent more time playing the piano than the past few years. I forgot how meaningful to my soul music is.
I can`t comment on the kids leaving the nest since mine are only 9 and 11, but as far as gratefullness goes....
* Grateful to have 2 weeks of paid vacation and going to a cottage tommorow with the little family. Lots and lots of books and board games and not much else planned. Perfect! Each having our bedroom, king size in ours, and a jazzuzi and fire pit? Yes please!
* Library books! Books! This one is always on my list.
* Being able to stand up for myself. I see so many women around me not being able to, and just ending up using sarcasm or passive-agressive ways to carry their message. Yuck. I might not always be perceived as a ``nice and calm`` person, but at least I am true to myself. As I get older I am working more and more on affirming myself while staying kind (big challenge for me)
* Having money aside and a paid mortgage at 40.
* Having good relations with the in-laws, since they are spending the day with us, aha!
Great post! I recently read Unorthodox too! Would love to know what you thought of it.
I'll add it to a q&A post or a miscellany post!