Life in the Empty Nest Just Got Smaller

I can deal with all my peeps moving out of the nest as long as they are in the area. But today I received a call at work, the dreaded call, the one an Empty Nester doesn't want to get; it was my daughter. She called to tell me her husband Wesley just accepted a job in Tennessee. TENNESSEE!!! I tried to sound encouraging and glad for them. My son in-law lost his job a couple of months and with the economy being what it is, he was forced to apply everywhere.

I know in my heart this will be an awesome opportunity for Wesley. But, I am so deeply saddened that I will miss out on so much of my grand children's lives. I know there is the web cam, and e-mail...but they cannot take the place of their little hugs and kisses.

Not only is my nest empty, but I can't help but feel the nest is leaving too! I have no one to talk to, my husband says life goes on, get over it, they have their own lives to live, then went upstairs to watch the game like this was no big deal. Sometimes I just wanna boot him out of the nest!!!

Lord...give me strength for the upcoming days! This is NOT going to be easy.

MY VISIT WITH THE PENNELL FAMILY

When you're living life in the EMPTY NEST, it can be quite a challenge coming up with things to keep yourself busy. Hubby and I don't enjoy the same things, so often this leaves me looking for things to do. This is why I am taking up Photography.

This past weekend, Hubby went to Foxwoods with his friends, so I decided to call my friend Sue and ask if I could drop in and get some practice in with my camera. She has a Son name Tim and he and his wife are the cutest couple and they have the most adorable little boy named Brady. I had a blast taking all kinds of photos. The one above is Tim and his wife. I am embarrassed to say I cannot remember her name. (I'm in menopause and the first thing to go is the memory) She is a lovely young woman. She and Tim complement each other so well. Brady is the cutest little boy and so smart!

This is little Brady, and this was the first time he posed for me. His hair is so blond it looks white, and his eyes are just as blue as the ocean!

I spent my time running after Brady and if I was lucky and could snap fast enough, I could get a good shot in; just like this one of him on his tractor.

He even sat long enough for me to snap a few with his parents.

But I can tell Brady's favorite was when he got to pose with his Grandma Sue.

I hope I get to go back and take many more pics of my peep Brady!

Chloe and Nate Get Married and I missed It!

Last Sunday, June 21st I attended a wedding...(I think). Well my day started out OK, I was asked by the bride to help organize the groups for the photographer. I arrived at 1:00 and worked with the photographer until 3:00. I then scooted home to change before the wedding started. I arrived back to the church at 3:30 and found a nice seat. I sat for about 10 minutes when I could hear, hi Memere! it was my Emerson.

Look at that little face. He sat with with me for a few minutes before he started to take his cloths off. "I'm hot Memere!" The shoes came off, then the suit jacket came off, then he said time for "crazy legs Memere!" (which means he wants to take his pants off and run around in his undies and scream "Crazy Legs" Well, that was my cue to go and look for Mom. She was supposed to have someone to look after Emerson and Owen who I could now hear screaming at the back of the church.

My daughter took them over to the building next door that was connected to the church, She was really frazzled and upset she would have to miss the wedding. So, since Chloe is her husband's sister, I decided she should be the one to see her sister in-law get hitched; so, I volunteered to stay with the boys. As you can see, she had a big smile on her face. The picture above is Danielle (her cousin in-law) on the left and my daughter Brandie on the right.

In my new skirt outfit., I ran around for nearly a half hour until I heard the girls screaming outside. I peeked out the window and there was Chloe, tears running down her cheeks, looking so beautiful and in love as she stood in Nate's arms. I missed the whole thing...

The reception was a little better, at least I got to eat my meal before I would have to take the boys to my house before they destroyed the restaurant.

Danielle entertaining Owen...Owen Loves Danielle!

I took 1 photo of the Bride and Groom, and a few of the cake and the kids. At least I have photos to prove I was there...I Think!

Up Early And On The Road!

This morning is a beautiful morning! I was up early editing a few photos from the other night when my grandsons came for a visit. We had so much fun and they even posed after bath time in my green towels.

As you can see, bath time makes Emerson burst out singing! He is my theatrical grandson....to him, "The Whole World Is A Stage!".

Well, I am off to deliver candles and then shop for a new outfit for a wedding I am going to tomorrow!

Looking Foward To The Weekend

It's been a long week and I haven't felt like blogging the last few days. Not really in the mood now either however, I thought I had better write something because I know how I am when I start something, I never finish it. I am bound and determined to stick with this blog thing. Besides, I may look back at this someday and think...what were you thinking? Lol

Tomorrow I am doing a photo shoot of my friend and her grandson just for practice. Should be fun and I hope to post some pictures at that time. I will also be taking random pics at Chloe's wedding on Sunday which I am really excited about. Not sure what I will capture, but again, I am just out to practice and will post whatever I get.

This whole thing of looking at life through a lens is quite exciting...it beats talking on a phone all day like I do now. I know that is part of my job...but after awhile it gets old. I am however thankful that I have a job and I work with wonderful people that make going to work a pleasant experience.

Anyways...that's all I have to say tonight. I'll be back tomorrow.

IT'S 6 YEARS NOT 7!!!

Sorry...I just learned that they were married 6 years. Hey, I'm in menopause and cannot remember things said to me two minutes ago. I am only a year off...not bad...besides, it's the thought that count...

7 Years All Ready!!!

This weekend was great all around. I feel like I got many things accomplished. But my favorite of course, was spending time with Emerson and Owen.

Today is my Daughter Brandie and Son in-law Wesley's 7Th wedding anniversary. Where has all the time gone? My baby girl is a wonderful wife, mother and the best daughter a mother could ever be blessed with. We are equally blessed with our wonderful son in-law Wesley; he is a wonderful husband, provider and dad, and not to mention the best man a mother could ever hope for her daughter to marry. I wish them many, many happy, healthy, joyous years together. Theirs is truly a match made in heaven.

Enjoy your gift of dinner for two at Spring Hill (the place where we held the wedding reception) and as you dine may you be flooded with many memories from that day. It was beautiful wasn't it!

A Day with our two Grandsons!

Well today I started out with plans in place....with all my house work done yesterday, and windows sparkling, my plan was to attend the 11:00 AM service at church and then spend sometime with my sister Cindi. We were planning to go to the mall or something like that.

I had just gotten home from church when the phone rang...it was my daughter asking if I would mind babysitting. Of course not! I love my Emerson and Owen. Well, to make a long story short, nearly 3 hours later...I am wiping tongue streaks and finger prints from my sparkling windows, I am wiping spots from where the juice spilt where my feet are sort of sticking to the floor. There is pizza sauce on the arm of my dining room chairs where we all sat and shared a pizza. I never bounced so much on an exercise ball like I did today. "One more time Memere..pick me up and bounce" I feel like I am still going "Boing, Boing, Boing" LOl

But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. I love to hear their voices in my home..I love each and every finger print that is left behind. I love all the tongue marks on my windows. My home comes to life when my Grandsons come to visit.

Photos above are Owen with my Husband (Emerson said he did not want pictures taken today.) Another is a picture of Owen taking a time out from bouncing. He was plum worn out and so was I! Lol

This was a great day!

Memere Dawna

My Son Finds A NIce Girl and We Like Her!

I have a 26 year old son who has been single for quite sometime now. Like any other mother you want to see your children thrive, become successful and be happy. My son enjoys snowboarding , hockey, golf and most outdoor activities. Over the years it's been hard for him to find a girl who could keep up with him and he did not want to settle. It is so important to have a lot in common with a person you want to have a relationship with.

I was so excited when he called and wanted to bring his new girlfriend Vanessa for a visit...I knew this was more serious then others because he will not bring them home to meet us otherwise.

We met Vanessa and we like her. She is smart, accomplished and sweet...(and likes Yoville! that's another blog story...but huge points with me!) She enjoys snowboarding and other outdoor activities like my son Derek. They are both planning to take up surfing this summer. I asked if I could get some camera practice in...Lol. I told Derek, I will not act like Marie Barone of "Everybody Loves Raymond", though I tend to anyways. I can't help it, I believe there is a Marie Barone in most Mothers! Come on now, if you're being truly honest, Marie is there somewhere in your nature...Lol. Believe me....I have a real life FRANK BARONE on my couch right now! Lol...ok, I am getting off the subject...my son. Yes, he is happy and that makes me happy. I hope to spend more time getting to know this special woman in his life.

Just A Rainy Sunday

Here I sit at my computer and looking out at yet more rain. Everything is so green and beautiful. My husband just cut the lawn yesterday which was a beautiful, sunny day. I spent yester in my PJ's all because of wiping one spot off my kitchen window, which led to wiping another spot of another window, then the door window, then befoe I knew it, it was 4:00 in the afternoon when I was just finishing up the last window. I washed all the windows inside and out. They sure do sparkle..and of course today it has to rain and splash all the dirt on them again! UGH!

I wish I were back in Camden, Maine enjoying a peaceful fun day with my friends Lynn and Tina. What a blast we had that day! But, windows had to be done...hey, at least I can see the rain come down. LOL.

Today is a beautiful day, not sure what I will do. My husband is working and my children are grown and gone. I am not sure I am liking this empty nest thing. I miss the sounds of the pitter aptter of tiny feet running through my house and I can honestly say I miss the finger prints and the toys being scattered everywhere. I do have two beautiful Grandsons, Emerson 3 and Owen 1. They rock my world! But, they may be moving to TN, so here I go again, no more pitter patter of tiny feet in my house and no more finger prints and spills to clean up. I am so sad, though I know the move for my daughter and son in-law is best for them. But, I cannot help but feel my heart is being ripped out. The joys of motherhood suddenly seem not so joyful.

So, I decided to try Photography. I have so much to learn, butthey say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What I see through my lens is my form of Art, I may not have all the right ideas, or understand how to use my camera, but, hey...I have the rest of my life to learn!

here are photos of my two peeps, Emerson and Owen. Emerson asked me the other day, "memere (that's me), why do you callme a peep? I'm not a peep, I'm a silly goose egg!". Can you see why I am going to miss my two goose eggs!

Yesterday, I got to take picture's of My boss Lynn's grandson and her daughter Christen and Husband Justin. They just moves to the East Coast from California. You can only imagine how excited Lynn is. Little Everett is her first grandchild and she has a lot of Bonding to do.

Everett Just turned 1 on Thursday and is very energetic, i just know when he starts walking , he is going to be one to contend with. Lol.

Emerson...you'll see him on stage someday!

Starting My Blog

Today I decided I was going to start a blog. I hear so much about this fascinating world of blogging that I decided to join the "Blogging Train"

Funny thing is; I find myself quite with out words to say at this time. Could it be because it is nearly 10:00 PM in the evening and I need to turn in for the night? YUP! that's the reason....oh well, at least I can say I started my blog!