A broken heart

My son just left home after 21 years.  His car just disappeared out of the driveway, and his room is empty.  All his stuff is gone.  With a quick kiss and a "see ya mom", it's all over.  I know he isn't far away, but he isn't here either... this, one of the sharp pains of motherhood.  I will miss my Matt every single day...

A Visit from the Bodine family!!!

A couple of weeks ago we had a wonderful visit from my brother John and his wife Lisa and their nine children. It was so much fun - we hadn't seen Lisa and the kids for 3 and 1/2 years!! Needless to say I barely recognized the kids... all of a sudden the oldest kids were young adults and we thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them in a completely new way. They are all such sweet, kind and pleasant children. Over the years I have wondered how on earth they can do all they do with so many kids, but they are really successful at parenting - they are all happy, well-adjusted, fulfilled kids who play sports, are homeschooled, and love the Lord! It was very pleasant to have them around. Seven of the kids are girls, so Hannah was absolutely in heaven with all the girl time.

Yeah, I know it. She does NOT look like she had nine children. She hasn't changed one bit in all these years - she looks exactly the same as the day they married. Quite sickening actually. But I still love her!!

John holding their youngest, Ben.

The girls all had fun with the bunnies. We even managed to convince Lisa that those seven girls just HAVE to have two of our baby bunnies...

Who could say no to these faces??

Look at little Laura with two bunnies on her lap!! Isn't she a cutie pie??

We loved the full house! Hopefully they will return sooner than 3 and 1/2 years this time!!

Matt's 21st Birthday

I literally held back tears as I posted this picture... I remember when Matt was just a little boy running around, riding his bike, playing with legos, enjoying his lightsabers, and enjoying making rice krispy treats with me. He used to talk to me all the time, and I so enjoyed him from the moment he was born. He has always made me laugh, and his infectious smile would brighten up my most dreary days. But now, here he is, a young man. Moving out in a couple weeks to finish up college in Baltimore.

I distinctly remember when he was little and was always in my sight, and I always knew where he was, I would say to Danny, "I can't imagine letting him out of my sight to ride his bike down the street", and now I am going to have to let him out of my sight to leave home...

I remember this sweet little boy like it was yesterday!

And now... he is 21!!!

I arranged to have this huge card put in the yard today - what fun! All day long cars were driving slowly by, stopping, and backing up to read this.

Matt spent his day shopping for his iphone, and going out to lunch with Sherry. We went out to dinner at Rio Grande for dinner as a family. I cannot tell you what a blessing it was to have my son turning 21, and rather than be out with friends he chose to be with us - the people who love him most in the world.

I really can't tell you how much I love this young man, and how much I am going to miss him when he leaves. I have been preparing my heart for years for this, and yet I am not prepared at all. I know that when his bedroom is empty of his presence and I don't hear him coming home at night or see him going off to school or work, I am going to have a huge, empty place in my heart. But I am sooooo proud of my young Matt!! Happy Birthday son!!! Thank you for celebrating it with us!!