Life in the Middle Age Lane

It's that time of year when so many parents are getting their kids back to school.  I also know quiet a few moms sending their kids off to college for the first time.  All I have to say is what an accomplishment!!! There is so much emotion when you first send your oldest to college.  All you can remember is his or hers first steps, their first day of kindergarten, all the years of sports, camps, and dances.  Emilio, my oldest graduated last year in May and it still feels strange having an "Adult" son with a real job and not living at home.  The years certainly do fly by. The things I learned when I sent my first off to college is the following: Let them enjoy their college years and let them be responsible for themselves.  Best thing a parent can do is allowing their child to spread their wings and learn from their mistakes and rejoice in their accomplishments. The first year they will be home more often than usual. By the third year you will bar...

This summer has been a very fun summer for me.  I have traveled to North Carolina, Delaware, New Jersey, & Pennsylvania.  I spent some much needed time with my sister from another mother, Carmen.  Worked on my tan and found my way back to reading which I had stopped for some reason. My son, Emilio picked me up at the airport on Tuesday and in the most sincere and serious tone he asked me "Mom, What are your vacationing from? You don't work."    I know that he made that statement as a joke.  But I couldn't help but ponder this question. Despite the fact I do not get paid for what I do.  You moms at home know what I am talking about when I say it is work to stay home and take care of everything that doesn't bring home a paycheck. This has been the second year that I am a pseudo empty nester. Shelby attends school in Dallas so most of my parental responsibilities are done via email, Skype, phone calls and texting.  I think I have to...

Dear Readers, It's been awhile since I sat down and have been able to gather my thoughts on what has been going on here in the mad, mad world we call my life. For the past three weeks, my baby girl, Shelby set sail for a 21 day adventure in the Grenadine Islands, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, and other places that I never heard of if it weren't for Google Earth.   I prayed that she would meet some good people on her travels that would see her the way I see her, special, unique, confident and compassionate.  That she would touch lives as she has touched ours here in Texas.  All I have to say is that God is good. John went on a remarkable fishing adventure in Alaska with his friends from our 'hood.  A total of 10 men caught 900 lbs of Salmon and Halibut.  John came home with 75 lbs.  Now, I'm looking for different recipes online and in my cook books to make sure we don't tire of the taste of Salmon.  Wish me luck! The one week...