Life in the Middle Age Lane

For the start of spring break we decided to fly to Gainesville, yes I said fly.  However, God had other plans for us and due to the thick cloud coverage around Houston we could not get out in our little plane.  Can you say 14 hours on the road? This is not the first time this has happen to us.  One year we booked a beach house in Hilton Head, NC and again due to weather (it was very cold and the plane would not turn over!) we had to drive 17 hours to meet our friends.  The price of not booking refundable airfares. Which is the way I think I will go from now on. So here we are in March, hotel is booked, college tour is scheduled, we were even looking at property in Gainesville for possible summer home (not happening by the way) with this wonderful realtor, who I would highly recommend if anyone is interested. John did ALL of the driving to Florida.  Sweet man. Shelby making a peanut butter and banana sandwich.  One thing I learned when being conf...

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...

I had the best time with John and Shelby in California.  With Shelby attending boarding school, I feel at times that I am missing so much of her growing up before my eyes.  It wasn't more evident than on our spring break, as she emerged from a teenager to a young lady.  She never shies away from conversation, nor buries her nose in her cell phone when adults are talking but chimes right in with her wit, observations and 17 year old wisdom.  I am so proud of the woman she is becoming, strong in her convictions, wise in her words, and thoughtful with deeds. The dynamics of our family has changed or better yet it is evolving.  From parenting one minute (doling out advise and wisdom, have I mentioned how full of myself I am?) to enjoying our daily interactions while whale watching, by the way the whales were a no show on this excursion.  But nonetheless we had a great time. Santa Barbara was amazing.  We stayed in this beautiful home  overlooki...