The day has come . . .

 . . .  Caden has a girlfriend! 
To the mother's out there I am sure, at some time or another, you have had the same feelings I am experiencing right now.  Ever since my firstborn came into this world I have often thought of the day when the wonderful woman in his life (me!) would be replaced by another wonderful girl in his life.  NO this is not an announcement of marriage - LOL but since he is turning 15 in a week - I knew the times would be a changing on the home front!

I started having continual discussions, at an early age with Caden, on how to treat girls when the time came that he might start to like them.  I would usually get the eye roll, a sigh and an "ewwww Mom".  If Dustin was home he would chime in with his Dad insights.  Dad's thoughts are always a good thing but I wanted to make sure Caden heard the discussion from a woman's point of view. 

When he started 7th grade two years ago, I took a deep breath and came to terms with the fact that the interest in girls would raise a level.  I kept having the discussions with him and this time the reactions were different.  He would mention a girl he thought was cute but then it would be a different girl a few weeks later.  He would tell me that the girls were just friends and he promised me that he would tell me if things were ever to change.

Things changed last week!  Caden told me, with a laugh, he had a girlfriend.  Since I had prepared myself for this day to come my reaction was not only with happiness for him but I had a proud moment for myself because he had actually came to me and confided that to me - even before he told his dad! He was a little hesitant though to answer the questions we asked him - what was her name?  what did she look like?  Does he have classes with her? etc. He knew he would probably get some teasing from his dad.  We pretty much received the standard one word answers that usually come from 14 year old boys.

Of course, the discussions will still go on as he gets older.  I am sure more girls will go in and out of his life as he deals with this next chapter in his life.  As always, I will try to deal with my ever roller coaster of motherly emotions but I will forever be there for him if needs me.

Now, I just have to meet her :)

Old friends, good times, future memories

During his school years, Dustin had a group of friends that were pretty much together 24/7.  After graduation, Tom joined the Marines and kept in touch as often as he could.  Dustin, Sterling and Kevin started dating their future spouses (which was soooo lucky for them - haha!) and we all became very good friends.  We kept in contact for about five years.  Then, life intervenes - moves to different cities and/or states, babies, job changes, etc. and we all lost contact except Dustin and I were able to see Kevin and Brooke off and on but not as much as we used to.
Fast forward to now and what do you know - the wonders of Facebook were able to re-connect all of us together again!  Calls were made, emails were sent and plans were in place to get together.  A special thanks to Sterling and Char for the invitation to their home and the wonderful dinner they hosted!  We were able to reminisce and laugh until our sides hurt!  Our kids also got a good laugh listening to all of their parents crazy stories!
It is so sad that time has to pass too fast and that we don't have memories together as our families have grown.  So now promises need to be kept to keep in touch - which I know they will be.  Here is to future memories!

Gratitudes

  Reflections from 9/11
1.  I am grateful to live in the United States and have the freedom to live my lfe as I want.
2.  I am grateful to the men and women who serve to protect our country.
3.  I am grateful to have my family and loved ones in my life when there are people who do not.

On a more upbeat note :)
4.  Date night with my husband - It has been nice to have him home this weekend.  He has been working hard.
5.  Sleeping in . . . .
6.  Beautiful Fall weather

Gratitudes

1.  That my kids made it through the weekend without bickering, they did their chores without complaining, and Caden did all of his homework!  Wonderful!
2.  My mom and dad - words can't express my love for them.
3.  That I have a job - I am lucky to have one even if I don't want to go there 5 days a week. :)
4.  My husband - he is my rock!
5.  Farmer's market produce - Yummy!
6.  There is nothing better than getting my hair cut and colored - such pampering!