Well...we are in the process of taking our last child to college and then it is official...we will be empty nesters...I have such mixed feelings about this chapter in my life. I am sad because I will miss all the noise that teenagers bring to the house...all the fun late nights talking about boys, school and friends. I will miss all her many messes in the house and in her room. It will really be so empty in our home. After being with her for 18 years now it will be weird not having her around daily. It is so strange to spend most of your life as a parent nurturing her, helping her, being so much a part of her life and then poof...she is out the door to start her life on her own. I have been asking myself many questions...have I prepared her well enough? How is she going to stand on her own? Will she make good friends? What have I really taught her? Our sweet Emily is such an amazing young women and I feel so blessed to be her mom. I know we will continue to to talk or text often and I know she will still need me...but it is still hard to let your little bird fly the nest. I know she will grow and experience fun new things and realize what life is all about. I am very excited for her.

As for me...I am excited to try some new things....I want to start a cooking club, maybe teach sewing lessons in my home, take an art class, continue to travel as often as I can and maybe redo some things in our home. It is kind of an exciting feeling to know I have nothing holding me back right now...my time ......is my time and I am going to choose develop some hidden talents and enjoy life and make a difference in others lives as much as I can.