For Mandy

Dayspring

You're right.......it's time!

Love every minute of it!

PS. I'm good now......

Empty Nest

Mandy bought a condo late last fall and she has spent the last 2 1/2 months prepping and painting it. When my father-in-law became ill and then passed away she decided that she would put off her move until after Christmas...so she's taken her time moving her furniture and belongings into it.  But 99% of her things are there now and tonight will be the first night she's spending in her new home. 
I'm so happy for her.

She has this great new place to decorate and she's having so much fun doing that. Just look at all the great ideas she's been "pinning" onto her Pinterest boards!!  Shopping is a whole lot more fun for her too. She's had some wonderful times at Homegoods, Target and the thrift stores, tracking down treasures for her new space. It looks so cute! I want to get some photos of it to share on my blog....you'll love it too! The colors she's chosen are so pretty and bright and fun.  I'm so glad she has this beautiful place to call her own.
Really I am.

 

Alaine White - Pinterest

But it's very strange at my house right now.  There were four of us less than two months ago and now it will be just Bill and I.  It's the first time we've EVER lived anywhere by ourselves.  When we married, Bill got a package deal.....me, 4 year old Kevin and 2 year old Joe.  So it's going to be really different for us now.  It's going to be really quiet...not that Mandy or Bill's dad were especially loud...but I've already noticed the change.  Bill's dad was hard of hearing so the first thing I heard upon opening my front door was the television...turned up really loud.  Plus in a lot of ways he needed us...and we're not needed like that anymore.  Mandy hasn't really "needed us" in a long time...although I guess I like to think she still needs her mom. Actually she takes care of us a bit.  She's a good cook and she likes to cook.  I guess dinners will be different too. 
She's not moving very far away at all....but I'm sure going to miss the daily visits, the dozens of shampoo bottles in the shower, the shoes behind the front door, the late at night chats in my bedroom, the clothes left in the dryer....

Life changes...it's all different...but it's good.  I am so happy for her!
I just need time to adjust.

I also need to remember that even though she won't be living with her mom and dad any longer, she'll always have her Father by her side. I know I can trust Him to watch over her better than I can.

One of the few "curly top" photos I have of Mandy...love this photo!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).