Always remember...

 I should just listen to myself sometimes. 

July

Welp...July was a bit of a bust. That's what happens when you're saving your pennies to pay for that last year of an expensive college. Ugh. We took last week off for a staycation and it literally was cloudy and rainy all week. We did sneak in one day at the beach though. Unfortunately, that beach which is usually so perfect was filled with seaweed and small rocks that hurt. Ugh again. I ended up working most of the week as there wasn't much else to do. So I wouldn't consider that a vacation at all. 

But Julia went to the Cape with some friends and had lots of fun. She's a beauty...

She has a new beau so we don't see that much of her these days. 

What else...hmmmm....my two kitties are very cute and have been keeping me company...

I love Eli's feet...

That's Eli's favorite spot under the window...

I miss Mikey so much it hurts. I still cry just thinking about him. Ugh. Just so unfair. Look how cute...

Love Island was sooooo good this summer!!! It kept me entertained every night! It was so good that I watched all 30 episodes for a second time. Haha! That my friends just shows how little is going on in my life at the moment. The winners...Trinity and Bryce...my favorites!! Genuinely such nice people. Wishing them the very best... 

Sadly, my Uncle Chauncey (my Dad's oldest brother) passed away on July 25th at the age of 96. He lived a very long fulfilling life. I knew he was going to pass soon but of course I didn't know exactly when. But me being me...I just happened to think of my Dad that morning and the thought crossed my mind how happy he was going to be having his brother back with him. Then didn't I get a text that afternoon from CeCe telling me that he had passed that very morning. So crazy. I have lots of memories of my Uncle but one core memory is how he would jingle his change in his pockets. Silly I know. 

Gianna left today for her very last UDA camp in Philly. She is beyond excited that it's the last one! Just not her favorite thing...at all! I've already been getting the "I miss you" texts. Haha! She's so cute! I miss her too. A lot. 

Then lastly, my right eyelid is really swollen, sore and very red. I have no clue what's wrong with it. I would insert a picture but it's really gross. It's day three. If it doesn't get better soon it's off to urgent care. Ugh again!

And that folks just about sums up my rather slow and somewhat dismal July. Although...I really should stop complaining because I love being home and have so much to be grateful for. Right? : ) 

Now moving on to August. Let's hope it's a little better than July. I do have a couple weekends planned with my sisters and girlfriends. That should help with my mood! 

Porch

I'm loving our porch these days. It's so much nicer with the comfy furniture than the way we had it before with that big table. We still have room to eat meals together. I love to sit at the table with my tea and work on the cool mornings...

We're able to watch TV now in comfort...

Graduation Party

We had Nicholas' graduation party on Saturday. It was beautiful day! The weather couldn't have been better! 

I literally took four pictures the whole day. Who was there? The five of us, Haley, Kerry, Dena, Kimmy, Paula, Diane, Breanna and kids, Peter, Geralyn, Patty, Fran and Kymm. CeCe was on a cruise so she couldn't be here. Then around 5:30 a bunch of his friends showed up. Then a different kind of party happened : )  I am so happy he had a great day and his family and friends showed him so much love! 

Alex made all the food...

Julia and I took care of the desserts...

Only one more graduation party to go! Same time next year it will be Gianna's turn. Three college graduations in a row!!!

Little Blessings Preschool "See You Later Alligator" Graduation...

Little Blessings Kindergarten Graduation...

Middle School Graduation...

High School Graduation...

College Graduation...

I wish I could have told my younger Mom self not to worry so much about The Boy. Just look at him now!  

Three Little Birds

I went to the cemetery yesterday to visit with my Grandparents, Mama (and Glenn) and my Dad.  I sat with my Mama for a while and just shared what I've been feeling lately. I told Mama to just say a word or put a thought into my head. I sat in silence and there wasn't anything except the sound of lovely birds chirping and the warm sunshine. I felt very comforted so I moved on to sit with my Dad for a bit, who ironically is just a stone's throw away in that sprawling cemetery. I have to say it's very nice having them so close together and literally almost facing each other. I'm not sure how they feel about that though! Haha! 

Anyway...I got back in my car and realized I was singing a song...but not intentionally. I was like...what am I singing??? So I sang the lyrics again a little bit louder..."don't worry...bout a thing...cause...every little thing gonna be alright". Like what?!? Why would I be singing that? I haven't heard that song in years and years! But I knew in that very instant that it was Mom and Glenn...100%!! Go ahead and call me crazy but I know what I know. My Mama always comes through with music...and I'm sure Glenn loved Bob Marley. So I found the song on YouTube and played it really loud for them to hear! And I sang it nice and loud about four times in a row with happy tears!! Oh it made me feel so much better! Then I went on my way and I've been singing it ever since! 

Like My Mama said in her Superman card to me..."You always come through". Yes! We both do...for sure!! 

]

Don't worry 'bout a thing

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright

Singing' don't worry 'bout a thing

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright

Rise up this mornin'

Smiled with the risin' sun

Three little birds

Pitch by my doorstep

Singin' sweet songs 

Of melodies pure and true

Saying', this is my message to you

Singing don't worry 'bout a thing

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright

Singing' don't worry about a thing

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright7IK

Live in the Moment

This is what I heard today...

How to have a good day

Wake up early

Make your bed

Enjoy the morning sunshine

Set intentions for the day

Speak kindly to yourself

Practice gratitude

Get some exercise

Enjoy some tea

Eat healthy

Talk to family or a friend

Do a craft

Clear your mind

Get some rest