Mixing sad and happy times, in two parts.........

Oh beautiful Wisconsin, I miss you.  You were stunning in your Summertime glory last week, and I miss your cool breezes and beautiful temperatures.  We had the best time on our trip to Wisconsin, but of course it was mixed with very sad news.  On the way to the airport on July 3, we received the news that our dear friend had passed away that morning.   You see July 3 is my birthday.  I never make a big deal about it and actually rarely think about it.  But on this birthday my dear friend passed away and my SIL's got married, it was quite an emotional day.  

The wedding was outside in a park with just family attending.  It was a lovely, warm day with lots of children's voices in the background as they played on the little beach.  I was so thrilled to witness this special occasion,   A beautiful ceremony filled with so much love, for two women who are dear to my heart.  My MIL would have been so proud to witness this special moment, she was in all of our hearts that day. 

Here is my family minus my Mr 18, he had to stay home with a case of the flu, which was also discovered on my birthday.  He was not happy but there was no way he was going to travel on a plane in his condition.  I wish we could photo-shop him in here with us so our picture could be complete.

Mr. 21 drove up from Columbus with his darling girlfriend.  He made my day.  I love his beautiful smile and the way he adores his whole family.  He may frustrate me until I want to scream, but he also makes me smile and laugh, and he absolutely gives the best hugs ever.

The 4th of July was spent at my other SIL's house.  She lives near a lake and the whole family comes out to spend the day together.  We usually miss this event every year, but this year we were able to participate.  It was the best, and you know who was the star of the day.  Little Buddy was adored by everyone.  It warms my heart how this whole family of mine has embraced him with so much love.  That goes for both sides of the family.  Everyone took their turn walking around with him, picking him up, putting him on the riding lawnmower (that was in the shed), swinging in the hammock swing with him, and........

Letting him drive the pontoon boat.

Here he is having the time of his life with his cousin Chad who absolutely adores him.

This is my favorite house on the lake.  Can you even imagine living here?  I think it is my dream home, just look at that front porch!

I can see myself on a porch swing, reading a book and listening to the gentle waves.  Ah, such a dream!

I will give you part two of our trip soon.  We got home late Wednesday evening from the trip and I was up and out the door early on Thursday to head off to work.  I worked two 12 hour days in a row including paperwork and driving time, and have spent the entire weekend getting caught up at home.  It is funny how only five days away can completely throw you off schedule.  It is amazing to me how many weeds take advantage of your absence and grow like the dickens, how mold and mildew creeps onto your pavers, and the dust settles on your furniture and floor like you have been gone for years.  And don't even get me started on the dog hair!  

Mr. 18 recently informed me he would rather not go away to school yet.  We had many discussions on the subject and his mind is made up.  I am not happy or unhappy, I have to trust he is making the right decision for himself.  He is not into drinking and carrying on, he is a quiet soul, so this very well may be the best option for him at this time.   We spent the last two weeks getting him out of one school and into another, he will go to a very good four year school close to us while living at home.   But he still has to behave like a college student so he is now responsible for many things I used to do for him like laundry, changing his sheets, cleaning up his bathroom, making his doctor appointments and such.  We spent a good deal of the weekend going through his room and clearing things out.  He does not like change so it was very much still a little boys room.  But whether he likes it or not he has to grow up and so we took things down, stored many items and donated a ton of things to charity.  It felt good to help him go through his things and remember how special he was as a little boy.  He is still very special.

This weekend has also been about trying to make sure our friends wife and family are doing the best they can in this horrible situation.  How do you prepare them for a lifetime without the one they love so much?   The memorial service for our dear friend is next Saturday.  It will be a day of both celebration and sorrow.  

Tomorrow I am back to work which may be a good thing as it will get me away from working so hard sorting things out at my house.  Once again I apologize for missing out on all of your happenings.  I think I am going to be bogged down emotionally as well as time-wise until next Sunday. I feel like all I have been doing on my blog lately is apologizing.  Please forgive my absence as we are moving through this difficult time.  I don't do well with change either so this is a tough time.  Please know I am sending you all love and I hope you have a wonderful week.