Friday, August 19, 2016

MIA and missing all of you.......

Sometimes life just gets in the way and days pass and you realize you have not had the energy to spare to blog.  That does not mean I have not missed all of you, I sure have.  I think that I have finally hit a wall.  A wall of shear exhaustion after the last five, extremely stressful years.  Taking care of my kids, swim meets and college stress with my oldest, my middle son graduating from high school and getting ready to leave for college, my parents and their illnesses and eventual deaths, deaths of my in laws and dear friends, and of course family, best friends that have been fighting significant illnesses, headaches, marriage, work and Little Buddy.  A couple of weeks ago I hit the no more limit and I had to just step back from everything I could do without and I did.  So I have been missing out on all the blogging fun but trying to regain some sense of balance in my life.  That is hard when there is so much change going on constantly around me.  For those of you that checked on me I thank you.  I so appreciate all of you so much and I really cherish this little space I have here and have missed you.

For now I am trying slowly to regain my blogging momentum and so I hope you can handle a bit of me popping in and out as I can handle it, with so much else to deal with in life right now.

I will leave you with photos of Little Buddy.  This was him on his first day of school last week.  He is doing great and growing up so fast!


When I see him sleeping I realize that although he is growing he is still my baby which is good as Mr. 19 left today to go to college and I need a baby in my arms right now to make it all better.


Sending you all loving thoughts and gratitude for sticking with me during this time.

62 comments:

brsmaryland said...

Hi Meredith,

YOU were the one who was missed. It's nice to see you back though please do take all the time you need. A good friend of mine uses the phrase 'extreme self care.' Whatever that entails or means to you, do it!
hugs, beth

Karen said...

It's so good to hear from you, Meredith. We all understand the need to take a break now and again, and good for you for allowing yourself to do that. Big hug to you and thank you for the pictures of LB, he always makes me smile:)

Jo said...

Ah, I have a sixth sense, I knew you were up against it. Sending you love from all the way over here. Jo x

Araignee said...

I keep waiting for that time in my life where I get some smooth sailing. It's always been a bumpy ride. It's good to know when you need to take a break and take care of yourself for a while by stepping back. Little Buddy looks so grown up in his shark shirt. It's hard to believe school is starting up already!

Danette Bartelmay said...

Oh Meredith! I have been thinking every single day and night that I need to check on you and yet felt I should maybe let you be. I really felt like this was exactly what was going on for you. I have prayed every single day for you though and Little Buddy, of course. I am so happy and thankful to hear from you and to know you are well. Just take all the time you need. As you know, I have had MIA times from blogging off and on too. Life is complicated and it just needs our full attention. I know how hard it is when our older children leave home. It's a big adjustment my friend. You have been through many changes in the last few years.
With much love,
Danette

Chris said...

Ahh lovely to see your header. Take good care and everyone will always be here for you, when ever, whatever. Lil buddy is growing up so fast and it's lovely to see his beautiful happy face!

Unknown said...

I am so glad to hear from you. Life can be a bit much sometimes and we all need a break. Missed hearing from you but totally understand.
Love you,
Eileen

Lynne said...

Hello Meredith! I've been thinking about you and your family, hoping everything is okay. You sure have had more than your share of stress these past few years. Please go easy on yourself and don't feel pressure to post often. Just glad to know you are here. Hugs and good wishes :)
Lynne xxxx

Betsy said...

Meredith, we all love you. I'm so sorry that you've been struggling. What a terrible friend I am in not checking on you. It's been a summer for me too, although I haven't had nearly the life stressors you have had to deal with. Please feel the virtual hug I'm sending to you right now. I will be praying for you my dear friend. And of course little Buddy is a sweet one. He's getting so tall.
Blessings,
Betsy

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

Hugs and Love.
Joy

Dorothy M. said...

So glad to read your blog. I've been worried that you were sick or Little Buddy had a problem or that someone else important to you had some problems.
I follow your blog constantly and was very concerned. However, I do not have a blog and didn't know your e-mail so couldn't check on you. Anyway, I'm glad that you just needed a break and will continue to follow your blog.
Best wishes.
Dorothy M.

kristieinbc said...

I have to confess I was getting a bit worried about you, Meredith. Thanks for the update. You are very wise to pull back and just do the most necessary things right now. Burnout is bad for both body and mind. Hugs to you...

Melanie said...

So good to hear from you again. You were missed! I had assumed you were very busy and overwhelmed and I can definitely understand why! You're right, Little Buddy does look like a "baby" when he's sleeping. There's nothing like the sweet innocence of kids when they're sleeping. I always said when our boys were little that they looked like angels. I hope to one day have a grandchild so that I can experience that small child joy once again.

20 North Ora said...

Meredith - So good to see your blog today. Had been wondering about you but definitely know that you have your hands full. We all need to take time off and play catch up at times. So, do what you need to do and blog when you can.

Have a great weekend.

Judy

Blondie's Journal said...

I totally understand, Mere. I don't have half on my plate as you do and I've been so behind in blogging. Life does that. Don't feel bad or that you owe anyone anything. Your little guy (and how precious he looks sleeping in this photo) is #1. I was that way with my children. I can't imagine a world of blogging when they were young except it might have been a good outlet.

Write when you can. It's always special and a good read.

Take care and take that time,

Jane

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Yes I missed you Meredith! Glad for update. Go slowly back in to "normal" life. Take care and God gives His tender mercies anew each morning!! Hugs!

Gracie Saylor said...

You and yours continue to be in my thoughts and prayers on a regular basis, with love. Thank you for being wise and for extending grace and kindness to my dear friend, Meredith. xx

mamasmercantile said...

Sending you a hug across the ocean hoping you feel stronger soon. Little Buddy is certainly growing up fast and as always the photos of him made me smile. Take care.

Christina said...

I have been wondering how things are at yours but didn't want to intrude. Sometimes life is just so overwhelming and it is best to step back. I am glad you have your little man to cuddle, I can imagine how hard it is the let your middle son fly the coop. My son is soon at this age and I can already sense that he is detaching himself a little from his family life... Still cuddly though (don't tell him you know!). Wow, Little Buddy a school boy, how did this happen so quickly? Wishing you a quiet and restful weekend. xx

linda said...

Lovely to hear from you Meredith, I was thinking about you last night and was going to leave a little message on your blog to see if were ok so it's great that you have checked in. Life is hard sometimes it throws so much at us but somehow we find the strength to work our way through all the ups and downs. Sending love and lots of hugs, that little fella of yours is coming on leaps and bounds I hope he loves going to school. xxx

Kris said...

Hang in there!
XO Kris

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

Sometimes life really sweeps you off your feet doesn't it! I'm sorry to hear you've been struggling so much. Gosh Buddy looks quite tall now but happily still small enough to scoop up and cuddle. Take care of yourself xx

Fiona said...

Dear Meredith, you've been missed but it's completely understandable why you've not been around. Sending you lots of love and warm wishes, Fiona x

Janet said...

Lovely to hear from you Meredith. Please take time to look after your dear sweet self. We love to hear from you but don't feel under pressure to blog. I find blogging can be stressful when you think you should be posting and you're not. That is one stress you can let go of in your life. Take good care of yourself. Thinking of you and sending you much love. Janet XXX

kay pegg said...

Be kind to yourself. Please! Xxxkay

Between Me and You said...

Many hugs, much love.xxx

kathy b said...

hugs hugs hugs. We are here with you. EVery day. Hi LIL BUddy.

My superson leaves for mexico in a few minute.s....let the tears fall....

AnnieOBTextiles said...

Sooo glad to see you back and know you, Little Buddy and the family are all okay. I kept wondering and hoping all was well and like everyone else missed you. Take your time and get your strength back as it is so important to listen to our bodies when they are saying "enough". Little Buddy looks so grown up all ready for school and adorable asleep. Take care.

busybusybeejay said...

We have missed you.I am always in awe of what you do and accomplish and taking on Little Buddy.He has grown so much and looks soooooo happy.He must give you so much joy.You take care of yourself and try to slow down a little.Hugs to you all.Barbaraxxx

kathy b said...

more hugs

Rose said...

Sending love and hugs and rest and peace.

Mac n' Janet said...

Welcome back, you have been missed. You've gone through some stressful times, but what a beautiful baby you have, that smile!!! Take care.

Caffeine Girl said...

I'm so glad to hear there are no new sorrows in your life. And that you are taking time to take care of yourself. Rejoin us at your own pace. We are always here for you.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Meredith I have missed you but have been a bit MIA myself. Life is so busy and energy low at times. I'm glad you are taking some time for yourself!! So many changes in your life the last 5 years just seem to have caught up to you. Little Buddy is adorable and such a comfort I know. Big Hugs.

Linda

Suzan said...

Meredith,
As much as I enjoy blogging and keeping up with everyone, like you, real time and life has its priorities!! I blog very little now but do check on those I have made a connection with!!
Did your guy decide on Flagler???
I'm sure he will do well wherever he is going - but of course I'm a bit partial to Flagler!!
Take care and YES!! Buddy is growing so quickly and looks great!!

Neighborhood Watch said...

I totally understand the need to clear space and drop out of the blog-o-sphere. I am glad that you popped in to say hello. Hugs to your and yours.

Bridget said...

I'm glad you are back. I've been missing you and hoping you were OK. This summer has been a tough one all the way around, it seems.

Little Buddy looks so much taller! I hope he likes school and does well.

Take care.

CJ said...

Meredith, you've had so much to deal with over the past few years and you cope with it all so very well. It's a very good idea to put aside everything you don't absolutely need to do for a while. I'm sending you my very best wishes. Adorable photos of Little Buddy. Can't believe he is starting school, I hope he has a wonderful time. CJ xx

Willow said...

I was getting a bit concerned...glad you are ok. I know about hitting walls. Step back in slowly and just do what you can.
Love those photos of Little Buddy! Yes he is growing up!

Anita said...

Take it easy my friend. Sending you
love across the ocean. xx

Anonymous said...

That is the great thing about blogging ....it is here when we need it, and waits patiently for us when we don't have the energy.

Little Buddy looks like he is VERY ready to take on another school year.

Good luck to Middle One at UCF! Go KNIGHTS!

Pradeepa said...

It's nice to hear from you. I was wondering...

Little Buddy is growing up fast. You don't need to update this space very often. Please slow down and take some time for yourself. We'll wait for you.

Marjo said...

Hello Meredith,

Back again, I posted today again, for to long ...

A big hug

Love
Marjo

Winwick Mum said...

Sorry to read that you've been having a hard time, but hopefully the break will have recharged your spirit and your soul and you'll be back to yourself in no time xx

gigi knits said...

There are times when we really need to step back for awhile and take a really deep breath to help get
our lives back in order. Take all the time you need . We will all still be here for you.

Nance said...

Oh, life. Why is it so messy sometimes? Don't forget to just breathe. XO

Mrs. Micawber said...

So glad to hear from you Mere! We've missed you too, but I'm glad to hear that you're taking some time to breathe. Rest up and take care of yourself. Blogging is a luxury, not a duty (though sometimes it's hard to remember that).

LB is getting so tall! I hope he has a great school year. :)

Jodiebodie said...

Hi Meredith,
I'm happy to see a post from you. I've been checking your blog but figured you were busy with life outside the blogosphere. A Mum's life is always busy, often hectic and sometimes insane with the number of demands on time, attention and energy. Sporadic posts are to be expected when nurturing a family which also necessitates nurturing yourself.

I sincerely hope that you have been able to slow down and recover from the recent stress.

Look at LB - first day of school already! My, how he's growing up and how proud you must be. :-) Does LB need to wear school uniform? Students are usually required to wear school uniform where I live (South Australia).

Now you have a new school routine, new household and work schedules to adjust. Don't stress over the blogosphere - now is a good t i,e to be kind to yourself as you adjust to the new situation.

Hugs xxx

Jo said...

Life does get beyond busy at times so it's good to take a step back to recharge the batteries. Hope school went well for Little Buddy and that he's enjoying it, and wishing Mr 19 all the best at college. I've got another month with Eleanor before she goes off to university and then I'll have an empty nest, I could do with a Little Buddy to cuddle here.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

You have dealt with a whole lot so stepping back and taking care of you is very important. Besides, no one here in blogland has any requirements or expectations of you, so just do what you can when you can. Big hugs, Tammy P.S. I wish I could come gather Little B up in my arms right now. My time here in the States is winding down.

Sandy said...

Take a rest dear friend...we aren't going anywhere! Love the picture of Little Buddy! He is so handsome and growing up too quickly.

Unknown said...

It's so nice to read from you again, Meredith! I really hope you'll manage to feel better soon - I'm sure you'll make it! Take care! xx

kathyinozarks said...

Take care of You first-love and hugs

Summer said...

He is such a cutie ♥

summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

Vera said...

Good to hear from you again Meredith! I think we all go through periods like that in our lives where it is just necessary to step back and breathe deeply. Take as much time as you need/want - we will all be here when you pop in again. Love the Little Buddy pictures on this post. He is getting BIG!!

PS After many years of procrastination, I finally started a blog - woo-hoo: thethreadedlane.blogspot.com

Teresa Kasner said...

Dear dear dear Meredith.. you are so loved. I am here for you if you need to talk. We're home after 2 weeks of camping at a high alpine lake.. hope you can go look at my photos.. they might bring you peace. I think YOU need a vacation!! Your little guy is growing up straight and tall.. you're taking such good care of him. But remember to take good care of you.. I wish I could wave a magic wand and help you out. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Judy S. said...

So good to hear from you, Mere, and glad that you took some time off to regroup. Sometimes one just needs to do that; your schedule seems very demanding, and LB and the rest of your family need you to be healthy and happy. Hugs, big ones, from this corner of the world. Take care.

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

Glad you're about, sending you many hugs and positive vibes from over here xx

elns said...

Oh Mere, I'm so glad you took some time. I kind of assumed it was that. There has been so much going on for you and this time of year, especially with children seems to emphasize all the transitions going on.

We will all be here whenever you pop in. The important thing is you remember we are all supporting you from where we are and if you need some extra support in whatever way you just need to holler or press that send button in your email okay?

All the best to you and yours.

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

I've been MIA too, just normal everyday life that has to take priority. Glad you are ok though, there is no need to justify popping on as and when, I am always glad to see you though 😀
Jillxx

eclectichomelife said...

Having been away from blog land myself for the summer I am just catching up Meredith. Sending love and warmth your way and as you already know and relasie everyone will still be here routing for you and your little Buddy. Love his new walking sticks, he sure is a fighter that one. Much love xxxx

Acorn to Oak said...

Sorry to hear you hit the wall with all you've had going on the past five years. And, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you too. I've been away from blogging a lot this last year for similar reasons. Sometimes you just have to step back and breathe. Hugs to you with all you're dealing with. You're amazing with Little Buddy! And, having a kid in college is more stressful than anyone would imagine until you experience it. Then, another kid leaving for college....I can't imagine what that's like. I only have one daughter and that's all been hard enough for me. You're doing an awesome job! Hugs!