Our Summer's Highlight ~Spending a Week with Family ~Our Time at Home ~On the Fourth Morning We Said Goodbye #The Empty Nest

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Our goal of parenting...

to grow the roots of responsibility 

and the wings of independence.

And their responsibilities were calling...

It was time to pack their bags 

and return to their jobs, their own homes.

Hubby and I prepared a quick brunch of 

Eggs and Homemade Muffins.

Their rental car was loaded...

...and our travelers were ready for their trip back to the cities.

Then, the nest was empty again.

Our time together went so fast,

but we cherished every moment we had together.

Those of you that are Empty Nesters can relate

 to the conflicting emotions...

It is hard to explain how 

we can be so happy and sad all at the same time?!

Life does prepare us gradually.

First day of daycare...

First day of school...

Last day of school...

Graduation...

Going away to college.

First steps...

First car...

First boyfriend...

Prom...

Wedding day.

I guess what makes me a little sad is that the memories 

of their time growing up at home are fading.

Maybe we were busy with our own career jobs,

making meals and doing laundry,

and keeping everyone on schedule

with homework and activities.

What makes me happy is so much bigger!

They are married...

married to men that we love like they are our own sons.

They have great jobs and nice homes.

The goal of parenting 

is to work yourself out of a job.

We are proud of you four

and the life you have made for yourselves.

Take care,

~Natalie

Remembering my Parents on their Special Day

A Heavenly Anniversary to my Mom and Dad.

I imagine they are dressed up and 

going out to a nice supper club.

And if the band plays "Alley Cat",

they will two-step around the dance floor.

They were married 71 years ago.

This special keepsake is in mom's cedar chest,

which is now here in Emily's room.

On this date in 2011, I shared 

their Love Story.

If you didn't see it before,

you must go back to read about their Engagement.

Click here.

I smile every time I re-read that little story.

Take care,

~Natalie

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Birthday Giveaway,

comment on this post.

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Prayers Please, For Some Special Young Women

A horrific traffic accident this weekend shook our community.

Six senior girls were traveling together when they started to experience 

some mechanical problems with their vehicle.

Going 10 mph with their hazard lights flashing,

they were rear-ended by another vehicle.

Their Jeep burst into flames.

The first responders (Guardian Angels)

were able to help them 

escape from the burning vehicle.

We are so thankful that all the girls survived...

however, they will require time to heal physically and emotionally.

All six of these girls have been a delight to have in class.

They are excellent students, involved in athletics,

activities, and Student Senate.

This is the phone call that no parent wants to get.

They have a difficult road ahead.

Please keep the girls and their families in your prayers.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Take care,

Mrs. Geffre

(permission was obtained to use these photos of the accident)

I have been teaching here long enough to have had the girls and their mommies in class.

I  cannot stop thinking about what these families are experiencing.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

January 28th...This Date ~Remembering my Mother ~~More Weekday Highlights ~~~Saturday's Work: A Sadly Worn-out Kitchen

January 28, 2013.

This date will forever stick in my mind. 

That was the morning that our landline phone rang at 6:50 a.m...

it was the director of the Odd Fellows Home.

Mom had fallen and was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

I went to work to wait...and wait...and wait to hear what was next.

Our last visit with her had been in December,

to celebrate Christmas.

I was showing her photos on my computer 

and then took this one of us together.

The staff took such good care of her there.

We said our goodbyes,

she was seated for their evening meal,

and then hubby and I left for our four-hour journey home.

Why didn't anyone tell me that this is the last time 

I would see her in this place?

The next 10 days were a roller coaster of emotional decisions.

It comforts me to know that mom is now peaceful,

and no longer suffers from the struggles of her daily life.

Back to the here and now...

Remember, it was Officer Carlson Omelet week.

We have been teaching this activity together for 12+ years.

And this year, it was our last.

I will treasure these memories.

He so patiently works with each and every student

to assure they master the process.

This term, his Sergeant stopped by.

He had a chance to see Officer Carlson interacting with the students.

Besides learning how to make omelets,

the students learn that police officers are people, too!

One of my FACS co-teachers was sharing my classroom on Friday.

The Real Care Baby Daycare was in my room.

Everytime I walked by, the babies just made me smile.

My freshmen girls decided that this baby's eyebrows are "on fleek".

And ...as I was holding another baby,

one of my sophomore boys said,

"Mrs. G., You know that baby isn't real, don't you?!"

Yes, there are many things I will miss about my job!

My mother would always call on the weekend.

She would say, "I suppose you are doing

Saturday's Work".

Our next project is in the kitchen.

The rangehood will be replaced.

While the light works, the fan does not.

The microwave has been shooting sparks since the holidays.

And one of our burners on the range does not heat up.

I will post photos of our progress!

Today, my Mother-in-law treated us to lunch after church.

The Mavericks Moo Shu Egg Rolls are delicious!

And my "To Go" box will provide lunch at work tomorrow.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Take care,

~Natalie

Dream Vacation ~The Full Story: Day Four ~~I've Been to London to Visit the Queen ~and Honoring our Fathers

Our adventure into London was certainly another highlight of my trip.

It is not exactly conveneint to get there...

first a two hour drive, in traffic,

(that big truck is called a lorry in the UK, btw)

then when we got closer to the city, Amy drove us to three different towns 

before we found a place to park her little minicooper 

so we could catch a ride on The Tube.

Have I mentioned that Amy was the best little tour guide.

I still get chills when I think of this spot...  

We had gotten off the underground rail transit,

and rode at least three sets of escalators to reach the street.

Of course, I was busy watching my step 

so that I wouldn't fall in all of the congestion.

And when we came out on the sidewalk,

I looked up.

This is one of many favorite moments.

Big Ben was right..across..the street!

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Next stop...

Westminster Abbey

Add this to my list of favorites.

In a way, I felt like I had been here before?

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And this is why...

I always loved, loved, loved Princess Diana.

I watched her wedding to Prince Charles with great interest, 

as we both were married in 1981.

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And then years later,

I set my alarm to get up in the middle of the night to watch

William and Kate's wedding...

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...right here in the Westminster Abbey.

Taking photos is prohibited here.

(they will confiscate your camaras/phones)

So thus, the google images.

It was breathtaking to be here in person.

Next stop...Buckingham Palace.

Stay tuned!

Take care,

~Natalie

Happy Father's Day to all who care for and nurture our young.

Here is one of my favorite posts honoring my hubby and my daddy.

Dream Vacation ~At Home with Amy & Nick ~~The Complete House Tour ~~~and Just an Old Fashioned Love Story

The absolute best part of being an empty nester, 

is visiting our adult children in their own homes.

We have had the priviledge of doing so in

Lincoln, NE

Fargo, ND

Rochester, MN

Boston, MA

and now, in the UK.

It is joyous to experience the environment that they have created...

not only their style of decor, 

but also the warm, comfortable, safe atmosphere that is their

Home Sweet Home.

The Foyer

While the foyer is the smallest room in the house,

it is one of the most important. It is the introduction to your home...

where guests form a first impression of your style.

And here, everything was perfect!

Their foyer was functional

(complete with basket for keys and sunglasses)

and so very charming.

Across from the foyer, was the half-bath.

Amy had everything so sparkling clean and neat...

"Today i choose Joy"

I love this!

The Guest Room

Nick had to check in at work...

Amy was busy preparing homemade pizza crust dough...

so I got settled into my room for the week.

There were empty drawers in the dresser,

empty hangers in the closet,

and you can see the guest bathroom across the hallway.

It was so welcoming...

Thank you for making me feel at home.

The Living Room

A perfect setting for relaxation...

I've seen this comfy spot over facetime,

and now, I was actually here!

We also caught up on a couple episodes of our favorite shows.

The Dining Room

I enjoyed having dinner here with Amy and Nick.

Homemade Pizza, 

Grilled Chicken, Couscous, Asparagus,

Grilled Salmon, Rice, Broccoli

Good Food...

Great Company.

Thank you!

Also in the dining room, this impressive piece...

A Vintage Wine Rack, 

it is from France and they found it at a local bazaar.

The Kitchen

After dinner, the dishes are drip drying...

Amy and her hubby are a team, preparing dinner

and tackling the clean up together!

The kitchen is my favorite room in a house.

It is a the heart of the home.

We toured so many fabulous places,

however, visiting Amy and Nick in their home 

ranks right up there with my favorites.

Take care,

~Natalie

p.s. Today is my Mom and Dad's Anniversary.

They were married 70 years ago.

Today they celebrate together in heaven.

Here is a link to my blog post from 5 years ago.