I knew Thanksgiving would look a little different this year. - that's what happens when your kids start "adulting." Plus, our daughter is a nurse so holidays are part of the deal. I got a little emotional the day of Thanksgiving knowing it would be the first in 23 years that she wasn't there sharing that moment with us.
We started the morning at Pops and Meme's where I brought Matt's late aunt Karen Lou's cornbread stuffing - a labor of love but totally worth it. I also was able to snag a Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake from My Mother's Daughters cheesecakes (out of Morgantown). Holy moly, it was delicious!! All the food was wonderful.
We ended the day at Pap and Nana's where another feast was served. There's lots of magic in a big family, and I am thankful for these blessings!
I know Thanksgiving is technically just another day, but it still felt strange not having Karson there with us. I guess this is what life with adult children looks like — a new kind of normal, and learning to adjust our expectations as they grow up, build their own lives, and navigate their own responsibilities. It's okay, I'm ok, everything is ok. She was able to join us Friday evening and spend the weekend with us before heading back home. I made her a plate so she could enjoy a full feast!
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| This crew had a fun time at the Deaton family gathering and ended the afternoon at Zootopia 2!!! |
November is always a whirlwind of celebrations on top of the holiday craziness. We celebrated my mother-in-law’s birthday, and then celebrated Matt over Thanksgiving weekend. Somehow, in the middle of all the hustle, I even managed to get the Christmas tree up — and I’m absolutely knocking it out of the park by getting ahead on my shopping this year. WOO!
We were also able to get that family picture with the five of us! My heart is happy when we are all under one roof! Our birthday boy only has one more year in his 40's!
Fun fact - my sister enjoys having a high school picture with our kids in their cap and gown. Karson's senior year was one of the Covid ones, so everything was a little wonky. I had an actual cap and gown session done with a photographer. When Isaac graduated, there was photographer at the event snapping photos on a backdrop. For Miles, I had heard Red Elephant was covering all the WCPS graduations, but I never received any links or information to view them — and honestly, I’d forgotten about it. This week, Shannon texted asking about a cap-and-gown photo, and that’s when I realized I never had one for Miles (besides the ones we took before and after the event ourselves). I reached out directly to Red Elephant… and I’m so glad I did, because I LOVE this picture!
BLESSINGS:: Sometimes life reminds me just how lucky I am to have three amazing adult children.
Miles received his universal certification, passing all four of his EPA Section 608 exams. also got his OSHA 10 Construction certification. He's been studying hard, and it paid off! Thank you SKYCTC for such an awesome first semester!!!
Isaac got a work recognition for picking up the remaining tab for someone's groceries (he's a cashier at Meijer) and also was recognized by his professor for a canned food drive he coordinated with his fraternity. I love his heart! Brag alert: over the summer, Isaac spent a lot of time studying and preparing to take the LSAT. He got his score back the week of Thanksgiving break, and it was super high and competitive. I am proud of his goals and determination. Isaac is home for an extended time and working for Charles M. Moore insurance - he interned for them in the summer and they asked if he wanted to return during his winter break. Right now, the future is wide open for our boy who will graduate next spring.
Karson received a Daisy nomination at the hospital. Night shift work is very difficult, and I am thankful for her dedication and compassion for such a mentally tough role!
We’re already a week into December! The years continue to fly by, and it’s amazing how quickly moments turn into memories. I am appreciative of time spent together and thankful to have all the kids under one roof a few days! Where are you Christmas?!?!?
