Giving Thanks

Well, it's been a while since I sat down and took a few minutes to blog! Everyone is taking the time on Facebook to post a daily "What they are thankful for." I would like to say I could commit to that, but life has been so crazy! With that segue, I'll post what I am most thankful for in one mashed up blog. Here it is:

• My children. You are my lifeline, my heartbeat, my soul. I see you grow and mature more each day and I am utterly amazed by you three. You drive me nuts. You make me want to scream, cry, laugh, and hold you close. Andrew, you are finding your way in this crazy world and I am so proud that you've bought your own car, working hard, and becoming a responsible young man. Courtney, you are blossoming into a beautiful young woman. Every time I turn around, you surprise me with your talent and fortitude. Gavin, my sweet boy. You have such a kind, tender heart and you are so much fun to be around. You are growing up too fast and I wish I could stop that, but I can't. Therefore, I will sit back and watch you three and file these memories away to treasure for the rest of my life.
• My family. Mom. The one person in my life who has always been there. Through the good and bad, happy and sad. You have been there when I skinned my knees as a little girl, you were there when I gave birth to two of my children, helping me on my new path in life, and too many numerous occasions to remember. I love you and appreciate you, even when we drive each other nuts. You know you will always be with me, a part of me forever, and I love you. Scott and Greg, thanks for being who you are. You both have your unique qualities that make you you, and I love you both! Scott, I can always count on you to make me laugh, and Greg, if I need to know some awesome trivia, you're the man! My extended family, you are all special and I wish we lived closer! Lastly, Dad. I miss you and wish we had had more time. 
• Bryan. Even though our marriage is ending, I can't thank you enough for the greatest gifts in my life, our children. There were good times, and those are memories that I can still look back on fondly. I hope you will find happiness and wish you the best.
• My friends. You have all been there for me through the craziness and insanity of life. Thank you, each of you, for sticking with me and being there for me. I laugh more when you are there, destress, and keep me grounded. I love you all. 
• My job (s). I think! Hahaha. Seriously, I can't call one of them a job. I have way too much fun at Old Navy to call it as such. I have met some awesome people and really enjoy working with them and spending time with them. Especially the morning crew!!! Some of you are really turning into good friends. I am about to embark on a new job, in addition to Old Navy, and I am excited to get it started. I truly am thankful that I have 2 jobs in this economy.
• Music. I can't go a day without it in my life. It is a comfort, an inspiration, something that moves me. 

“Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like its heaven on earth.”~ Mark Twain

With these thanks said, why wait for a particular day or month? Spread some kindness and love. Life is too short to live with regrets. Embrace the spontaneity, dare to dream, act, and do. Don't hold back and later say you wish you had embarked on an adventure. Carpe diem! You have one life to live, make as many memories as possible.

~ Christina 

Growing Up and Moving On

Life is such a mysterious thing. You never know what twists and turns will be thrown at you at a moments notice. You can akin it to a roller coaster, I sometimes like to compare it to a tornado. To say I've had my ups and downs, twists and turns, is an understatement. However, when our oldest son informed me he had decided to move out of the home, and move to Boulder, Colorado; I wasn't thrown for a loop like I thought I would feel. At some point, as a parent, you know your child will move away. I think it's surprised me more that it's happening so fast. It really has been less than a month since his decision has been made. Tomorrow he will be loading up his belongings onto the truck, and heading out there to get settled, apply for jobs, and come home to wrap up some personal things. He plans to start back with college once he establishes residency. If you know us, you know this is a huge deal. Our oldest hasn't always been the most motivated, and I do feel this is the best thing he can do for himself. I can feel the excitement in him; see confidence in him that I've never seen before. I think it's been easier on me, for the simple fact that he is moving there with one of his best friends. They've been like brothers since the 3rd grade, through some tough situations, and have been there for each other through it all. It will be a good change for our son, and a chance for him to grown and learn on his own.

Today, I helped him take apart his bed. He's waiting for his friend to arrive with the moving truck, so he can load his belongs onto it. I promised myself I wasn't going to cry while only packing his belongings. Yet my heart had other plans, and I couldn't stop from shedding some tears. You can't help but to flash back to the moment you laid eyes on your child, and think, "where did the years go?" The late night feedings, the first day of school, the numerous games you sat through--even when the sun was blazing hot, the ups and the downs that have been thrown our way. Even through all the good and the bad, as a parent you know that your love never wavers for your child. I know.... blah blah, roots & wings. But it still hurts to see them leave. They are opening a new chapter on their life, as you are closing a chapter in your life.

I think today has been a bit of a melancholy day for me. Today's my mom's birthday, which means she's another year older. I've also been dealing with the emotions of our son moving out, and I'm missing my dad today. I know when other things are happening in my life, it's usually when I miss my dad the most, because I know I can't call him. I don't know if that feeling will ever change. :(

Ask me later how I feel, when it is time for him to walk out the door for the final time. But for now, I am proud of his decision and wish him the best of luck. As for any advice I can give him: strap in, buckle up, and hold on tight. It's going to get bumpy along the way, and I'll do the same.