Dating Like a Mother

December is just a day away.  December is such a busy month, and I'm just bracing myself for the speed at which it moves.  Presents to be purchased and wrapped, Christmas cards to be sent (they're ordered with just a few last minute changes to receives)  That's right, this year I'm cutting my list down (more on that in a moment). Decorations to be put up (I'm a bit behind this year) Christmas programs to be practiced (so many amazing memories with this one) Projected to be finished, Volunteering to do (this year we're making stops at Santa's workshop in downtown Naperville as well as the Ronald McDonald House and who can forget Family Christmas. This year I pulled up mt Christmas address labels from last year, after printing I realized there are a few that will NOT be receiving a card this year.  No ill feelings (maybe a few) but, you just didn't make the cut this year. I actually thought long and hard about this (as posted before) I thought I would be t...

 Thanksgiving is less than a week away.  My boys don't have school at all this next week.  I on the other hand have school on Monday and Tuesday.  The sucky thing about having a two home family (That's what I like to call our situation) is sharing time.  You can say that since covid I've been a bit spoiled.  I've had access to my boys on Thanksgiving and even have been able to enjoy lunch with them.  This year just a couple days ago I was told that they would be headed out of state to see extended family.  In that very moment I broke, my eyes filled with tears and I had to be alone.  Alone with my feelings, alone with my reality.  I've been alone for Thanksgiving many times, but it still hurts. With all of my family in Michigan, I haven't spend a Thanksgiving with them since before my divorce.  Thanksgiving isn't at the top of my favorite holidays, Christmas is where all most favorite traditions are.  Since the boys were small,...

 Friendship is defined as mutual trust and support between two people.  Friendship is something I excel at.  Once a friend, always a friend.  When I bring you into my inner circle, you're in.  Even when time passes and things come between a friendship I will always be there no matter what.  This has come to mind recently. I had a very close friend, one I met my first year of teaching, fresh out of college.  We were both newly married with no children.  She was my go to girly.  When I was pregnant with each of my boys she was a huge support and I was the same for her.  I even watched her oldest daughter when she went back to work, once a week to support her best.  As our families grew and started to change we drifted a bit apart.  I honestly can't even say why.  She moved further away but still within driving distance. Long story short, we went years without speaking.  As the time passed I felt hurt, but didn't even kn...

 It's that time of year again.  There is a chill in the air, the holidays are fast approaching and there never seems to be enough time.   Just a couple weeks ago, the boys and I met with a local photographer (and friend) it was time once again to capture our yearly photos.  As the boys have gotten older this has only become more difficult.  You would think that it would become easier.  I always remind the boys if they cooperate it will be over quickly.  I gave the photographer a heads up and told her to just capture us exactly where we are in life.  This is the one time a year I can be sure to capture the boys and I together.  Many find it strange but I always extend the offer to my ex husband to join us. (I think the boys should have to opportunity to have a photo of the 5 of us if they want one)  It's also nice to have an extra set of hands to keep the boys in line. It was a rough 35 minutes of chaos trying to capture a handful of...