Let The Sunshine In

So, I fell behind again and here we are at the beginning of August already!  Where has the summer gone?  Around here we have enjoyed our time without super structured schedules.  I love the warmer weather and the opportunities to go to the pool and get all my workouts in while being outside. 

I have only had one work trip, with another coming up next week.  It has been nice to be home and able to enjoy the summer - I can’t remember having one this laid back for a while.  That’s not to say that things haven’t been totally crazy at work – just a different type of insanity that I can tackle from the home office in my cutoffs and t-shirts, instead of on the plane between locations and time zones.

So, in a laid back type of style – some photos from graduation and our summer(disclaimer - these are not high quality photos - just fun ones:-)  I am in the process of setting up a new photography site…..)

 

 

Congrats to the Salutatorian...

 

And scholarship recipient...

 

And goof ball...!!!

 

Confirmation with Father Paul

 

We enjoyed our time in Rome!

And flying over the French Alps.

 

Gus turned 12 years old - but doesn't look or act a day over 6!

 

Nic played a lot of soccer....Club Inka Peru

 

On top of Trail Ridge - Rocky Mountain National Park

 

Just one of many breathtaking views from one of my favorite places on earth - right in my own home state of Colorado!!!

 

So tell me - what have you been up to this summer? 

 

 

 

Viva Italia!!!

So many things have happened since my last post!!! I just haven't had time to write much lately....so a few Facebook posts here and there are all I've gotten to.
A quick recap: Nic graduated as Solutatorian from high school, went to visit his new college and we went to Italy! Yes - we went to Italy!!! Soon I will post a summary of graduation and college events, but for now, here are a few Italy memories that I have been excited to share!

Ever since we found our relatives in southern Italy, I have been fascinated with finding a link to them. Many people have told my mother that this name is really Spanish - but we were able to verify that we are true Italians!

St. Peter's was amazing a! The crowds were ridiculous that day at the Vatican, and it was quite hot - but is was so worth it! Such a beautiful and sacred place.

The the churches in Italy are beautiful...such amazing artwork and history.

The architecture in Rome is a mix of old....and older...mixed with the modern.

The Vatican - amazing experience!

My favorite! Assisi - what a gem of a town. I immediately felt at ease and comfortable here. Such a beautiful spot.

I'm so glad we we went. It was a wonderful experience, even if the customs guy in Italy neglected to stamp my passport....at least I have the photos!!!

Working backwards through my summer, I will write a post about Nic's graduation soon, and include the video of his Solutatorian speech soon....

Ciao for now!

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Why is it Wrong to be an Only Child?

Nic and I had a wonderful weekend. For the most part.

Saturday night proved challenging though - for both of us. I had a feeling it would, as it was the last fundraiser event for high school. My last time attending, and Nic's first and only - thank goodness!

People behave so poorly at these events, and I had really hoped he wouldn't have to experience some of what goes on at those things. But, in retrospect, he needed to see and know and all these things make him stronger, and he is an adult after all!

Nic is an only child. I am a single mother. Neither of these things is "bad" and we are both sick of people telling us how sorry they are to hear that or that it's "too bad." Why is there such a stigma with these so called "Catholic" families around only having one child? Apparently it is amazing that he is graduating, let alone at the top of his class and preparing to attend Creighton University this fall on academic scholarship.

I have a great job and supportive family. I am not, and never have been on food stamps or welfare, and above all I am happy, and faithful with God in my heart. I truely know that Nic and I have a clearer understating of the Catholic faith than most, and we live in harmony with it given our "unusual" circumstances. I want to be clear here as well - none of our priests, sisters or brothers have ever treated us in the manner that many families have. I think this is why it's important to understand that this post in no way criticizes my religion - I only wish to point out that people can be cruel in the name of that religion, and that is quite the opposit of what we are taught at Christians.

I am venting, and this was not the original intention of this blog....so I will move on now to some facts I have acquired over the years about the only child (as many of you know, I am also am only...) as well as some facts about some amazing men raised by single mothers:

Most only children:

1. Love to share - toys, food, you name it, we love to share it!

2. See friends as family, and are extremely loyal - forever, no matter what.

3. Have parents that depend on them greatly, and they take on a lot of responsibility from an early age.

4. Are high achievers and often very successful.

5. Are ok with being alone - in fact we quite like it and don't need to depend on others to fill our time or constantly make us happy.

Many men raised by single mothers:

1. Know how to change a lightbulb, fix a broken toilet, change out locks and use tools - Nic is great at all of these things.

2. Communicate well with women and are good listeners.

3. Treat their wives, daughters and female coworkers with tremendous respect.

4. Tend to be clean and tidy.

5. Understand the value of money and are responsible with it from an early age.

Lastly, here are some fun examples of successful men raised by single moms:

No matter how you feel about him - President Obama is pretty successful!

George Washington

Bill Clinton

Usher

Matt Damon

Ryan Gosling

Michael Phelps

Orlando Bloom

LL Cool J

Clive Owen

Both lists could go on and on really. Incidentally, many of the people on last list are also only children. Hmmmm.

My main point is, people have ups and owns - with or without siblings, and whether or not they are in a single parent family. I just wish we could all support each other as good, faithful people instead of letting the ugliness of judgement and fear rule the way we treat others.

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Alone - Not Lonely

Recently, Nic went on an 8 day hike through Southern Colorado and into New Mexico. He goes on lots of multi day trips, and I am definitely learning to like the new way our lives have morphed. He is grown up after all, and soon he will be in Nebraska for college. I still struggle with loneliness sometimes, and I actually think that's ok. Even people in relationships, or with a house full of people, feel lonely sometimes.
For the most part over that eight days, I didn't feel lonely. Of course, I missed Nic, but as I looked back on each day, I realized I was enjoying myself. I spent time with my parents and friends, did a lot of things around the house, sorted through my photos and created some new collages, and got a lot of things for work done and organized. I was very productive over those eight days!
Loneliness may have crept in one or two times, and when it did, I refused to let it take over. I got up and went for long walks,watched some movies that I might never have seen otherwise, and kept myself busy.
I also happened upon a couple of posts on other blogs I follow about loneliness and how others deal with it. While reading, I noticed something I had in common with the other bloggers. In the past, I was very dependent on others to keep me from feeling lonely. I have great friends who are always there for me, and my parents are always welcoming too - but we all have busy lives, and inevitably we are all alone from time to time. I have started to appreciate being alone in those moments. I appreciate silence and a good book. I like to listen to the music, take a bath, and have a glass of wine - and look within myself to enjoy the moment I am in.

So I'm curious friends, what do you do when loneliness pokes its nose into your life?

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