Memories in the Making: The Bittersweet kind of days

NonaJane spying the cupcakes

The day came and went. The day when NonaJane turned two. We made a pretty meager approach to celebrating it… mostly because we just had (and HAVE) incredibly too much on our plate. Not the kind of stuff you can complain about though. It has been exciting stuff, adventures, emotional roller coasters, opportunities, and craziness. The kind of crazy where your brain just can't manage it all. Like when your husband takes an empty lunch box to work. An empty lunch box does NOT a happy tummy make. Anyhoooo, We spent NonaJane's actual birthday at my parent's lake house in the Ozarks. It was the official last day, the last hoora, the final gathering at the family cabin. The decor was gone off the walls, and so was the toilet paper from the bathrooms (but don't worry we packed some). My parents were finally closing on the lake house, selling it off and closing the chapter.

Mema, Ethan, Luella, Julie and myself

We were blessed with beautiful weather which allowed us to be out on the wave runner, and the kids even swam. I tried to swim.. but swimming in what felt like ice was unpleasant. So I got out. The dock on the other hand was very relaxing. We brought along some Minnie Mouse cupcakes and a Minnie Mouse doll- to which Nona was delighted. The biggest hit for her birthday was the DVD of "Frozen" which I believe has played in a continuous loop for 8 days now. "Let it GO!" is what she claims every time she wants to watch it.The guys spent the last evening drinking on the deck, enjoying a lightning storm in the distance. The ladies sat at the table playing a riveting game of rummikub (well… maybe not riveting as we were all yawning and perhaps not devoting quite the attention needed). It was a bittersweet kind of day. When you can't help but reminisce about the memories made… but not sure if you should feel happy or sad about it.

NonaJane is 2!

Adam said it best 'we are so thankful for the time and wonderful memories we made at the lake. So thankful for the experiences we had, and yet so happy for my parents to be moving on. They have found their dream spot, gathered their dream toys, and don't need to be bothered with the maintenance and costs of the extra home.' It is hard to be sad when you know just how blessed and lucky you are. Even in the midst of a crazy month, where the calendar is full on everyday and your brain feels like it can't hold another thought… I can't help but remind myself that all my "problems" all my "stress" is nothing more than a full life. A life of love, a life of risks and chances. We complain when things don't go smoothly, but then we are always thankful for it in the end. So I try to complain less, and be thankful more. The best books, the best movies, and the best stories always have a complicated plot. So why not have a complicated life every now and then :)?

NonaJane and I standing on the dock of our new property on Mother's day

The day after NonaJane's birthday was Mother's day. The homeowner's of our new place invited us out for their Mother's Day/moving out party! They enjoyed introducing us to their children and grandchildren who have grown up visiting and playing here. They told stories of their endless days of fishing, swimming, and exploring- all the magic of a grandparent's home. Stories of when they first bought the land, and built their home. A bittersweet time for them as well. Although everyone is happy for their new adventures: retiring and hitting the open road (buying a REAL fancy camper and living in it :)) they too have those intense emotions of saying goodbye to a place they love. A LOT of memories were made at this home over the past 22 years for them.. and it seems to be promising an exciting future for us as well.