Times Are Sure Changing

I went away for four day weekend last week. Just me. Nobody to worry about but myself for four entire days. It was fabulous.

It made me really start to think about how times really have changed. Gone are the days where I could pick up and go.  There was endless preparation and planning to get everything organized before I left. I frequently still find myself wondering...how do I possibly have three kids? I still feel like I should be the one babysitting.

There were two things that I was certain on in this life:
1. Marry someone who will not plan his day around sporting events/football programming/hunting activity
2. Have children who will dress nicely in polo shirts (boy) or dresses (girl)

I thought I had those areas all covered until apparently times have changed. I came home from a blissful shopping experience along Chicago's Magnificent Mile to find my husband and oldest son dressed in head to toe hunting gear while watching a football game. I must have had a horrified look on my face for the entire night.

What in the world? Is my own family ganging up on me I thought?

My son Keaton, who I want so badly to wear Ralph Lauren, would rather stay in camouflage from head to toe. He told me that maybe his teacher would not be able to find him the next day at school.

This happens every year in November when the hunting bin comes out. Keaton gets dressed in orange.

 Some things though have not changed. I have been friends with my dear friend Lesley for 16 years. It was a connection that occured almost instantly and we have talked almost every day since. I am so grateful for this friendship.

Myself and Lesley in Chicago Nov 2011

This photo of Cameron makes me stop and think... How is it possible that he was only a tiny baby last year at this time?

Times just keep changing.

Take for example my oldest niece, Carissa, who is turns 15 this week. It really does not seem like that long ago when we went to visit her at the hospital. Or the first Thanksgiving where there was a baby in my family. My brothers and sisters all fought over who got to hold baby Carissa.

Carissa was Miss America for Halloween-Plays the part well I'd say

The trip to Chicago could not have come at a better time. I am back feeling a lot more patient and that is not something you can just find anywhere.

Dena