Empty Nest again...

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Well.. almost a completely empty nest again.  I had a wonderful week with my 2 oldest sons visiting from Houston and Chicago.  They came home for 2 friends' wedding that was held yesterday... on 11/11/11, as well as for all the 'events' and festivities that were held earlier in the week. 

The week went way too fast of course, but it was very nice just the same.  This was the first time either had been back since I moved to my new place.  They loved it almost as much as I do.  And we all know how much that is.. right?!  ;-)

My oldest son brought his dog with him; which was an extra special treat for me.  Most of you remember that I had 'custody' of sweet Miss Pickles, the chocolate lab from Louisiana, for 3 years while my son was in grad school.  

She remembered me after about 5 seconds and was very excited as usual about people in general and absolutely any attention.  I was a little worried about her and the deer, however she was very well behaved and neither the deer nor Miss Pickles seemed very concerned with each other.  That was a relief.

My youngest son always likes when his brothers are around and he was able to show them his new job and tell them all about his responsibilities as a kitchen manager.  We are all very proud and happy for him!!

Now it is Saturday evening and both of my older sons are on the roads back to their homes and jobs.  It was a little bitter sweet as I won't get to see at least one of them over the holidays.  I'm hoping to be able to visit one over Christmas or New Years.  Just depends on the driving weather and my new job.  

Holidays can be hard on me; some years more than others.  And it's not really about the boys as much as my having the 'hope' and 'faith' of finding the right person for me to share those times with 'each' year that goes by.  Now don't get me wrong, I am very happy with my life in regards to who I am and how I live my life.  It would just be more 'complete' with someone special. ;-)

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend, Everyone!!

Hugs and Blessings,

Coreen XO

A Very Happy Weekend!!

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Hello everyone!  I tried to finish and post my Half Full Friday post last week, however the Blogger feature was down on both Thursday evening and Friday morning.   I was unable to try again until 'literally' just now.



My 3 Men!



Last week was the end of our current semester at the college where I work, so I was very busy with student grades, attendance and lots of paperwork.  My youngest son, who attends there, had finals, meetings and interviews to keep us extra busy in addition to our jobs.

On Friday I took a vacation day to get ready for my oldest son's Hooding ceremony that evening; his big graduation on Saturday; all three of my boys being home; company, dinners, cookouts, etc.  All of that went wonderfully, but way too fast of course!  Events like this always seem like a 'blurr' when they are over with, at least to me.  Relatives and my middle son just headed back to Chicago earlier today.  We are all tired, but what a great visit and weekend we had!!

I will be writing about all of the events, feelings and celebration this week.  For now; I wanted to you all know that I am not only doing better... even great at the moment.   I also want to present my oldest son, Doctor Michael!!!!!!  So Proud!!

Again, I will be writing much more later this week.  Right now I have some important things to take care of, Because, in the middle of writing this post... I had a very nice family look at my house.  They LIKED it a lot!!  We are meeting again tomorrow to work out the details.  Please keep praying everyone!  I have a Good feeling from my heart about this family and selling my house soon!!

Thank you all for your understanding in my time of many, many changes!  I love and appreciate all of the comments, emails and phone calls of support and encouragement that I have received!!  XOXO

God Give Me Strength

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"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." ~Mother Teresa

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Hello Everyone!  I thought I should explain to my followers and friends why I haven't been blogging, writing or visiting more as of late.   I apologize to you all!  I've had a lot going on in my life recently; with school, work, trying to sell my house; getting ready for two very special graduations this week; and being 'hacked' last week.... well my days have been very full. 

Along with everything else, I've been helping my son who's graduating, pack all of his stuff.  He will be moving far away soon... for a new job and a brand new life.  I am so proud and happy for him; but can you hear the tear drops falling?!! ...'sigh'...

Through all of this I have also been thinking about my own life and what I want.  I'm even pondering some 'life changing' decisions.  This is why I'm praying for God to give me strength and direction.

Mother's day was filled with a mix of emotions including: happiness for my 3 sons; pride for their accomplishments; sadness for another one leaving; laughter from the times we have together; and unconditional love from understanding and accepting each other just the way we are.   There were even 'tears'... because... well I'm a woman and a Mom, with so many thoughts and feelings spinning around inside of me right now.  So I ran the whole gamut yesterday and I have a feeling that was only the beginning for this coming week... ;-) 

Except for my Friday Post, I may be absent from blogging for a while longer.  I will fill everyone in as soon as I can... with pictures of course.  Thank you all for your continued friendship, support and 'virtual' Hugs!!  I love you all more than you know!!   XOXO

God give me the strength and direction to do the right things and make the best decisions. Help me to consider others and not harm or offend anyone in any way. Help me to consult with others before I take any actions that would cause me to be sorry. Help me to not make decisions from fear or guilt. Show me the way of Patience, Tolerance, Kindliness, and Love and help me live the spiritual life of faith, peace and love. AMEN

Half Full Friday & Aloha Friday weekly question

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"Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would come to be different." ~Katherine Mansfield

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.  Now the it is hosted by Sprinkles at Wyldechylde.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week. We are determined to find the something good in every day. Are you?

"Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, "This is the real me," and when you have found that attitude, follow it." ~ William James

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes." ~William James

This is what I'm Happy for this week:

• I'm happy my oldest Son's next clinical rotation is in Iowa!  We miss him terribly and get him for 3 months! 

• I'm happy that same son got a job in Houston after graduation & that he will have some family close by!

• I'm happy my middle son had a nice birthday in Chicago & loved his gift!

• I'm happy & lucky my youngest son is so helpful & can fix things around the house!  He is so smart and has lots of common sense! 

• I'm happy for a great review at work!  My first and only one in 4 years.  I have 5 bosses and HR didn't seem to know 'who' I worked for.  At least they paid me!!

"     If you don't think every day is a good day, just try missing one." ~Cavett Robert

It's also "ALOHA FRIDAY" Everyone!!  If you want to join in the fun? Post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the Aloha Friday post at An Island Life. Then you can visit the other participants if you wish...It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends or see what people are thinking about this week and join in a conversation or two if you like.

“You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself and fully being what you are, your simple presence can make others happy.” ~ thinkexist.com

My question:  What do you Love about yourself?

My answer:   I love that I'm talkative, happy most of the time, passionate about subjects I believe in and life in general.  I love my inner strength and compassionate towards others. 

So what do You LOVE about Yourself?

"If you must love your neighbor as yourself, it is at least as fair to love yourself as your neighbor." ~Nicholas de Chamfort

Blessings, Love & Many Hugs!

~ Coreen

Half Full Friday! July 23rd

"Pleasure is the only thing to live for. Nothing ages like happiness." - Oscar Wilde

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.

We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week.

We are determined to find the something good in every day.  Are you?

"Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response." - Mildred Barthel

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day. On Friday, write your own Half Full Friday post and return to Life As Eye See It to link your post and to see what other blogger's found happiness in during the past week.

Don't forget to grab a Half Full Friday Banner or Button for your blog post if you are going to join in:

This is what I'm Happy for this week:

• I am happy for the time I get to spend with my sons, in person and on the phone!
• I am happy that I got to meet with my 40 Assets Champions group this week.
• I am happy that I came up with some ideas and plan of actions for the 40 Assets group!
• I am happy I got to tell several people about '8 to Great' this week.
• I am happy I found a new church to visit and possibly join. :-)
• I am happy that I got even more emails from Asperger parents this week. :-)
• I am happy that my son is empowering himself more and more each week!

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."- Mahatma Gandhi

Love & Hugs Always,
Coreen
 

Half Full Friday! July 16th

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.

We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week.

"Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day." ~ Author Unknown

We are determined to find the something good in every day.  Are you?

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day. On Friday, write your own Half Full Friday post and return to Life As Eye See It to link your post and to see what other bloggers found happiness in during the past week.

Don't forget to grab a Half Full Friday Banner or Button for your blog post if you are going to join in:

This is my sixth time joining Half Full Friday and here is what I'm Happy for this week:

• I am happy for the love and support of my 3 sons, who keep me real and grounded!
• I am happy that I get to take another 2-day training next week.
• I am happy that I have honest people in my life that make me face my obstacles!
• I am happy that I faced some issues from the past and continue to heal more every day!
• I am happy that I came back to a job I enjoy so much more since I took '8 to Great' in June.
• I am happy that I also get to take more and more trainings through my job every month.
• I am happy that I got more emails from Asperger moms asking for direction and support. :-)

"Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response." - Mildred Barthel

Have a Wonderful weekend, Everyone!
Love & Hugs Always to my Friends,
Coreen
 

Half Full Friday! June 11th, 2010

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.

We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week.

"Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day." ~ Author Unknown

We are determined to find the something good in every day.  Are you?

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day. On Friday, write your own Half Full Friday post and return to Life As Eye See It to link your post and to see what other bloggers found happiness in during the past week.

Don't forget to grab a Half Full Friday Banner or Button for your blog post if you are going to join in:

This is my second time joining Half Full Friday and here is what I'm Happy for this week:

• I am happy that I got to see all 3 of my sons last week!
• I am happy that I got to visit my middle son in Chicago last weekend! 
• I am happy that my oldest son took care of everything for me at home (2 dogs, a cat and a house showing) so that I could go!
• I am happy that I got to spend the weekend with one of my favorite friends! 
• I am happy that I got everyone to and from Chicago safely last weekend!
• I am happy that the lock-smith was able to get me a new key for my car. :-P
• I am happy that my youngest son went with us and had a Great time in Chicago! 
• I am happy that my sons are so patient, kind and understand me so well. :-)

Have a Great weekend, Everyone!
Love & Hugs Always my Friends,
Coreen
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Half Full Friday!

Half Full Friday, Explained and Sponsored by Eye Girl.

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.

I believe that a lot of my happiness is determined by my attitude about the things that happen to me. So, I am deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. I am choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. My Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in my life that have brought me happiness over the past week.
"Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day." ~ Author Unknown
I'm determined to find the something good in every day.
Are you?
For the next week, I challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day. On Friday, write your own Half Full Friday post and return to Life As Eye See It to link your post and to see what other bloggers found happiness in during the past week.

Don't forget to grab a Half Full Friday Banner or Button for your blog post if you are going to join in:

This is my first time joining Half Full Friday and here is what I'm Happy for this week:

I am Happy that I am friends with 'Sprinkles' and she shared this "Linky" with me.

I am Happy that I have good friends who cheered me up and supported me this week!

I am Happy that I got tickets to the Motivation Event coming to my area next month!

I am Happy that I heard from all 3 of my sons' this week and they sent 'love' my way!

I am Happy that's it's Friday and I'm not working this weekend!  So I can get a lot more done! :-)

I am Happy that I have 3 amazing Sons who are nice young men!

I am Happy that my flowers outside are blooming and bigger than any other year!  Beautiful!

I am very Happy that I have a new Real Estate Agent who is a real go getter!

I am very Happy that I have enough equity in my house to sell it soon; even in this economy!

I am Happy that I will be in Chicago in 2 short weeks to visit my middle son, Matty!

I am Happy for all the wonderful friends I have; both old, new and coming soon into my life!

I am Happy that I started blogging and writing and made fantastic new blogging friends!

If you would like to participate, go to Life as I See It.  Thank you all for Visiting me today!  Happy Friday!!!!

HUGS,
Coreen
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Life Lessons and Blessings

This past week has been full of both Life Lessons and a Lot of Blessings!

My oldest son had finals and starts a new clinical tomorrow. He's going to be a physical therapist with lots more clinical assignments during the next year. I’m so excited for him!

My middle son who is a Freelance Graphic Designer got a new job in a large Chicago company's Graphic Design department. He starts tomorrow. I’m so happy for him!

My youngest son who is in culinary school, is going to be cooking for a children's home tomorrow afternoon for lab hours. He's going to do such a good job. So proud of all three of my sons!

On Friday, my middle son came from Chicago for the weekend. We all went out to dinner and hung out. We had a great time! Since the boys have gotten older it isn't as often that we can all get together. So this was a Hugh Blessing to me as well as the Blessings in each of their lives right now and the weeks ahead. We are all feeling very blessed, proud and happy for them!

Until Friday evening, when I was with all my boys, I had a trying week full of life lessons. I learned that you can't change anyone but yourself. I learned that I still need to stand up for myself more. Or at least speak my mind, ask questions and protect myself more. I learned that I am still naive and too trusting. I learned that I shouldn't tell some people absolutely anything, because it will get twisted and turned around. Basically I learned to not trust, at least not for a while.

I felt like once again gossip and selfish people have affected my life. And once again I've learned to keep to myself, for my own sake. I don't know if it's this area, this state or what it is exactly. Regardless of the reason, it's very stressful and causes a lot of pain to the people it effects. I have thought long and hard to figure out what I need to do to protect myself and know when and whom to trust.  I've decided to make some big changes in my life as to the people I want to surround myself with and those I do not want to be around anymore.

After hearing my sons talk about all the things they have going on in their lives and how happy they are right now; I decided that I have to make the changes in my own life, so I am as happy and fulfilled as my sons are. That was a goal as a parent for my boys their whole lives. Now I think it's my turn.

So all of my old friends and new blogging friends, please help me keep my goals and help push me forward whenever I start to stumble. PLEASE! I need true friends who I can trust and lean on. I promise to return the favor whenever any of you need Me! Promise!

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So Proud of You, Son!

Now you all probably know by now, that I have 3 awesome grown sons.  They are kind, respectful, hardworking, amazingly talented and very good to me!  Above all else...they have great character! 

Last night was my youngest son's time to shine.  He is in Culinary school and yesterday he was the Host of their Spring event.  He looked so handsome all dressed up and took his job for the evening very seriously.

The 'Cajun' Culinary dinner consisted of Hors d'oeuvres, followed by a 7 course meal.  Appetizers of Alligator and Andouille Sausage over Red Beans and Rice.  Crawfish Bisque soup.  Grilled Fruit Salad.  Pecan-Encrusted Catfish with Remoulade Sauce.  Apricot Mimosa Sorbet.  Entree of Stuffed Chicken Breast and Sweet Potato Creme Brulee for dessert.  Yummmm, it was all so good!

This is a picture of the main course, Stuffed Chicken Breast.  I should have taken pictures of each course.  I will remember that next time.  I was 'visiting' and watching my son 'direct traffic' as he put it, with the servers.

The culinary students spent months getting ready for this event.  They all did an excellent job!  The evening and meal was wonderful!  Everyone, including the students. had a Great time!

My son has come so far and done so well!  I could not be prouder of him!  But even more than that, it was great to see him so proud of himself, to see him smiling and having a good time with his culinary classmates!

Thank you for a great evening and meal, son!  I love you! ~ Mom