Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Now A" Real" Empty Nest





Life is certainly full of changes. This afternoon we returned from a trip to the Midwest, where our youngest daughter will be starting her pastry chef externship. It was a big move for her, starting with a new restaurant, moving to her first apartment, and from now on buying her own groceries. The state she moved to is a beautiful Midwest city, with lots of parks and waterfalls. Although everything went well for the three of us, I must admit saying good-bye was not easy!!






This is the chocolate cake we were treated to last evening as we had dinner at the upscale restaurant where she will be working, four days a week, for the next 3 months. I am excited to hear and see all that she will learn, working in such an amazing kitchen.
Did I mention that her boyfriend and his family live in this area? A definite point of interest in this ongoing story. Here is a glimpse of the two of them together, after not seeing each other for 4 1/2 months. Also, a corner picture of her own kitchen. Will she be able to keep it clean??? Will the cooking that I taught her over the years, be put to good use??? It was a good trip with lots of beautiful weather, fun memories, great food...but, as always the good-bye was not easy. The house is truly quiet tonight, but as I sit here at my computer and read all of your kind comments, I am reminded of how much I missed all of you, my blogging friends. I missed reading all of your latest posts. I missed seeing all of your creative photography, and your fascinating comments. Yes, life has now changed again for me, but as I have learned before in life...you raise your children to grow up and leave the nest. Good-night from my "real" empty nest.
One more thing...I finally got my blog header and sides back to almost normal. Note to self...do not experiment UNLESS you are computer saavy. Thanks for your patience in this matter.

18 comments:

Stacey said...

I'm glad you are back! I'm sure it is difficult to leave her. Each little step they take has it's own challenges doesn't it? It's just hard letting go.

My college son just came home for the summer today. :) He is going to take a couple of classes this summer locally. It sure is nice to have everyone back in the nest.

I'll be thinking about ya!!

Happy@Home said...

Welcome home, Judy. I have missed your posts. I am sending a hug your way as I'm sure that it is hard to have a "real empty nest." As happy as we are to see them grow up and spread their wings, it's hard not to miss them. It's nice to know that your daughter has her boyfriend and his family nearby.

LisaShaw said...

Hey Sweet one. I just received your message and it was interesting because I was just posting your blog in a message I'm doing for the morning so you'll have to wait and see :)

I was out of town for several days and returned late Sunday night. I haven't been online as much but have been making rounds since yesterday. I pray that all is well with you and your family.

I pray your daughter enjoys her schooling and that you and hubby enjoy each other. I will be an empty nester in just under two years and I'm NOT looking forward to it totally so I pray peace for your heart dear one.

I have to catch up on your posts.

Bless you.

southerninspiration said...

Awww, I understand.....it's not easy, but exciting to see how much she is going to grow. I bet she will love TX and how exciting for her to work in a classy new place! I wish her the best! and you, too. Now you can blog all about her new digs.....take care.

Suzanne

Marty said...

I've adjusted to the empty nest but now I'm trying to prepare for the adjustment of having one of my 'little birdies' flying to Montana to start a new dream of their own. I'm not looking forward to the good bye on this one. Keeping you in prayer as you adjust to the quiet nest.

Tracy said...

Oh, welcome back my friend. I really missed my daily visit with you.

Sending up a little prayer for you as you adjust to the "real empty nest." That good-bye must be rough. I'm excited for the opportunities your daughter has ahead of her. I'm sure you'll keep us posted. I'm glad you got to spend some special time with her as she got settled.

Thank you for your many kind words to me. As I said, it's truly a credit to God's grace. He's the ultimate coach! = )

Blessings,
Tracy

P.S. That cake looks heavenly!

cherry said...

Dear Judy....what a wonderful and exciting time for your daughter...I am sure you are so proud of her...but yet bittersweet...I think about our son leaving the nest and I honestly feel like my heart might break. I will keep u in my thoughts...thank-you for the sweet comments...u always brighten my day. cherry

Judy said...

Welcome back...you were missed! Aha...I can see what the drawing card was for your daughter to move to the Midwest. She'll be just fine on her own!

And many blessings to you and your hubby as you settle into 'true empty nest' syndrome.

LisaShaw said...

Sweetie I didn't get a chance to pop over to say I have a little something for you on my blog. I see you've been there.

I so appreciate you and love you very much.

Anonymous said...

Hi Judy, It is hard when our children leave. Life changes yet again. I remember when my oldest son left I cried for a week. Thinking back it seems so silly now but at the time I wasn't sure I could let go ♥ I'm glad your back here in blogland with all of us. Thank you for all of your lovely and inspiring posts. Thank you for all of the wonderful comments you leave on my blog.

Shelley said...

I missed you Judy!! Aww...and I know you are going to miss your daughter. It's nice that she has her boyfriend and his family nearby in case she needs anything. She's embarking on an exciting adventure - you must be so proud!! And think of all the fabulous desserts in your future.... Yum!!

Lora said...

Just stopping by to visit your lovely blog from Lisa's. I have soo enjoyed perusing your posts. The stream you visit reminds me of the falls our family enjoys.

Our youngest is considering studying to become a chef. The pictures looked scrumptious.

Your last lines made me laugh! I consider myself a techno dinosaur and want to change my current header; but I am not computer savvy. I think I'll wait for help from a teen.

Blessings to you and congratulations on your award at Lisa's blog.

Cynthia's Cottage Design said...

HI My sweet Judy!

Your post left me with chills :) it was so touching, sweet and poignant too! What a wonderful adventure you've sent your daughter on! I have one left in the nest she's 13( the others are older enough to be out, lol, but not quite there yet ) and I relish her up. But I will be happy for her, when I give her the little nudge to go forth too. I might have to push the boys a bit harder :) But I cannot think of anything more wonderful than knowing your child is off on their own journey. Yes, a few tears and many moments of appreciating them when they were there, but still, what an exciting road for her.

And, not to mention, the deserts you will get too! :) lol

Thanks so much for your kind friendship and for always leaving me such sweet and uplifting comments, you truly are a wonderful gal and your daughter is one lucky daughter too!

Hugs and Blessings for a fabulous week! ~ Cynthia ~

Lovella ♥ said...

Welcome Home Judy .. the wonderful thing is that they always call home. . home. . and your empty nest just continues to feel tighter with everyone they bring with them. .

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Hey friend~
I'm So glad you made it home....safe and sound!!

The time will fly by...it really will. Know that I'll be praying for you!!!!

(I LOVE those waterfalls ;-)

Melanie said...

Hope it turns out to be a "delicious" adventure for your daughter and you & your husband at this season.
Melanie@Bella~Mella

Connie said...

Hi Judy...glad you are back and feeling your empty nest pains. It truly is hard...still is now almost a year for us. We saw our youngest today for lunch and how neat it is to visit him and see him taking responsibility and working through the trials in life(a traffic ticket this week). He is doing well and that's the good news and I'm happy for him. Now to fill the quietness here at home with more fun with the hubby! Connie

Barb said...

Hi Judy, so good to see you back. I am in a terrible rush but wanted to say hi...I have missed you!

I will have more time later today or tomorrow.

Rest in the fact that you have raised wonderful children...I know that because you are such a gracious lady!!

Barb

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