An empty nest (almost)...

28 sleeps.  This is the way we count down when big and important events happen in our home...we count the number of sleeps.  As many sleeps as we have counted down over the years, this may be one of the biggest ones yet.  This is the number of sleeps until we move the princess (and the baby) to college for her to start the next chapter of her life.  I feel like I have blinked, and here we are 18 short years later.  The baby of the family has grown up and there is not a thing I can do about it!

She is our princess, and if you know her - you KNOW that she IS the princess!  I will tell you though, she is the sweetest princess I know!  After having two boys, when I was told I was having a girl I did not believe the doctor.  Then... here she was.  My little curly headed, 7 lb. 9 oz. baby girl.  Y'all... I had NO idea what to do with a girl.  She has been full of sass and sweetness since day one and has had her brothers wrapped around her little finger since the beginning. She is so many things to me... my road trip partner, sous chef, dance partner in the kitchen, duet partner,  steering wheel dancing partner and most importantly... my prayer warrior!

As I have watched her spread her wings, she has never ceased to amaze me.  She works hard, sets goals AND achieves just about every one of them. If she is having a bad day, I come home to find devotion books and Bibles.  This is her way of receiving comfort that no one else can provide. She loves her God, and is not afraid to tell anyone.  She is kind, loyal and loves BIG! Oh and... she is one of the funniest people I know!! God knew exactly what we needed when He gave her to us!

As I soak in the next 28 sleeps...I try to remember that our family dynamic is changing once again.  And then... I remember that she is going to do AMAZING things!

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

~Proverbs 22:6~

I still believe in fairy tales...

I'm going to start out by simply throwing this out there...dating in your 40's sucks!! Yes, I said it...dating sucks - it is not fun, it is not glamorous!  It is painful, heartbreaking, and just down right exhausting. It can also be very rewarding, and if you're lucky you may find that fairy tales do still exist.  You know...the "happily ever afters." But, let me tell you about just a few of the life lessons I have learned along the way...

1. Don't be afraid of being alone. There is nothing wrong with being alone, and learning how to be completely happy and content by yourself. If one relationship ends, don't automatically jump into the next one.  Give yourself time to heal. And, let's face it - if your relationship ended badly you probably just invoke some unnecessary pain on some poor, undeserving soul. 

2. Don't settle. As you date, you are going to meet people along the way and you will be tempted to jump into a relationship with (even if your heart isn't in it), just so you don't wind up being alone (see #1). Always remember, you should not settle for anything less than you deserve.  No one is going to be perfect, but wait until you find the one that is perfect for you. 

3. Social media can make you crazy. In a world where you can follow, friend, and Snap 24 hours a day - you can also make yourself crazy trying to keep up with previous people you have dated on social media.  My recommendation - delete, unfriend, block...whatever it takes.  Don't be the person who is stalking your ex seeing what is going on in their life (seriously, we have all done it or we have friends that do it for us).  Remember, on the book of face - everyone always has a perfect relationship. Your life is amazing, and perfect (just as it should be)...love it the way it is! 

4. Compromise (in the right places). Compromise is a huge thing in your 40's, because honestly... if you have been single as long as I have been - you are set in your ways.  Remember to compromise -  relationships are about give and take.  BUT... do NOT compromise your morals and values.  Stay true to yourself always!!

5. Be patient and kind. Patience is something that does not always come easy.  Don't be quick in jumping to conclusions, and assuming the worst. Be patient...listen to the other person. You have no idea how another person has been hurt, and what their past brings. Regardless of what is said and done...be kind always - kindness goes a long way!!

6. Don't be afraid to take a leap of faith. If you happen to find someone who makes you laugh, who you can talk to for hours, who is willing to put up with your quirkiness, and supports your craziness - take the leap!  Take a chance! Don't be afraid just because they may not be what you had imagined. Trust that person until they give you a reason not to.  Remember - they are not your past, but they may be your present and if you are really blessed - they may even be your future. 

But, the most important life lesson, I can give you... always make sure you have a Christ centered relationship. Go to church (even when you want to sleep in), pray for each other and WITH each other.  If you are both focusing on your relationship with God, you will grow closer to each other. 

These are just a few of the life lessons I have learned along the way and I hope they may help someone else and possibly make the journey a little easier while searching for your "happily ever after."

Happy dating y'all!!