I know families who spend every summer together on vacation–even when the grandchildren come along. How they do it–I don’t know! We did take a family vacation in Dec. to SF, but everyone ended up going their separate ways: I went shopping (big surprise there!) and the guys went skiing! But we did eat together and flew on the plane together–does that count?!?!?!

I planned for the empty nest, but what I didn’t plan for was the lack of times my family would be together as a family once they all went off to college. I hadn’t thought about how tough it would be for us to do family vacations which have always been a huge part of our family fun. This topic makes me extremely sad.

Just last week, we went to the beach for five days with my sister and her family, but only one of our children was with us. The other two are in school this summer.

We are going to the beach in a couple weeks for a traditional family and friend vacation and our youngest can’t make it because he will be in school. I think it’s the tenth year we’ve done this with three other families.

Times are changing.

All five of us were home just last summer, but since the youngest two left for school last August, we’ve only all five been together three times! Ouch…

We were talking yesterday about the possiblility of doing a family vacation between Christmas and New Year’s, but we aren’t sure if our oldest, who is now interviewing for jobs, will be able to get a few days off. Time will tell.

Anyway, I am not a scrapbooker. I’ve just put photos in albums. I need to start yanking them out and reminiscing about the good old days!

To those of you with kids still home, make the most of this time. It doesn’t last forever!

Thanks for stopping by…a new “face” on the Boomer Babes! I just briefly clicked on your blogs (awesome!), but I’m going to return soon. You have a message that is so relevant–caregiving! What a blessing to have been the caretaker for your dad and that you still have your MIL with you! As Dotsie Bregel would say, “you’re in the ‘club sandwich’ generation.” You’re an amazing woman! I too am looking forward to grandchildren, but I first need to get them married (any ideas are welcome!).

But you have enough on your plate with the new e-zine Passionate for Life! You go girl!

Back when I had pre-schoolers and was a member of M.O.P.’s, an elder mother spoke about family traditions. She told us that her scrapbooks of Christmas through the years were her daughters-in-laws’ favorite item to grab when they came to visit for Christmas each year. How precious to have a chronicle of Christmas through the years to see your children grow up.

Someday I WILL get caught up…I will, I will!

I’m a scrapper too. Wish we didn’t live on opposite ends of the country, we could scrap together. I’m working on weeding out the office today to reclaim my scrapbooking area. I bought a ten foot laminated counter top and drawers from a lady who was moving. It is supposed to be my creative area, but since I started the magazine I haven’t seen it. We will be adding a Hobby Department soon. I encourage everyone to send us articles on your passions, (with photos for the Hobby Department).
http://www.passionateforlife.com

I opened my prayer calendar today and BREANNA was written all over the page–top priority! I’m hugging you (gently), and holding your hand. I didn’t want to bother you because I know the kiddos are taking all your time. But I’m “holding the ropes” for you. I’ll wait to hear how everything went…your sweet baby granddaughter is in good hands!

Hugs, Prayers, and more Hugs,

Connie