Love Is In The Air - Yes, You Read That Correctly

Upon learning of my divorce, I think it took people approximately...oh, 4.85 seconds before they began asking me about dating.  Dating?  Please people! Let's let the ink dry on the divorce paperwork before we begin using the D word.  

And then BAM.  Just like that.  It happened.

Shortly after I moved into my new place, I met someone.  Someone who was absolutely perfect for me in every way.

What better day than Valentine's Day to reveal to all of my blog readers my new love?

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet:

Me.

It's true.  I'm in love with me.  I'm kind, caring, and I rarely piss myself off.  I always clean up after myself, I occasionally bring myself flowers.  After a stressful day at work, I'm so thoughtful that I've been known to pour myself a drink, and INSIST that I kick my feet up and watch a chick flick.  I've never hogged the covers and "we" always seem to agree on what to watch on TV.

It's such a rewarding relationship.  One that I could NOT be any happier to be in.  For me, for now - I'm good. 

On this day of love, I hope you're sharing it with the person who completes you.  Even if the person who completes you, is YOU! Happy Valentine's Day, friends.  

The First Thanksgiving

No, not the VERY first...

but MY very first Thanksgiving - just the girls and I.

Skyler, Savannah and I celebrated our Thanksgiving on Wednesday night.  Rick and I agree that as far as holidays are concerned, the best thing for the girls will be consistency...what they already know.  Thanksgiving night has always been spent at Rick's parent's house and this year would be no different.  The only difference is that the night before would be their Thanksgiving with me.  At first I wasn't sold on this arrangement, but it didn't take long before I recognized that the "holiday" isn't necessarily about THAT particular day, it's about the celebration.  It really doesn't matter (to me) what day the celebratin' takes place.  

The girls and I created a menu complete with all of our favorites including (a very small) turkey and all the trimmings.  We had a nice, casual dinner together filled with conversation and laughter.  We, of course, took some time to reflect on all we had to be thankful for.  We all agreed on the usuals - thankful for family, friends and health, food, a nice home and love.  Savannah also read a paragraph she had written at school which stated one of the things she was most thankful for was recess (because it gives us a "brain break".)  Although Skyler and I snickered a bit when she read that, I thought about it later and decided she's absolutely right!  With how much I've been working lately, Thanksgiving Day was a day of NO work for me.  My recess, if you will.  And the brain break was 100% needed and appreciated.  Skyler shared the things she was thankful for, one of which really hit home.  Skyler was thankful for change - because it gives us the opportunity to become stronger.  What a wise and insightful thought, especially from an 11 year old.  I am ABSOLUTELY thankful for change. And strength. And independence. And courage.  

Our Thanksgiving would not have been complete 

without quite possibly the best part of Thanksgiving. 

PUMPKIN PIE.

When you live in a house full of girls, dessert time looks a little different.  Like, no need to cut and serve the pumpkin pie different.  3 forks.  That's all that's needed.  

Can you tell we're not crust fans?

Thursday morning was spent lounging around in our PJ's watching movies and the parade.  Rick picked up the girls in the afternoon and they headed off for another delicious Thanksgiving dinner at Rick's parent's house.  Me, I stayed home.  Alone.  

Now before you go and feel sad for me, please know that I was invited to 4 Thanksgivings.  And while I very much appreciated the thoughtfulness of others and their willingness to include me, I assured everyone that I was actually quite looking forward to a nice quiet evening to myself, in my new house, which I love by the way.  After all, I had already had my Thanksgiving evening.  Now it was time for some quiet "me" time.  I thoroughly enjoy "me" time.  

One girl + one chick flick + appetizers = A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

So there you have it, my very first Thanksgiving.  Quite a success I'd say during this time of change.  I trust that all of you spent your Thanksgiving in exactly the way you wanted to, with those you love the very most.

Miss Independent

Dear Friends,

I know it might seem strange to some but I feel very connected with all of you, my lovely blog friends. If you think about it, it makes sense.  I've shared holidays, birthdays and anniversaries with you. I've experienced a pregnancy and child birth with you.  You supported me after the birth of Milena and Gustavo  and you transitioned with me as I became a working mom.  You've been "with" me through quite a few big moments in my life. Today, I hope that your support will once again be there as I share with you another transition in my life.

Rick and I have decided that at this point in our lives, we will be stronger and happier apart than we are together.  There is no anger. No resentment.  Neither one of us has wronged the other.  This is simply a case of 2 people who over the years have grown apart. Since this decision was made, Rick and I have had many conversations about how things will look in our new lives.  We have agreed on just about everything, most importantly that this be the smoothest transition possible for Skyler and Savannah.  We both feel a great deal of sadness knowing that this decision is by far hardest for the girls.  I am so very proud of how the girls have handled things thus far and I feel extremely confident that they will soon learn that life is still very good...and very happy.  My hope is that they will see that 2 happy parents in different homes creates a better life than 2 unhappy parents in the same home.  

How am I feeling?  I feel excited, anxious, scared and hopeful.  I am ready for the next steps and I look forward to creating the absolute happiest life possible for my family and myself.  It's new territory for all of us and that always produces some anxiety but I am 100% certain that we will ALL come out on the other side stronger, wiser, healthier and happier.

We would certainly appreciate all of the positive energy you can send our way.  I can't thank you enough for always being there for us.  

Much love,

Jeni