Bye-Bye Debby

Debby has 'landed' in the northern part of Florida this morning and is headed for the Atlantic.  Prayers now that it continues east and doesn't hand a left and head toward the eastern seaboard.
We're still experiencing some small bands of wind and rain from Debby, but tomorrow promises more normal weather...afternoon thunderstorms.
I still can't believe I'm facing the empty nest experience come August.  My feelings are all over the place.  I'll be sad to have both my girls gone and will miss hearing their daily joys and sorrows.  But on the other hand, this is what parenting is all about....prepare your children to make it on their own.  While I'm sure both girls will make mistakes, some larger than others, I'm not really worried about either of them.  They are both well grounded in their faith and have an ample amount of common sense, including the sense to ask for help when needed.  Hubby and I will have to adjust to creating our own schedule, no longer relying on the activities of the Imp to determine when we eat, when Hubby goes to work, etc.  It will be freeing in one sense, but the house will seem quiet and empty in another.
The Singer arrives home from FOCUS training on Sunday night, and then will leave 6 weeks later.  The Imp leaves 3 days later.  We're planning a few family events, like the ALS Awareness baseball game on July 3.  We have plans to see "Brave" together. And of course, one of our favorite family pass times, Super Mario Bros on the Wii. (Mario Kart is also lots of fun and bowling and golf on Sports, too).

Tropical Storm Debby

Bayshore Blvd, Tampa FL.  

Bayshore Blvd.  A block away from the Imp's voice teacher's apartment.

In a subdivision a few miles north of us.

Familiar sight in many, many neighborhoods.

Our local post office.  Out of the picture, but to the immediate right of where the picture is taken from is our library.  Haven't seen or heard if it flooded. 

After being in drought conditions for so long and praying feverishly for months for ample rain, it seems wrong somehow to pray for the rain to cease now.  But really, we had 9 inches of rain in less than 24 hours Sunday and 3-4 on Saturday and another 2-3 yesterday.  More is called for today.  Fortunately, I live in a new neighborhood (17 years old) with excellent drainage and trees that are just now big enough to be pose any real threat during a storm.  Our house is the highest in the neighborhood, too.  I think we're 8 ft above sea level.  Don't snicker, that's high for Florida (my girls think overpasses are hills), and makes a huge difference between being dry and having your house flooded.
Sunday was actually a fun day, 'trapped' inside with it raining and blowing outside.  We played a few family games and enjoyed the time together.
The Singer comes home next Sunday (7/1).  I'm soo excited.  I've really missed her.  She celebrated her birthday, yesterday, for the first time away from home.  I sent her chocolate cookie dough cupcakes and a singing card and I think that helped her, but still....
Best news yesterday was my parents' house in under contract now.  Prayers of thanksgiving.  Their house has been on the market for a lonnnnnngggggggggg time.

May. Busy, Busy, Busy

The Imp and her boyfriend: high school graduation

The Imp and Hubby

The Singer and the Imp: Sisters!

The Imp's cake.   I was so happy with Publix' bakery in decorating this just the way I wanted.

The Singer with Grandma and Grandpa. (Notice the Princess crown on her mortar board)

The Singer with her Charlotte Family: Brian (my brother), and his family

The Singer: Graduation, Belmont Abbey Magna Cum Laude

Sisters....always the same.

Mom and daughter.  I'm so proud.

My girls with me on my birthday.

Varsity Girls 8.

April ended with UNF orientation and States for crew the next day.  The picture is the girls after their races.  The Imp is kissing Megan, her Stroke on the girls 8.  The coxswain (the Imp) and the Stroke sit face-to-face in the boat, so they become pretty close.  Megan is a junior and is going to miss the Imp tremendously next year.  The Imp is going to miss Megan, too, but is not doing crew in college.

May 12, the Singer graduated, with honors, from Belmont Abbey College.  My sister-in-law, Tracy, graciously offered her house up for the party afterwards.  (Brian, my brother, should get some credit, too for being so hospitable).  My brother, Kevin and his daughter, Lauren made it in from VA and my parents drove up from SC.  It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony in the morning.  The keynote speaker, Fr. Robert Spitzer was inspiring, and the class president was very entertaining.  I guess it's quite a milestone, graduating from college.  Normally, the graduate enters the 'real world workforce' and leaves behind the truly unique experience of campus life.  Well, the Singer will postpone her entry to the workforce, per se, as her work will be ministering to college students through FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students).
[Time is short and I have to go, but will publish this because I promised my mom some pictures.  More on the actual happenings of May tomorrow]