I know it’s been a little while since I’ve written or updated my website. Life got a little crazy, and this got set aside for a bit. I am now back and very excited to focus on sharing recipes, photos, and more!
We all know how crazy a year 2021 was! For me, it was full of so many ups and downs. One of the biggest ups was what distracted me from keeping up with Sights & Tastes. I will fill you in!
I have finally received the wish I have had for a long time…a very full house! As a parent, my job was to provide my two children with wings to fly and find their own future paths. I also hoped those wings would find their way back home, or at least close by.
Both of my children flew away to colleges that were plane rides away. I was so happy for them that they had the confidence and independence to do that. I also secretly hoped that going away would give them an appreciation for where they grew up. My wish has come true, at least for now.
After graduating early from the University of Wisconsin, my son moved home. This occurred in January 2020 right before the pandemic began. Once home, he decided on his next path and began taking online classes and studying from home. Since the world was pretty much shut down, I was more than happy to have him home.
My daughter, on the other hand, left for college at Washington University in St. Louis in 2013, stayed there for undergraduate school plus two years of grad school, and then found her way to the Dominican Republic for work and love. She got married there in December 2019 and then the pandemic hit. She and her husband ended up staying there for two years but finally were able to move back home in December 2021, along with their two little puppies!
I secretly hoped that going away would give them an appreciation for where they grew up. My wish has come true!
So now, the empty nest that my husband and I had for a few years has become very full once again. There is constant coming and going. There are a lot of animals. There are a lot of groceries to buy and meals to cook. The washer, dryer, and dishwasher are constantly running. There are pets to be fed and cleaned up after. There is laughter. There are arguments. There is stuff stored all over the house. Even with all of that, there is so much love that my heart feels so full!
I know this will all come to an end at some point. The children will get their footings and start their next chapters, but, for now, I am soaking it all in and treasuring every moment.
I wouldn’t change this full house for anything!