I haven't posted anything in a LONG time apparently, since it's snowing on my last one. Ugh! In my defense, the packing, and moving preparations were killer, along with being a "single" parent for the past six months. I honestly don't know how people do it who are divorced. I at least had Brett home on weekends! Lets do a six month wrap up...Brett moved to Columbia South Carolina in January, leaving Braiden and I in Charlotte by ourselves Monday-Friday. We had some bumps along the way and missed him lots, but thankfully it's over and we are all settled into our tiny two bedroom apartment in Columbia. Braiden had an AWESOME year in school this year and it was hard for us to say goodbye to our friends, school, and my job. LOTS of tears on my part, some on Braiden's, but he only cries at home, so I'm the only embarrassment out in public. Ha! The last day of school was the worst (for me). The day started with Braiden receiving a Principal's Award on the morning announcements. Thankfully I had brought my camera that day to take pictures of him and his friends. (Photo op #1 and crying jag #1 for me) He had the best day, and when I walked into his room in the afternoon, he was grinning from ear to ear. I took one look at the class sitting on the floor watching a YouTube video of James Taylor singing "You've Got a Friend" (crying jag #2, I had to leave the room to compose myself). When I came back in, Braiden's long time friend, Kinsey, stood up in front of the class and gave a little talk about how they will miss him and gave him a class picture, framed and signed by all of the kids. (turn on the tears from here until the end of the day now). I took various pictures of him with friends and then the class all got together, arms around each other and sang to "I Hope You Dance", by Leann Womak. I was REALLY bawling now. It's a happy cry, as I feel so very blessed that he had such a wonderful year, awesome teacher and great friends...saying goodbye is NOT easy. He was SO very happy though, so that makes it easier for me. That night he had his Championship baseball game and they WON! They all got medals and he was on cloud nine. What a fabulous last day of school! Monday, June 14 the packers came to pack us. The movers then arrived on Tuesday. When everything was out, I found my sweet boy standing in his empty playroom, looking around and crying. He is SO my kid! We both cried and hugged. I know it's only a house, but it was our house for the past 6 years, our family, our memories and we were saying goodbye. Brett laughs at us, but we are sappy sorts. I am SO thankful to God that we sold our house in these tough times though. Tuesday night was spent with Darnell, Jackie, Dave, and their lawnmower, along with some cocktails. We were attempting to help Dave, Darnell's hubby, fix the lawnmower. Unfortunately, he did better, with is one good arm and one broken arm, then we did with two good arms apiece. Ha! Braiden and I were lucky enough to be able to stay with our best friends for our last two days in Charlotte. Wednesday we went to the pool with them and he had his baseball party that night. More tears here, since his coach gave him a beautiful engraved picture frame with pictures of the team and some of Braiden and Brett. It was SO cute. We will definitely miss Steele Creek Athletic Association too. Thursday was lunch with our best friends, Darnell, Lauren, and Alex, at Friday's followed by our tearful hugs and goodbyes. We drove by the 'ol house one last time, took a picture in front of it and headed off to our new "digs" in Columbia. We are building a house in Irmo, a city near Columbia. It's cute and quaint and I can't wait to see what life holds in store for us in our new home. That's my winded wrap up...another six months till the next post? Possible. Ha!
