Like a Sunflower - Chicago Area Family Photojournalist

My family was in FL on vacation last week.  I had all intentions of posting a blog but that was a fail.  I hope you forgive me.  I know my awesome brother Ralphy checked in because he said to me, "I missed your blog last week."  At least I know one person reads my blogs... HA! Actually I know from my stats a few hundred check in on me every month.  Thank you! :)

I will be playing catch up on my blogs. This week and next week I will post a double feature: 2 blogs.

It's also that time of the year... in the next few weeks I will be moving my blog to Tuesday's.  I have just completed my second year of this blogventure.  I am excited to start a third year.  I hope you continue to check in and see what I am up to.  Feel free to leave a comment and tell me what you think. 
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The garden is coming along wonderfully.  Thanks to my husband's problem solving we have STRAWBERRIES! The kiddos love to go out to the backyard, pick and eat strawberries, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, mint and anything else they can get their hands on.

 

I am amazed at the sunflower we have growing. 

R brought a tiny little sunflower in a plastic cup from preschool.  She helped me plant it in the garden. 

Just 2 months later it towers over everything in the garden.  It has yet to bloom but I love to watch it change positions as the sun moves across the sky. 

Reminds me of a song I use to sing in elementary school.
"Like a sunflower, that follows every movement of the sun...
so I turn towards you, to follow you...
my God."

Shout out to the L family who took care of my garden while we were on vacation.  It's nice to have good neighbors.  :)



Friends - Chicago Area Photojournalist

On Saturday, I caught up with several friends.  I barely give myself time, forget about giving my friends the time they deserve. 

At a high school friends house warming, I caught up with 2 other high school friends and 2 grade school friends.  I laughed so much my mouth was sore when I left.

I had dinner with a college roommate.  She is a SAHM mom too.  We shared our current struggles and triumphs; we also shared our fears and dreams for the future. 

A friend from Nashville just so happened to be visiting Chicago this weekend.  I ventured into the downtown area, even though the news said to stay away because of NATO protester.  I didn't see any protesters just lots of police officers and my sweet friend. We talked for hours.  Our husbands work in the same field and it was nice to talk to someone who understands what challenges it brings for the family.          

I covered a span between 1984-2007 of friends, that's 23 years, in one day.  Can you tell I don't get out much? 

There is no coincidence that this blog is about friendship.  I have been thinking about friendship, what it means and how it has changed over time.  I even read up on the subject of friendship.  One article said there has been a decline in friendship in the U.S. by 23% since 1985.   I also read this, "the conventional wisdom is that good friendships enhance an individuals sense of happiness and overall well-being, but a number of solid studies support the notion that strong social supports improve a woman's prospects for good health and longevity."  I have said that motherhood can be a lonely place but only because I allow it to be.

I have made some really great friends through out the years, across the country. I must admit that the last few years I have become guarded and haven't really made new close friends. 

I love watching my children develop friendships.  They have the attitude of this quote, "Everyone is a friend until they prove otherwise."  I should follow their example.