In which she lets you know she is alive but groggy

It was a night I am glad is behind me but we all made it. Hubby did come with us, even though he usually doesn't leave home when the mold count is so high. When we were driving back on the county road that leads to our home... next to a forest... dark and spooky... I was very happy to have someone in the car with me.

I ended up sleeping for a couple of hours with Christopher waking me that his friend is "about an hour" out on the Interstate. We packed all of his stuff in the car and headed to a nearby town. I am not out and about at 1:30 in the morning very often. This route is usually abounding with cars and semis but for the most part, we were all alone on the drive there and back again.

We arrived at the Denny's before his friend and hubby and I each had a cup of (very expensive) coffee. I had the real thing with warnings from the guys that I wouldn't be able to sleep but I knew I needed the caffeine just to drive home. Even though we had no intention of ordering food, we perused the Denny's menu and had sticker shock... yikes! It has always been on the pricey side but now their breakfast entrees are around $7.60 (slightly more or less). I know where I won't be eating out...

We arrived back home about 2:30 and I was wide awake. I took two Benedryl and watched a cute episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8, which is the cutest show. This was the episode where Dad took one of the kids to the Strasburg Train Museum, where we went when we were in Lancaster County. I only started watching this show after seeing it recommended on a blog I trust. It is so much fun, imagine having twins and then sextuplets? God, in His infinite wisdom, gave me two kids twelve years apart. It seemed strange at the time but now I understand. :)

Once the Benedryl kicked in, I not only went to sleep but had a hard time waking up at 9:00 this morning when my husband was telling me I'd better not sleep any later. I said a quick prayer for Christopher and his friends (another car load started at the same time for Baltimore from the Florida Keys). Now, I have to tell you, this was completely out of my comfort zone.

I really wanted to tell Christopher that he couldn't go but I didn't for two reasons. First, he is eighteen and doesn't need my permission. Second (and most important), he's a young man and he needs to take chances and get out of his comfort zone. I know most moms have a hard time letting go but homeschool moms are constantly battling the emotions of holding their boys too close as opposed to growing men. My mother was the queen of worry and it is something I battled for years. It is also an area where God has given me grace, learning to put my family in His capable hands.

Even last night as I drifted off to sleep, I did what I so often do in this situation (with both my now grown kids)... I remember back to each dedication ceremony where my husband and I gave them back to the Lord to use as He will. It helps when one of them is taking a risk, or living 1,000 miles away. :)

So, what is in store for me today? I still haven't recovered my pre-abscess strength so I haven't planned anything strenuous. I'll do some decluttering and the usual household maintenance. I bought a beautiful lace tablecloth at the thrift store for $1.00 recently. It has a couple small holes that I want to mend, a perfect project for a foggy brain day. I need to use some peaches I bought over the weekend and they have peach pie written all over them... I can see it in little letters. :)

I've promised my hubby to make some of his favorites for dinner that Christopher can't stand, like ham and bean soup. The ham bone from Easter is in the freezer! It will be a nice, cheap meal that he can use for a couple of lunches, too.

Yawn... my brain is foggy. I need another cup of coffee. Now. Perhaps this afternoon I'll be able to do some reading as well as baking... if the caffeine kicks in. The things we do for our children. Speaking of whom, I will be quite relieved to get a call this afternoon that he arrived safe and sound.

Print: Cookbook and Apples Poster; allposters.com