We hope you had a fabulous and safe Fourth of July! We are enjoying sunshine and the team is watering like a boss! Also, I believe they are pre-ordering all things for fall: mums, fall veggies, pansies, and of course pumpkins are essential! However, we will hold off on displaying these until the appropriate time, unlike the big box stores that are filling the shelves with fake pumpkins and fall flowers. Too soon, too soon.
So last week, we shared Nick is headed off to NC State to pursue an architect degree. We have a limited period of time with him so we continue to make the most of it with pranks, countdowns, and such.
Well, they are dropping like flies around here! Tess is headed off to experience all the joy of full-time motherhood! Insert my eye roll and audible sigh here.
Tess has been with us for one-and-a-half years and her smile in this picture reflects her personality. You won't find a more kind-hearted, loving, responsible, and loyal person than Tess. She is also quite funny; I often hear her and Scott upstairs laughing and he will tell me at home, "Tess is so witty," then share something funny she said.
On top of this, she is just a great mom to Everett. Her face lights up when she talks about him and his first steps, and she always has photos and videos ready for sharing. We feel truly privileged to have been a part of her life and world. AmberLeigh took a poll on who the nicest people are in the office and Tess was at the top, if that tells you anything. Everett is one lucky little guy to have his mommy home with him full-time and, oh, the memories that will be made. Sigh.
I stayed home with my own kids for years after a season of being a full-time working mom. So I wholeheartedly support all working moms and stay-at-home moms. I get both sides. I mean, I could start a playgroup at FGS for moms and grandmommies.
Some of my best memories and friends for life came from a Wednesday playgroup to various parks and play areas. Some of my now-adult children are still friends with those playmates. We could get together and let them play once a week, enjoy the animals, and pack picnic lunches (and I have the code to The Potting Shed)! Who's with me on this idea? Moms new to the area? Grands looking for something fun to do and meet new people with their own grandkids?
Look at me coming up with the silver lining! Tess has promised she will come frequently so maybe I can rope her in for my playgroup idea and then I will see her every single week! This is just a win/win all around.
Tess has an inbox on the wall with her name on it. I may or may not have written "Quitter" in Sharpie over her name, took a picture, and sent it to her the morning after she left. We then bantered back and forth and I shed a couple tears. I hate change, yet I create change all the time. Go figure.
Well, that's all I have to say about that except don't be a quitter ... on plants. And Tess, we love you. You are missed every day!
