What a difference a day of sunshine can make after an extra long, cold winter and a nonexistent spring!  It was so nice driving through the neighbourhood yesterday seeing all the people out washing their cars and raking their lawns and crossing paths with all the dog walkers.  It’s like someone just flicked a switch and we all came back to life! 

Today I am cooking a turkey and we having a family picture done because everyone will be here at the same time which is no easy feat!   Let me tell you a little bit about my family.

My step-son James (who is 28), lives and works downtown Toronto will be home today.  He travels a lot for his job and quite frankly, he doesn’t make it out to the burbs that often anymore.  That’s ok, we now enjoy visiting him and seeing some of his favourite places in the City.  I don’t usually use or like the term step-son because James will always be like a son to me.  He was a sweet little 2 year old when his dad and I met and he doesn’t remember a time when I haven’t been in his life. 

Connor, my oldest (21) moved back out out in December and is living and working in Peterborough will be home today as well.  When I say he moved “back out” he lived in Peterborough while attending Sir Sanford Fleming College for 3 years.  It's hard for them to live back at home after they've been gone for 3 years, hard for us too!  This has been the best thing for Connor.  I firmly believe allowing our kids their independence and seeing them being able to financially support themselves is a fundamental part of "growing up".  Despite two college diplomas he's still not 100% sure what he wants to do for the rest of this life and we keep telling him that's ok too!  So much pressure on kids today and so few good jobs so it's hard for them and hard for us as parents to see them struggle.  You just have to always make sure they know they can come to you for advice or help anytime along the way.

And of course then we have Thomas, or Tommy as the family all calls him.  He’s almost 18 and the only one of his brothers living at home and he appears to relish that fact!  He is the photographer in the family, it’s his hobby,  he’s very passionate about it and very good at it!  He will be off to college in September but will be attending one locally and will continue to live at home.  He now covets the long awaited basement bedroom and says he's never moving out!  His dad and I have news for him! 

For today we will enjoy the beautiful sunshine, head to a somewhat scenic spot in our neighbourhood with my sons camera and tripod and attempt a family picture, complete with the dogs!   I’m sure the outtakes will be great!  After we are done we will come home and stuff our faces and enjoy having everyone under the same roof for a few hours.  

Social media will always have its pros and cons but for me, as a mom of young adults,  I love that we can all keep in contact by text or other social media avenues.  While nothing will ever compare to them physically being here, FaceTime is the next best thing!

Hope you all have a special Sunday and I hope the warm sun is shining on your too!

Michele xo