This was the week the page flipped from summer to I don't even know what. All the things started hitting at once and non-summer pace kicked into high gear. There was no smooth exit ramp- just an abrupt whack of life. All the demands became more demanding in a loud, dramatic way.
Rocco was off to his SENIOR orientation day which was more of a fun activity day held off-campus, not in uniform, so I let him off the hook for pictures until the official first day.
First shift back at DQ for the fall.
So poised and grown.
At the end, she stood to thank everyone and was overcome with emotion which is quite rare for her. Sweet girl! I hope and pray the words and themes and admonitions shared will stick with her as she navigates life these next few years.
Thank you, Lisa for the amazing pictures.
This is how they spent their 53rrd wedding anniversary!
Wednesday, Aug. 26th
Our closing date for Ridge Street was originally August 17th. That was clutch because I was trying to thread the needle between our summer travel being done and my trip to visit Maddy and Mason on Sept. 15th. Four weeks was going to be perfect to get contractors in, for me to do the work I needed to do, and to accept tenant applications. The goal was to have it rented by the time I got on the plane.
The buying process took way longer than planned or necessary. First and foremost the seller was extremely slow to communicate and make decisions and his agent operated as though it was quite possibly his first deal. It made for an incredibly frustrating process and my agent stepped up and did more than required of her. What a rockstar! The other speed bump was on the lending and appraisal side of things that I won't bore you with.
Just know that every day that passed, was one less day to get the job done before I left. So after a week delay, I asked for permission to get into the vacant apartment so I could start the process of cleaning, measuring, planning, and having contractors in to give estimates on the bathroom. Here are just a couple sneak peak pictures. It's got a ton of charm and character. This is the second floor unit.
Renna helped me for a couple hours.
Tuesday, Aug. 25th
Renna spends Tuesday afternoons with Bo and Kelly.
More time at Ridge for me.
This evening we hosted the sixth of six DiSalvatore traditional "Blessing" nights. All of our kids have sat through a just-for-them evening as they move from homeschool to high school. We invited the people who are VIPs in her life and will have continued influence on her for the next four years. She has watched her 5 siblings all have their turn, but didn't really know what to expect. It was lovely in every way- spoke life, encouraged, challenged, honored and loved Renna.
Nick came all the way from Boston. He has prioritized these and helped make them special.
I'm so grateful for the community of people who continue to be so supportive of us. It's a blessing!
I started the day at Ridge. The appraiser came back to sign off on the basement work. My realtor came just to chat him up and keep things moving.
Maddy called so I got to give her a video tour.
She got her first phone.
Freshman orientation!!!!! She was so excited to go. She's looking forward to the social side of being at school- the sports, the dances, the friends.
I was invited to a sweet little back deck dinner on a beautiful August evening.
Friday, Aug. 28th
Maddy made a video to be played at Renna's Blessing. In it, she referenced her mistake of wearing the the knee socks, so I pulled a picture. I'd have to fact-check, but I'm 98% sure Renna is the tallest DiSalvatore entering freshman year, including the boys. She's 5'4" now.
This turkey had his first day, too!
First official full day of school for all grades.
Off they went. I waved til I couldn't see them as tears streamed down my face. And after 22 years of homeschooling, I walked into the empty house with no one to teach. It was my life, and now it is not. It's a season of feeling very displaced and seeking the Lord to know what's next for me.
My Dad has been busy writing his second novel. He's been so excited and eager to launch it. The printer sent him a final proof.
Why not start the hockey season with a tournament?! I think I made 3 of the 4 games, back and forth to North Haven for work at Ridge.
Coursins!!!!
More hockey.
I had prepared everyone to share a favorite memory or 2 from the house. Andrea came up with the idea of a surprise fashion show using some of Ninny's gowns.
And then Ninny surprised us!!!! For each woman / girl, she prepared a few words and gifted each of us a piece of her crystal collection, even one for Maddy, Ezra, and Elia.
The beaded jacket made an appearance!
And then we attempted a few pictures.
A local family hosted brunch in between games.
Sunday, Aug. 30th
Pretty sunrise walk.
And then..... very, very notable. We had a precious "last spaghetti supper" at Ninny and Papa's. Everyone (kinda miraculously) was able to be there (minus the Rambaroses). We all gathered to work and pack and clean, and say our official goodbyes to the only house we've known. The only house the 3 DILs have known, the only house the grandkids have all known as Ninny and Papa's. The place of special holidays, a couple weddings, countless sleepovers, lots of spaghetti, many french toast mornings, floor hockey in "the hot room" (3rd floor), sweet family gatherings, Christmas presents torn open, new babies rocked, birthdays, graduations, milestones, just... a lot of life within those walls in 30 years.
The men worked to to load the truck with the big, heavy things. The women pushed for decisions to be made and even may have snuck some things into the goodwill pile! The kids ran all over the place, in and out of the empty rooms.
In our group chat earlier in the week, we had tried to come up with a theme for the night. Maybe a certain attire to all wear. Nick had the most genius idea, and with a quick AI ask, the shirt idea came to be. Unfortunately we were short on time to make it happen, but this was the sentiment of the night.
Papa had a few words.
We had Harlem take the one on the stairs. At the end he just started moving around clicking rapid-fire.
