Where to start? I think I left off with a wonderful wedding. Things moved on quite peacefully and normally. Ben and Randi moved into an apartment in Lockport which was very near to my work so I could just shoot over on my lunch break and visit or borrow their space to enjoy some quiet time away from the Health Dept. Randi worked very hard at Salon Beautique and built herself a wonderful clientele. Ben, in a deep search for what he wanted to do, tried a few different jobs, contemplated more education, and finally landed a job at a car dealership that he seems to enjoy and they seem to treat him well.
Sadly, we lost our lovely, wonderful Aunt Annie. What a trouper she was throughout all her struggles to beat her failing lungs. In the end, she and Chuck knew it was time for her to go home to her Lord and we all know that she is finally in the place she belongs and we will share with her once again. We love you so much Aunt Annie. Uncle Chuck has done quite well this year, although he is very lonely. We just found out this week that Chuckie, Shelley and the kids are going to move into his home with him. That is wonderful news and we are excited for all of them (but where will we sleep when we come to visit???).
About a year ago Randi, Ben and I were at dinner and we were having a discussion about issues Randi was having at the salon. The new owner was not a very class-act and some of the girls she was bringing on board were not too classy either. Randi really works so hard to have a good work ethic and to bring a high quality of hair care to her clients so this was really bothering her. Along with that, one of her clients showed up, but she had an appointment with another stylist. Apparently she had called the salon and Randi wasn't working so the new owner scheduled this client with another stylist rather than giving her Randi's number. The client didn't know. We talked and Randi decided to begin a search for a new salon to work at - sooooo, Monday she started searching on Craigslist for salons that were hiring. Well, onto a new journey - she found a salon in the village of Williamsville up for sale! Price - unbelievable! Call to mom (do you think its a scam?). Mom does research, calls number, talks to owner, they are moving out of town and need to sell quickly. So, in April of 2013 Randi is now the proud owner of Shear Passion Hair Salon, which opened on May 1, 2013!!!! And let me tell you, this girl can rock! She managed to keep all of her clients, they love the new salon, and she is doing great!
So now mom is sitting at her very boring job at the Health Dept. wondering how much more of this she can honestly stand. Then she hears that you can retire from the county with less than 20 years at age 55 and still get a pension. Wheels are now turning, but the new salon is way too small to take on what I had thought I wanted to do - be an esthetician. So Randi suggest learning nails. Mom researches again and finds a class at Erie Boces that is full time and starts June 1 so I could be working by September. Perfect!!!! but not in God's plans. I was completely blown away when I called in early May to set up my interview and they advised me that the class was being cancelled. I called Randi and in her wisdom she said "mom, don't get so disappointed. God will take care of it and everything will work out." She is full of way more wisdom and trust than I find myself to be. So on to find a plan B. Called all over and could only find a part time (19 week) class at Salon Professional Academy that started July 29 and ended December 5. Ugh - how would I do that? Couldn't even imagine working full time and going to school for four months can ever possibly work....but with much encouragement and reassurance from my hubby and daughter I took the steps to take this new journey and see what is up the road ahead. And im so glad I did. Loved going to school, hated going to work. Graduated and started working at the salon on December 18, 2013! It was a crazy, busy December and so far so good. I am pretty busy - much mores so than I had dreamed. Im working out all the kinks and figure, just about the time I ready to really retire I will have this all down to a science.
Life is a journey and im so glad that God has allowed me these neat twists and turns along the way
Now here is the really BIG, really EXCITING news! Im going to be a grandma! I have a beautiful baby boy coming in the beginning of August. Well, at least at this point we are pretty sure he is a "he". The little bugger keeps his legs crossed in all the sonograms so they don't really have a good, official picture yet. His name will be Colton James (CJ) and he will be grandma's pride and joy. I am beyond excited. Randi told me on Christmas eve and said she was really surprised I hadn't noticed how sick she was at work all of December. Well girl, you move so fast and manage so many clients in a day that no one would have noticed a darn thing. You will be 24 years old in a few days and I am so proud to see the woman you have grown into and am so looking forward to watching the momma you will become. What a very blessed gift that God gave you and Ben, and that He has blessed my life with.
Right now it is mid-winter, very cold, and I have a serious case of cabin fever. Just a bit over all this snow that is falling, but so glad that the Lord has seen fit to give me a nice, warm home and two furry, cuddly pups to sit next to me and keep me company. Today is a day that is a gift and I praise and thank you Lord for blessing me with it. Till next time.....
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