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Things are changing in our home, and to be completely honest, I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. If I've learned nothing else in life, change, whether for better or worse, is always hard! We always seem to want life to stay the same.
After 30 years of having children at home, Ron and I officially became empty nesters this week. Riley is continuing to dream of pursuing golf and returning to Asheville to work at Biltmore. It is a tremendous opportunity for him, and I am so proud of him for following his dreams!
Yet, that's where that "change" thing comes into play for me. I will miss him, and Ron and I will have to adapt to the reality of it all. I've been joking that I don't know if Ron and I have enough in common to survive without our kids. After all, 30 years revolved around raising them!
For many years, we had four separate practices a week: a game on Thursday night, another on Friday night, and two on Saturday. As I look back, I think, how did we do it?
Last evening, we had Vo-Vo, Reis, and Jordin over for Riley's last evening at home. It reassured me that time around the family table is the best gift we can give our families. It was such a simple meal, yet such a great night!
Here was our menu for the evening:
- Pork Tenderloin in the Oven
- Vo-Vo's original Portuguese Rice Recipe. It is the best rice you will ever eat!
- Air Fryer Asparagus Fries
- My famous Burrata Salad
- A simple salad with my amazing Balsamic Dressing
- And, Vo-Vo surprised us with her strawberry dessert, which the kids loved when they were little. Remind me to get the recipe from her and share it with you!
What's your go-to easy meal for a family get-together? I would love to hear about it.
All I have ever wanted for our children is for them to be happy and to be good people. I look at our children and know they are great people who are incredibly happy. Maybe Ron and I have more in common than I realized! 🤣
Cheers to Riley - keep on swinging for the stars! I love to see you follow your dreams!
From my family to yours,
Isabel
Instant Pot Lobster
Follow these steps to steam lobster to buttery perfection in 1 minute!
Here's the Instant Pot and Trivet I use to make this lobster recipe. Enjoy!
sharyn says
a family is a family no matter how many people sit down at the table. Being Italian, we are all taught that the most important thing in life above all else is, FAMILY
Isabel Laessig says
I completely agree, Sharyn! Family is the most important!
Carol Lorimer says
So happy for Reis, and wishing him all the best. What and exciting time!
I know that facing the empty nest can be bitter-sweet, but you can take pride in the fact that your children have grown into confident adults, not afraid of chasing their dreams, secure in the knowledge that they are always backed by your love. So many new adventures and stories to share await you!
Sending love and best wishes....
Looking forward to cooking lobster tails in the Insta-pot. Thanks for that recipe!
Isabel Laessig says
Carol, thank you so much - this made my day. I do feel very proud, and it is such a blessing to see them grow and chase their dreams. I'm wishing you the same, and I hope you enjoy the lobster!