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Monday, March 5, 2012

A Weekend Without

It was the first weekend without Mom or other Mom “events” so I was unsure at first how things would go. Looking back, it was a very pleasant weekend with lots getting accomplished. I somehow managed to take about 40 pictures on my iPhone this weekend as well. I blame it on my official re-entry into Instagram. [To follow along, go find me – chelseasunset]

The weekend started off with a trip into one of the cutest neighborhoods in the area – a neighborhood in Old Town Alexandria where my Mom used to live before I was born. I hope to go back some time in the daylight to get pictures of the beautiful homes with the huge wrap-around porches, the old gas stations, and cute little store fronts. It’s like walking back into the early 1960’s :)

OldTown 
Monroes
FoodCollage
[Clams casino and a slice of cheesecake. So yum.]

Saturday afternoon, I met up with Whitney and Erica for lunch at the one-and-only Cafe Rio. [You can see pictures in previous posts.] I’m kind of feeling like an area expert of that place, after having lived in Salt Lake. That’s literally the most popular place to eat in all of Utah so opening two Cafe Rios in Virginia is pretty huge.
Anyway, the weather was so beautiful that we sat out on the patio, enjoyed our delicious meals, and talked about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness :) We followed that up with a trip to Goodwill and stopped by Petsmart. We almost each left with a dog but we resisted the temptation. One day, though, I am going to cave.

On the way home, I stopped by the cemetery where my mom is buried and sat and “talked” with her for a while. It was a beautiful day with a subtle breeze and I felt so much peace being there. Miss her everyday.

Grave 
Card
I also received THE sweetest card all the way from
Megan in Norway!! I totally teared up while reading what she wrote. Her support and encouraging words are going to stick with me for quite some time. Thank you so so much, Megan!

My day continued being a good one when I decided that I ought to buy another pair of my favorite jeans. Not only did they have one last pair in my size BUT they were also on sale. Bam! And that, my friends, is how it’s done.

Jeans

I also caught this gorgeous sunset. Maybe it was my Mom shining down :)

Sunset

Also, this weekend, the annual Chocolate Lovers Festival was taking place. Obviously, I had to attend.

Chocolate

Truffles! They make everything better, don’t they?
The ceiling where the festival was being held was absolutely beautiful. These buildings have been around for a very long time and seeing beams like these just makes me smile.

Beams 
Fairfax
MissAub

Sunday evening was spent with family. My little niecey is a sweetheart and wanted to help the kitty eat her food :)

I love my family, I love my friends, I love my life – the hard times, the good times – I love what God has given me and I know the things He has taken from me are still there even if I can’t see them.

15 comments:

Lindsey said...

You are simply amazing Chelsea! I've told you this a million times and now more than ever, I see what a resilient and optimistic lady you are. My heart and thoughts are with you in this time in your life. I truly can't even imagine what you are going through, but you handle it with such grace. I'm glad you had such a packed weekend. I wish we lived closer so we could actually hang out IRL! XOXO I'm so sorry for your loss. Stay strong beautiful girl.

CALLIE said...

It sounds like a perfect weekend and how special it must have been to sit and talk to your mother. I know she was smiling big!!! Hope you are doing well. Praying for you everyday!

KRISTIN said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend! So glad lady!

Jess said...

First of all - that is SO thoughtful of her to send you an encouraging card...what a sweetheart!

And you are my inspiration to remember to take pictures of my daily life - I am so bad about it!
But these are simple pictures but so fun to look at! I love the brick wall! :)

Happy Monday!
xo

Nicole Rene said...

This was a very sweet post, I loved reading it. :)

Shannon said...

I'm new to the Northern Virginia area, so I would LOVE to hear some of the "must see's" (and eats, lets be honest, food is pretty important) - I LOVE Alexandria, too! :)

Rebecca said...

Your strength amazes me! Keep on keeping on!

Anonymous said...

im really glad you enjoyed the card...and holy smokes it arrived fast!!!!

im glad you had a 'good weekend' :) and are making the best of things. truffles always make me feel better. i wish there was a chocolate festival somewhere over here. i could do some serious damage there.

have a wonderful week love!

Raquel said...

Sounds like you had a great weekend! So glad you're doing well :)

Whit said...

Happy to hear you're doing well and spending time with your family. You're a strong lady with such a positive outlook. :)

Kate @ Daffodils said...

You are such an inspiration for continuing to find the good in life! (side note: my parents live in old towne now and I grw up nearby, it is one of my favorite places to go!)

Amanda said...

Chelsea,

You are SUCH an inspiration and such a strong woman, it makes me so happy to see you finding happiness in the small things and finding your mom in all those wonderful things. Keep smiling :)

Erica said...

Lunch was so much fun :)

Kristen said...

you have no idea what strong and enduring woman you are, thank you for sharing everything with us.

Katie said...

Chelsea,
I read your guest post on KC&CO, and I had to stop by. Your story about your mother's passing broke my heart. Hearing you talk about your visit and talking with her at the grave site broke it even more. I just can't imagine what this must be like for you, and I just want to hug you and cry with you, and share my mother with you. You're so brave, and stronger than you know, and I know your momma will look down on you and watch over you always. I am so, so sorry for your loss. It's not fair.