Sunday, June 18, 2017

Leaving the Nest by Jannine Gallant

My last post was about my oldest coming home from college for the summer and the change in household dynamics. So, I thought my youngest should get the spotlight this time. (Can you tell I'm tired of talking about books? LOL) Kristen graduated from high school a few days ago. Come September, my husband and I will have to get used to being empty-nesters. With all this new uninterrupted togetherness, we'll either remember why we got married in the first place...or kill each other. Could be a toss up!

The last two weeks have been hectic with "senior" activities. First there was the prom. Lots of picture-taking involved.


Kristen and her best friends.

Kristen and her date.

Then we had awards night. Lots of clapping (my hands are chapped), as most of the senior class received scholarships and awards from our incredibly generous small community. Then there was the senior breakfast followed by graduation. (More photos and clapping!)


Kristen and her older sister, Tara.

The husband, the graduate, Tara, me, my mom.

Kristen and her best buds again.

I've been busy...but not with anything book related. I really need to get back into the writing groove. Sometimes a break to spend time with family is critical, however, and I thoroughly enjoyed all the festivities.

So now that I've entertained you (hopefully) with a few pictures, feel free to check out my books. WILDE ONE is still on sale for .99 cents. I'm not sure how long the sale will last. You can find links to all my books on my WEBSITE.

I almost forgot this was posting on Sunday. Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! 

17 comments:

Margo Hoornstra said...

Congratulations to Kristen! And to you, Mom, for helping get her there. The writing is fun, but family time is crucial. Thanks for sharing yours.

Jannine Gallant said...

Happy to share, Margo. We're getting back to "normal" now. Hmm, not too sure how normal I am, so maybe I should say the regular routine. LOL

Rolynn Anderson said...

Loved the pics...empty nest bitter-sweet, I imagine. I hear daughters come home OFTEN, so despair not. Predict now which one stays in touch most often. 😂

Jannine Gallant said...

A little bittersweet, Rolynn, but luckily I have writing to keep me busy. The youngest couldn't be in touch less often if she tried. LOL The oldest texts, usually when she wants me to proofread a paper. She did call the morning after she broke both her elbows...

Leah St. James said...

Congratulations to Kristen...and to her parents who obviously gave her what she needed to grow into the accomplished (and beautiful!) young woman she is. Empty-nesting is hard at first, but I'll bet you get your groove for that pretty quickly. :-)

Jannine Gallant said...

Thanks, Leah. I certainly hope so!

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Congrats to Kristen and her parents who kept her on track. What does she have planned for the fall? As for having an empty nest, it brings all kinds of fun possibilities.

Jannine Gallant said...

She's going to college at Southern Oregon University, Vonnie. Fun possibilities indeed...

Alison Henderson said...

I've been enjoying all your photos of prom and graduation. They take me back a few years. Sending a child off to college is such an exciting time for the whole family. Since PO&O and I are so close, I expected to suffer horrible empty nest syndrome, but I didn't at all. We were all ready for the next step, and I'll bet you are, too. Have fun!

Margo Hoornstra said...

Oops. And Dad too. Happy Fathers Day to all of them.

Jannine Gallant said...

I've grown used to having Tara gone, Alison, so I don't expect this will be a huge adjustment. The way time flies, it seems like no time before holiday visits, spring break, etc. brings them back home.

Brenda Whiteside said...

I remember those first empty nest days. I should've been writing erotic romance back then. LOL Have fun with it. And when they do come back, now and then, it's so much fun interacting on an adult level.

Jannine Gallant said...

Good one, Brenda! Adult is a stretch at this age, but it is nice when they come home.

Diane Burton said...

A big step for Kristen (congrats) and one for you & your husband. That last summer for my kids were crazy. I was happy for them and for me, too. That's when I began writing. All those years of doing for them and being known as their mother, now it was my turn. I had an identity again. Although you've already made a life for yourself, it's still a severing of your old life. Bitter sweet. Try not to kill your husband. LOL It's an exciting time for the two of you. Enjoy.

Jannine Gallant said...

I think having a driving interest outside of family helps with the transition for sure, Diane. I'll hold off on killing the husband for a while at least. LOL

Andrea Downing said...

Just found this today. thanks for sharing your family with us. I'll look forward to the next instalment in a year's time or so ;-)

Jannine Gallant said...

Ha! Wild tales from the empty nest come September, Andrea!