First Time College Mom

 "They grow up fast!"

I've heard that so much in these eighteen years of raising kids.  I've felt it too.  I remember putting Matthew on the school bus for the first day of kindergarten and aching to have the little baby back.  I remember helping to get him settled into a new routine of middle school and aching for that little baby back.  Then when it came time for high school, the aching felt a lot more intense.  By graduation, it hurt more.  

But nothing, NOTHING, had ever felt more excruciating than this.  

We spend 18 years teaching our children how to be independent and self-sufficient adults and when that time comes it feels like a gut punch.  I knew it wasn't going to be easy but I did not expect just how much it would hurt.  Then again, I know that it is time.  He's ready.  I cannot hold on forever.  You know, that umbilical cord needs cut at some point.  He's going to do just fine and I'm going to continue being proud of the man he's destined to become.  

I love being a mom and if we can be honest I loved being a mom to little ones.  I miss the little ones.  The teenage years and young adult years have been quite trying for me.  Some mothers ease into each stage just fine but I am struggling.  Yet I know, it's all going to be okay.  

So, there he is - my theology major.  The biggest part of my heart.  Always.  

School Has Begun

 Hello on a Tuesday!  I thought I would give a little update since a lot has happened in the last few days.  As I'm in the middle of house cleaning and figuring out dinner plans, I thought I'd stop in to catch up.

Today was the first day back to work as a school van driver.  This is year number four and it's gone by quickly.  For these first few weeks I will only have to pick up one student for elementary since the other school doesn't start until the 31st.  That gives it a slow start to the school year and I'm thankful for that.  Unfortunately, my little one was refusing to get into the van this morning so her mother took her in.  I'll see her at school pickup, and hopefully, she'll behave better for the teacher putting her in.  In sad news, one of the owners of my company passed away tragically in a car accident last Friday morning.  She was the mother of my boss.  Just one day before, I had seen her at the work meeting.  She prayed over us and I know that prayer will continue to carry us bus and van drivers throughout the year.  I was sad at the news and sad for the family.  They are a very close family and she was the light that carried them.  

My daughter Brianna turned 15 this weekend.  She could not think of what to do aside from going to Cain's for dinner.  Have you ever had Cain's chicken?  I did not get a picture of her from there but I did get one of her with the birthday cake at home after.  

And those boxes in the background are filled with things for Matthew to bring for his dorm room.  

For him, he moves into college on Friday.  I am not ready but he is.  Well, he's mentally ready.  He still has so much to pack and we have a few more things to buy.  He's not going far and will be close to my parents so we'll still get to see him often.  Today Brianna started her sophomore year of high school.  She was not ready but I told her the first day of a new year means it's a clean slate.  She can start with a good attitude and a determination to work hard.  We'll see.  She's a lot like her momma was with school.  Hard to find that motivation.  

So, here we are.  A new school year of 180 days, new challenges and opportunities, and room for more growth.  I pray the year goes smoothly for all teachers, school staff, drivers, and students!  Whether they attend public school, private school or homeschool I wish many blessings upon your children/grandchildren.  Let's go!  

I'll also add, yesterday was my dad's 79th birthday.  We stopped over with a cake.  He insisted Bri help him blow out the candles since her birthday was close to his.  

Days Like These

 One thing I've loved about summer vacation is that most mornings are slow moving with no reason to rush.  I spent a lot of those mornings on the back deck reading, praying, and listening to birds chirping.

This might be the last morning like this as Monday will be a morning doctor appointment and a visit to my dad's for his birthday.   School starts on Tuesday and my van is parked in front of the house and ready for another year of driving students to and from school.   

Yesterday morning was the back to work meeting.  It was nice seeing everyone again.  I'm blessed by this company and the wonderful management.   I'm looking forward to getting back to the routine and earning a full paycheck again but I'll miss my lazy mornings at home.  

I return from the morning run by 9am so that does give me the opportunity to relax a little before daily chores begin but it's not the same as waking up a little later and staying in pajamas a little longer.  I guess not everyone can be so lucky.  

The Graduation Party ... Finally

 We did it!  We survived Matthew's graduation party.  

The early afternoon started off very rainy, which had me worried but one hour before party time it cleared up and we were able to go with the original idea of having it in the backyard.  I did not decorate as much as I would have liked to.  Some who were invited could not make it and that's what happens when you plan a summer party.  My daughter wanted to do the inviting and forgot some, too.  But there were enough who showed up, including many of his friends.  Good friends.  Friends I'm glad he has.  

I am thankful for the friend who asked to take our family picture.  We all just happen to wear a school running shirt and did not even try it.  

It was a great day, perfect weather, plenty of food, and good conversation.  

Next week Matthew will be heading to college exactly 31 miles away, which isn't far but he'll be living on campus.  My daughter will also be starting her sophomore year of high school and I pray it will be a good one for her.  She's really been struggling with friendships and finding her way.  Oh, Lord, help her to find her way.  

Anyone want pizza?  We have plenty left over.