College bound (almost)

This morning I am sitting here enjoying my quiet time, and simply thanking God for all of the blessings in my life.   Yes...every day I should know how incredibly blessed I am, but life happens.  When life happens...people make you angry, you get mad at yourself, and you get down on yourself.  You forget just how blessed you are! Now y'all...when I say I'm blessed - I truly mean it! I have the three most amazing kids EVER, I have six pretty amazing nieces and nephews (who by the way are crazy talented), I have a brother and sister who have not only put up with my craziness through the years, but have even embraced it when they needed to.  And, let's don't forget my parents...bless!  They have had to deal with my antics for my whole life and they really should get an award for that!!

But, back to the point... over the the last week, I have watched all of my loved ones take time out of their lives to wish our princess well in the next chapter of her life.  I have watched as our framily (yes - framily, friends who turn into family) has reassured her that she will do great things, that she will be missed daily but will be home soon enough, and as they have simply loved on her!

I'm not gonna lie, we are both a little anxious about her leaving, but not for the reasons you would think.  I do not have one doubt that she will succeed at anything in life that she puts her mind to.  She is a dysphonetic dyslexic who has overcome so much, and has worked so hard for everything she has earned.  So... I don't worry about her going to class or making good grades. I worry about silly stuff!  Like... who in the world am I going to watch the Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise with?  Yes... it is our guilty pleasure every week. When I'm having a bad day... who is going to blare the music and dance it out with me? Who in the world is going to sing my duets with me in the car?? Ya know... not everyone knows the soundtrack to High School Musical and Frozen!!

So, today we are going to enjoy one last day and one more sleep before we move the princess in her dorm to start the next chapter of her life.  When I think about this time in her life, I am reminded of my favorite Bible verse that I have held onto for so many years, "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." ~ 1 Corinthians 10: 12-13. This verse is a reminder that we are going to encounter hard times, but God will always be there to pick us up, and help us through. And, above all else.. remember to stand strong in your beliefs! 

Now, to all my friends...just know that I will be an empty nester in less than 24 hours and I might spontaneously burst into tears. And, to my friends that have little ones... enjoy every minute - 18 years goes by in the blink of any eye.  But... I could not be more excited for my princess and the journey that is about to begin!

Things are changing...

Well, we are down to officially six more sleeps before my princess leaves for college.  I'm not sure how it happened so fast, but there is one thing for certain - things are changing! I'm not sure how it has happened, but... my baby is leaving for college.  I was prepared when my oldest moved out, because after all - he was the oldest.  Then the middle one left.. not for college, but he enlisted in the United States Army.  Now... the Army took more than a little adjustment and a whole lot of praying. But now... y'all, it's my BABY!!! AND... it's my only girl!  She is a whole different story!

Let me just tell you a couple of things... she is my ride or die, my dance partner in the kitchen, my forever road tripper and my steering wheel dance partner.  She is the one who can make a bad day good and that can make me laugh until I just about pee my pants. She is my karaoke partner in the car, with windows down and music up. She is the one who will watch Christmas movies with me year round, and loves tradition just as much as I do.  She is sassy, stubborn, strong-willed, kind, and above all else she is a Jesus lover and a prayer warrior!

I have tried to imagine what this was like for my parents when they moved me into my dorm, but honestly...I think I was such a brat - they were probably ready for a break!  So, for the next seven sleeps... I am going to soak up as much time as I can and enjoy every minute.  Yes...I know that she will only be 2 1/2 hours away, and yes... I know that we can visit as often as we need.  But, it is the day-to-day that I'm going to miss and all the little things that she has spoiled me with.  Oh...how I love my sweet girl!