Another Child ....

..... another college.

We took C's oldest to college this weekend.
I have been dreading this day for him .... and for her .... and for her younger sister.
This transition is going to be difficult for them.

I think his daughter will be fine.  She will be homesick, but she will flourish.
It will be hardest for C.
It's been the three of them for 9 years.
Please pray for them, Peeps.

It was fun to help her set up her dorm room.
We got her unpacked, set up and decorated in record time.
I'm getting to be quite the expert now.
Maybe I should offer my services for sale every August!  :)

The college had a special induction service last night.
It was kind of neat.
Then we took her and a friend out to dinner.
We had planned to stay the night so that we could participate in the evening stuff.
I'm glad we did.

I think that staying over, and going to church with the girls this morning, made it much easier on the two of them to separate.
Not that it was easy .... but it was easier.
Everyone felt that it was time ... and they were ready.
I think it's harder when you take them to the dorm, help set stuff up (hopefully) and then leave.  It seems more abrupt that way .... and heart-wrenching.

Speaking of heart-wrenching ..... S#1 is leaving in 2 days.
For Spain.
Sigh.
I'll miss him.
But I know that he will have the time of his life.
I'm excited for him.
Plus .... I get to see him in October.

I'm so glad that D#2 isn't heading to Africa with the Peace Corps this month.
I think that may have sent me over the proverbial edge.
Two children overseas is two too many.
In my opinion.

To answer an anonymous question from this week .... no, we no longer have Gabby.
She left on Friday.
I decided that she needed to be with a family who could spend more time at home .... and more time with her.
She was getting very lonely.
And with school starting tomorrow, that would only get worse.
I cried when she left.
She's a great dog.
But she deserved better than we could give her.

D#2's opening night was Friday and she said that it went fantastically.
I'm thrilled for her.
I'm less than thrilled that she's playing a prostitute in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas", but what can I say?
When the theatre beckons us .... we must go.
Besides, it's not every mom who can proudly say that her daughter's a whore.
(Did I just write that?!!!!)
Actually, I don't really proudly say it.
I kind of ..... proudly whisper it.
But hey .... it's still proudly!

C and I are taking everyone to see it Labor Day weekend.
Hopefully the girl will send me a picture of her costume(s) .... or lack thereof .... so that I can prepare myself .... and anyone else who needs it.

D#1 made it safely to Baltimore and is doing well.
I'm so very proud of her.
And I can't wait to go visit her.
In the spring.
When it's pleasant.
Unlike the winter.
I'm guessing.

D#2 starts teaching this week.
She will have a classroom of deaf children.
Children who are in grades K through 4.
Yep .... she has to teach multiple grades at the same time.
She is overwhelmed.
Needless to say.
Prayers for her would be much appreciated.
I think she'll be fabulous.
And I should know .... right?

S#2 starts his senior year tomorrow.
I think he's a bit stressed.
To say the least.

Last week we visited a Marine recruiter.
He's set on joining the Marines when he graduates.
I'm very proud of him.
He wants this .... very much.
I hope that he has a good year and is able to achieve his goals.
I know that he can .... without a doubt.
I just pray that he knows that he can.

S#3 starts his sophomore year tomorrow.
Football started two weeks ago.
In the 100 degree hit.
Because this is Texas.
And Texas is nothing if not football.

He'll be a safety this year.
I asked him if that meant he had to run out on the field and make sure that all of the boys had their mouth guards and cups in place.
He seemed to find less humor in that than I did.
Whatever.

D#2 is living with D#3 and working at the same job she did last year .... with a raise.
She's considering grad school .... and the Peace Corps.
We'll see what wins out.
(Pull for grad school everyone, OK?)

So there you go ..... I think that's everyone.

Oh .... except for C's D#2.
She'll be an 8th grader tomorrow.
And sort of an only child.
I think she'll do OK.
She's a great kid.
And a wonderful cello player.
C has done a very good job.

OK .... NOW that's everyone.
Life is moving forward.
Good moments .... and bad moments.
But, mostly good, I think.

Jim would be proud.
We are surviving.
We are different .... for better and for worse .... but we are surviving.

One day at a time.

Happy Sunday, Peeps.
:)