whatever

Heather - Is your wedding ring real??

Jenny B. - This post has me all choked up! My youngest started Pre-K last week, and my husband and I got to go out for lunch by ourselves (YAY!). He asked if I was sad, and I was like, “No way! I’ve been looking forward to this day for years!” Then he asked if I would feel the same way when they leave for college, and I was all, “No way! That will be a completely different story!” 🙂

Renee - I remember moving in day for college sooo vividly. I didn’t cry, until my parents left.
oh and the district I used to teach in started in early august… and we were done before the end of may. it was AWESOME!!!

Eva - I cried. I cried at the end seeing your oldest daughter hug your youngest daughter and how much they will miss each other without really knowing it. I cried because well it feels like yesterday I went away to University and left for four years and some how now I’m married living in our own house with two daughters of our own. I cried because one day my 3.5 year old and 4 month old will be all grown up and will one day be at that stage. I cried because I am happy for both you and her. Something about your relationship with Lauren always reminded me of my mom and I. To amazing new beginnings for both of you. Our babies grow much to fast.

Jennifer - I cried just reading this. I only have 4 years left with my oldest, and I can’t hardly believe it. Both my kids are in middle school this year and it’s just so weird. Seems like they were just babies yesterday.

BTW, can’t believe how tall Sean is getting!

Valerie, both my girls tell me they are never leaving too, but with my 8th grader I’ve started to tell her that it’s ok and I want her to have a life of her own and do fun things. It just hit me this year that she really will be going away in so short a time. 🙁

Marilyn M. - The first time is the hardest. My sister told me when she sent her oldest daughter to college she didn’t know what to expect. Was hard, but got better fast. When she sent the second one off it was less traumatic and was like “cool” the house will be clean all the time. Look forward to less clutter.

tracy - i cried reading this. i feel like it is going to be tomorrow when my daughter goes to college… and we’ve still got 2 years. but i get it. she’s already distanced herself. reminds us that she’s growing up. it’s hard. blessings to you and your family with your new chapter/year. hugs, tracy

Carrie - Almost 6 years ago I gave birth in the parking center of our birthcenter with my oldest. On her birthday she will go to her first day of Kindergarten. I am ok with it, I will cry when the baby starts Kindergarten I think.

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Uh, yea, totally what I am feeling right now. Taking my son in 48 hours. Funny cuz what you said about God being there through our fears and tears is so true and I ‘ve heard that more than once lately so obviously what God is teaching me. Thanks girlie. Love your openess to share your heart. xo

Lisa - It was refreshing to know that I’m not the only one who cries when excited about the unknown. It is sadness and anticipation all wrapped up into one. I too, turn to God 🙂 This new journey’s going to be great!

Chris - Your kids are getting so big!!! I felt the same way you did when my daughter left for college. I had three other kids at home too. You’ll find a different routine with your daughter gone. My daughter is leaving tomorrow for a semester in London. I’m nervous and excited at the same time! We’ll have to find a whole new routine since we can’t just call her when we want. Good luck to your daughter!!!

Jamie - That made me cry. My oldest starts 1st grade tomorrow and I’m feeling very emotional about all these 1sts and new starts!

Elizabeth - Meg, I cried reading your college post. I felt some of that exact feelings when moving my son to college. I did not have to words to put with the emotion like you did. Your writings bless me. Thank you

April R - oh the picture of Annie and Lauren hugging….thank you so much for sharing this

Sara - You’re sweet dear….and I LOVE that you mentioned that you weren’t sad for her but excited. I have one going to college in two years and I keep telling myself that this is what I raised him to do…to fly away and start living a life that God has planned for him. Prayers for you for all of this “new”

Jerusalem - I remember the day my mom took me to college. And yes, that is exactly the kind of trip we made to Wal-Mart in the middle of the move. That day remains one of the most special. We were both brave as we hugged goodbye, but then we both shed tears as we went our seperate ways. So a special moment. So glad you were able to share that with Lauren.

Rachel S - Loved this and your honesty. I’ll be sending my oldest to college next fall, and reading this just makes my eyes tear up! Change is exciting but very emotional. But I’m so, so thankful that I can entrust my kids to God’s care, and that He’ll be here with me helping me cope as well. I wish your daughter the very best and you too!

Kristin S - Oh, gah, Meg, you made me cry at my desk at work! I hope nobody comes by.

Thankful you got some pics of Lauren. That one with Annie? Priceless.

It’s funny, I never gave my mom a second thought when I left for school. She was a single parent and suddenly alone in the house. I was just happy to be at school. I loved college so much! Now, 20+ years later I ask her about it.

Just this last week I went to my alma mater and walked around campus praying for incoming freshmen, faculty, current students, administration, etc. It is/was humbling. So not pushing my blog, but I did just blog about it. I bawled like a baby. Like you, not sad, but so many new beginnings.

Many of my peers have kids going off to college now. I thought I would but the Lord has had other plans – still single and no no kids at 42. So, now I feel a passion to pray for their kids.

So many changes. Your littles are getting bigger. You are such a great mom!

(sorry for all the rambling)

Juli - A rabbi I know once said there should be a “bracha” (a special, specific prayer) for when you send your child off to college. It is such a huge moment, and it deserves its own special prayer. Blessings on all of you.

Katrina - “He never leaves me alone in my fear. He never abandons me in my sorrow.”. Never have I needed those words more than today. Thank you, thank you. A little scared and anxious, but hopeful and grateful at the same time.

Terri - Thanks Meg for sharing. I also took my baby daughter to college and it is so strange to be crying but to be happy that you’ve made it this far and you know only good thing will happen for them. We are emtpy nesters now and so far so good. My thoughts are it will never be the same and I’m very sentimental. But God keeps reminding me it is going to be better than before!!!!

marcie - Wow. Big day. I know that feeling – I have an ‘only” so dropping her off at college 3 years ago seems as recent as your post. It is exciting for them and it was a wonderful thing to be able to send a child to college but it is bittersweet as well. But, it is so exciting and amazing when they come home and bring friends and you watch their lives from a little bit of distance. It is an intriguing thing to not see them everyday and then spend time with them on weekends and holidays. Those times become so special. Love that she is close – mine is an hour and 15 minutes away so very do-able 🙂 Love that. And I couldn’t help but smile – for the last 2 years my daughter has been at her college in one of those bright t’s unpacking new students, smiling and reassuring parents and new students alike… and then she and her Sorority sisters go get manis and pedis!!!! And thank God for Starbucks and tears and prayers in the car!!

Tiffany - My oldest in a Senior this year and I hardly recognize him, his moods, his tudes, his voice. I am tearing up as I type, but I know this too shall pass. Feed your faith and starve your fears. Good Luck to you and Lauren.

Jaime A. - Oh Meg. I am doing the ugly cry for you right now. Our kids started back 3 and 4 weeks ago (3 different schools and start days)… My oldest is a Senior in high school… and while he’s not college bound, he’s on his way to having his own life soon and I am having a hard time with that. BTW, I am dying over Annie. How is it POSSIBLE she is in the 3rd grade. When I started reading your blog, she was a little… one you would take for donuts or cupcakes while all the big kids were in school. It’s crazy. But, here’s to new beginnings… and iced coffees and car rides with God. 🙂

Kellie - I cried Sunday and bit my lip to not cry yesterday as my baby went to 9th grade because I know we are now on the college clock…..and I’m just not sure how we got to high school so quickly! I am sure she was in kindergarten yesterday! 😉

Carol S. - I love your back to school photos. Love that you shared your college drop off experience. I think you’re going to enjoy this stage with your oldest, as they learn to be independent…which is what we want for them. A friend was lamenting her oldest twins leaving, and really having a hard time with it. As I think about my sophomore in college returning, I think about someday all of the kids being on their own. Why can’t they just stay with us and be a fun family? But then I think…what if I still lived with my parents, think of all the joy all of us would have missed? Can’t work that way. Don’t want it to work that way. This is the right way! Doesn’t make it easier on the heart though. Thanks for sharing, and listening. Sharp new blog, big new beginnings. Good luck Meg!

Julie - A big day for you all – no doubt home will feel a little strange without your big girl there. I am lucky – we live to close enough to my son’s school that he can now bike or scoot there without me, and my daughter catches the bus to hers. I do miss chatting to the other mums though. Have a great week. Enjoy your mornings.

Lisa - That is quite a day! My mama heart feels for you. Loving your new blog!