Okay, again, I will leave out all the mundane details, and give you a few highlights...
Sunday, September 25 - We, of course, went to church. Our friends came, and we enjoyed introducing them to some of our church family and friends. They say that they really enjoyed it. I hope they did.
After church, we came home and took several pictures by the oak tree in the front yard. Grammy fixed a delicious lunch of crock pot roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad and rolls. We all ate until we were full. It was wonderful. Before we knew it, and way before we were ready, it was time for the Oldest Princess to head back to school. We told her goodbye, and of course, we stood on the porch and did the wave as she drove away.
We were able to visit a few more minutes with our friends before they too had to leave. We all prayed together, and then sent them off with our signature wave as well. It was sad to see them all have to leave. Especially after such a great weekend. Hopefully we will all be able to get together again before too long.
After everyone left, and all was quiet, My Prince and I did some studying for our Sunday night classes/services.
Then we went to church. My small group went well. I have really enjoyed our time together and getting to know one another and share with one another our struggles and victories. I also love that we are able to encourage one another throughout the week. I had fun memorizing my verses this week knowing that I would get to say them to my group, and that they would say theirs to me. It is fun going through it together.
The Oldest Princess made it back to school safely, and we were thankful for that.
Bible Drills went well also. I love those kids, and I love seeing them get excited about learning God's Word. They work so hard, and they are so eager to get it right. It is a great way to end my Sundays.
Our friends text to say that they had made it home safely, and we were thankful and glad to get their text. But sad that our fun weekend was really over.
Monday, September 26 - It was a good day. Pretty much as normal as they come.
After school, the Youngest Princess had tumbling, and she got her back handspring. She has been working on it for a long time, so we were very excited that she was finally able to do it by herself. She was jumping up and down excited. After tumbling, I took her to get an ice cream in celebration of her accomplishment. My Prince had an afternoon/evening conference, so he was not home when we got home. We relaxed and spent time together.
My friend called and asked if she could borrow my key to the church so that she could meet with her small group. I told her of course. The Youngest Princess wanted to go out on the porch and wait for her, so we did. I talked to the Oldest Princess on the phone for a few minutes. After my friend stopped by and picked up the key, we went back inside.
A friend asked if the Youngest Princess could go to dinner with them. I told them she could, so they came by and picked her up.
The Young Prince realized that one of the Narnia movies was on, while we were looking for the debate, and so he watched that for a while. My sister called to let me know that she had been offered the job that she had interviewed for last week. That was exciting news. Definitely an answer to many prayers. We are very excited for her.
The Youngest Princess made it home. We made a video to send to a friend to let her know we were praying for her.
We watched as much of the debate as I could stomach. Then the Youngest Princess and I went to bed. We were exhausted from our weekend of fun, and from a full Monday, so we did not even read. We just snuggled and went to sleep. We had just dozed off when My Prince made it home. I was very thankful to have him home. And I went back to sleep before I knew it.
Tuesday, September 27 - It was a good day at least most of it was. Today was the day that a sweet friend of mine donated one of her kidneys to another friend of hers. I woke up with her on my heart and in my prayers. I prayed off and on, much like the praying without ceasing we are supposed to do every day, all day long.
Today was probably the first challenging day in my class so far this year. We had a great morning, and were having a blast learning. The Youngest Princess said, "Mommy, this year I love math!" That was very exciting to hear. Another student told me that today was her favorite spelling lesson ever. We were moving fast and getting stuff accomplished, and then lunch happened. And after lunch, the girls were giggly, and silly and pretty much checked out on me. I asked a question about something we had learned in history before we went to lunch, and I had to ask about 6 of my 9 girls before they got it right, and that was only AFTER I told them that they had taken a note on it, and the answer was right there in front of them. I asked the next question, and they acted like they had never even heard of what I was talking about. It was quite frustrating. I have had classes where this is the norm. But not this class, so I was a little disappointed. It made me frustrated and sad. Especially after such a great morning. But, we made it through the end of the day. After some stressful moments of trying to write our own limericks in penmanship. We did poetry in language the other day, and the Youngest Princess about had a come apart trying to do one simple assignment, while everyone else was sailing through. Today though, she did pretty well, and a different student had and extremely hard time with it. Thankfully, that is the end of all we do with poetry in the fifth grade. I love it, but it apparently can be stressful to students who tend to be perfectionists. And when I say stressful, I mean very stressful.
We came home and the Youngest Princess finished homework while the Young Prince was at football practice. Then My Prince, and the Youngest Princess went to the store to get batteries for my camera, because the Youngest Princess wanted to use it. When they got home, she went out and took several good pictures. We may have a budding photographer on our hands. When the Young Prince got home, he took a shower, and we went out to eat. We saw some friends that we haven't seen a quite awhile, unless Facebook counts, and caught up for just a second. It was very good to see them.
After dinner, we came home and I sat on the front porch so that the Youngest Princess could take some more pictures. But it was really getting too dark, so she didn't get any that she kept. I enjoyed watching her, and just being outside for a few minutes.
Then we came in, and she studied for a few more minutes. Now we are upstairs, and the Youngest Princess is reading her book report book. It has been said that if you don't like to read, it is just because you haven't found the right book. Well, I think the Youngest Princess has found "the right book". She usually complains when I make her read. Today she has been reading like crazy and every once in a while she will stop to tell me what is happening in her book. Then she will read for a little while longer and then stop and say, "I LOVE to READ!" I am just loving her loving to read.
I just talked with the Oldest Princess for a while. She is learning life lessons at college. Some good, some tough. It is hard with her being away, and not being able to hug her, or to look her in the eye when I give her motherly advice. It can also be good that I am so far away. For a variety of reasons. Anyway, life lessons. At the academy of "I'm on my own and learning to make my own decisions". Which is often followed by "now I get to face the consequences of my decisions". I just pray that she remembers what she has been taught, and that the choices she makes are wise (even when they are hard), and pleasing to the Lord. She is a good girl. And she has been taught well. She has always made us proud. I know she will continue to, and I pray daily for the Lord to guide her and protect her. It is a scary thing for a momma to let one of her kiddos go. So I appreciate your prayers. For both the Oldest Princess and I.
And now, I am going to make the Youngest Princess stop reading, so that I can read to her. Ironic, isn't it. And then I am going to get some rest.
Until I blog again...
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Saturday, September 24, 2016
September 24, 2016
I woke up early and was unable to go back to sleep. It may have been that I was a little bit excited about today. The Oldest Princess text me not long after I woke up to tell me that she was on her way. Woo Hoo!
I got up, got ready for the day and then did a few things around the house. My Prince came home from his Saturday morning Bible study, and The Young Prince left to take his "lady friend" as the Youngest Princess calls her out to breakfast.
The Oldest Princess finally arrived, and we were waiting on the porch to greet her when she did. We were very excited to see her.
We talked and caught up for a little while. The Youngest Princess was like a barnacle on the Oldest Princess for a while. The Oldest Princess got ready to go out to lunch with some of her friends.
The Young Prince, and our friends Mr. M and Mrs. L, and their daughter M all came to spend the day. We are so glad that they were finally able to come for a visit. We met them, and just fell in love with them. Now they are no longer friends, but family. Grammy and Poppy joined us. We had a sweet time of fellowshipping, eating, and watching some football. The Young Prince and his friend and the Youngest Princess all went out to take some pictures. They got some really cute ones. They came in and we played some Dutch Blitz. The Oldest Princess got home from her lunch out with friends, and visited with us some. Then she left to go pick up a shelf that another one of our friends made for her. It is pretty fancy. I know she is excited to get it back to school and try it out.
The Oldest Princess finally got to open her birthday presents.
We all got ready to go out to eat to celebrate the Oldest Princess's birthday with dinner at one of her favorite places.
We had a fun time watching our food be cooked by the hibachi grill chef, and then of course we had a great time eating it. We took a few pictures, if you know me, few and pictures are not terms that go together, so really, we took a lot of pictures. Then we headed back home.
The Oldest Princess went by to visit our Youth Pastor and his wife and baby. Our friends came back home with us and we showed them a few clips of the Young Prince in the video of the play he was in last spring. We visited for a little while longer, and then before we knew it, it was time to say goodnight to our friends. The Oldest Princess came home in time to visit for a few minutes before our friends had to leave.
The Youngest Princess is all clean and tucked into bed next to me. My Prince is downstairs watching a few highlights from his football game that he had to miss the end of because of our dinner plans, and then he will finish studying for his sermon tomorrow. The Young Prince is tucked in as well, and the Oldest Princess is working on Math homework. I am fighting nodding off, because I am very tired, so I am going to wrap this up and snuggle with the Youngest Princess. Goodnight.
Until I blog again...
I got up, got ready for the day and then did a few things around the house. My Prince came home from his Saturday morning Bible study, and The Young Prince left to take his "lady friend" as the Youngest Princess calls her out to breakfast.
The Oldest Princess finally arrived, and we were waiting on the porch to greet her when she did. We were very excited to see her.
We talked and caught up for a little while. The Youngest Princess was like a barnacle on the Oldest Princess for a while. The Oldest Princess got ready to go out to lunch with some of her friends.
The Young Prince, and our friends Mr. M and Mrs. L, and their daughter M all came to spend the day. We are so glad that they were finally able to come for a visit. We met them, and just fell in love with them. Now they are no longer friends, but family. Grammy and Poppy joined us. We had a sweet time of fellowshipping, eating, and watching some football. The Young Prince and his friend and the Youngest Princess all went out to take some pictures. They got some really cute ones. They came in and we played some Dutch Blitz. The Oldest Princess got home from her lunch out with friends, and visited with us some. Then she left to go pick up a shelf that another one of our friends made for her. It is pretty fancy. I know she is excited to get it back to school and try it out.
The Oldest Princess finally got to open her birthday presents.
We all got ready to go out to eat to celebrate the Oldest Princess's birthday with dinner at one of her favorite places.
We had a fun time watching our food be cooked by the hibachi grill chef, and then of course we had a great time eating it. We took a few pictures, if you know me, few and pictures are not terms that go together, so really, we took a lot of pictures. Then we headed back home.
The Oldest Princess went by to visit our Youth Pastor and his wife and baby. Our friends came back home with us and we showed them a few clips of the Young Prince in the video of the play he was in last spring. We visited for a little while longer, and then before we knew it, it was time to say goodnight to our friends. The Oldest Princess came home in time to visit for a few minutes before our friends had to leave.
The Youngest Princess is all clean and tucked into bed next to me. My Prince is downstairs watching a few highlights from his football game that he had to miss the end of because of our dinner plans, and then he will finish studying for his sermon tomorrow. The Young Prince is tucked in as well, and the Oldest Princess is working on Math homework. I am fighting nodding off, because I am very tired, so I am going to wrap this up and snuggle with the Youngest Princess. Goodnight.
Until I blog again...
September 13-23, 2016
Time flies. And time has flown. We have been busy doing just the normal everyday mundane stuff, with a few things thrown in along the way just to keep it interesting.
I won't go through each day, but I will share a few of the highlights with you.
My new washing machine stopped working. I have decided that washing machines and dryers are my "thorn in the flesh". This is my new washing machine I am talking about. The one we bought in July. They should last more than 2 months shouldn't they?
It is, of course, after just 2 months, still under warranty. So we had a repair man come out to fix it. After looking at it for about an hour he said he guessed that it was the "main board", and he would order one. I won't even. Proper words escape me. So, I just won't even. The part was supposed to be in on Wednesday (of last week). We call on Wednesday to check on it. And I know that this is going to surprise you. I know that you absolutely will be beyond belief, just as we were, when they told us that the part won't be in until NEXT Wednesday. No problem. I am so far behind now, that I will never catch up. What's one more week? NO PROBLEM. So, we may be shopping for new clothes soon. Just to have something clean to wear. NOT a PROBLEM. Do you sense a little of my frustration? My "thorn in the flesh" I tell ya!
We had Beta Club,Student Council, and National Elementary Honor Society induction. The Young Prince is in the Beta Club and on the Student Council. The Youngest Princess is in the NEHS. She had the highest average in her class last year, so she got to read a speech, and is considered an "officer". Too cute! She had to tiptoe to see over the pulpit in order to read her speech. It was adorable. She also had to light a candle, and she says, "What were they THINKING?!? Trusting me with Fi-ah!" Crazy kid!
My Prince and I got to go on a date that we have been trying to go on for about a month. The washing machine repair man almost messed it up, but thankfully, we managed to squeeze it in. My Prince took me to a restaurant that I have been wanting to go to for a while. It was wonderful. We went straight there and came straight home. But it was good food and good company, so I was happy.
The Oldest Princess had a birthday. Her first birthday away from us. I worked behind the scenes with a few of her new college friends, and with their help organized a little party for her. They were awesome to help me! I could not have done it without them. Also, I recorded videos of different people saying Happy Birthday to her, and sent a different one to her about once an hour. I am thankful to the people who helped me out with that as well. And I blew up Facebook with pictures representing memories of her over the years. I had more planned, but I used up all the storage on my phone. I hate it when that happens! So I didn't get to finish it like I wanted to, but I think she realized that we love her, even when she is at college on her Birthday.
We had some dear friends come in from the New Orleans area to watch the Young Prince play football and spend this weekend with us. We had a great time with them last night, and look forward to spending more time with them over the weekend.
The Oldest Princess is on her way home from college as I type, and will be here shortly, so I am going to wrap this up and get off of here.
Until I blog again...
I won't go through each day, but I will share a few of the highlights with you.
My new washing machine stopped working. I have decided that washing machines and dryers are my "thorn in the flesh". This is my new washing machine I am talking about. The one we bought in July. They should last more than 2 months shouldn't they?
It is, of course, after just 2 months, still under warranty. So we had a repair man come out to fix it. After looking at it for about an hour he said he guessed that it was the "main board", and he would order one. I won't even. Proper words escape me. So, I just won't even. The part was supposed to be in on Wednesday (of last week). We call on Wednesday to check on it. And I know that this is going to surprise you. I know that you absolutely will be beyond belief, just as we were, when they told us that the part won't be in until NEXT Wednesday. No problem. I am so far behind now, that I will never catch up. What's one more week? NO PROBLEM. So, we may be shopping for new clothes soon. Just to have something clean to wear. NOT a PROBLEM. Do you sense a little of my frustration? My "thorn in the flesh" I tell ya!
We had Beta Club,Student Council, and National Elementary Honor Society induction. The Young Prince is in the Beta Club and on the Student Council. The Youngest Princess is in the NEHS. She had the highest average in her class last year, so she got to read a speech, and is considered an "officer". Too cute! She had to tiptoe to see over the pulpit in order to read her speech. It was adorable. She also had to light a candle, and she says, "What were they THINKING?!? Trusting me with Fi-ah!" Crazy kid!
My Prince and I got to go on a date that we have been trying to go on for about a month. The washing machine repair man almost messed it up, but thankfully, we managed to squeeze it in. My Prince took me to a restaurant that I have been wanting to go to for a while. It was wonderful. We went straight there and came straight home. But it was good food and good company, so I was happy.
The Oldest Princess had a birthday. Her first birthday away from us. I worked behind the scenes with a few of her new college friends, and with their help organized a little party for her. They were awesome to help me! I could not have done it without them. Also, I recorded videos of different people saying Happy Birthday to her, and sent a different one to her about once an hour. I am thankful to the people who helped me out with that as well. And I blew up Facebook with pictures representing memories of her over the years. I had more planned, but I used up all the storage on my phone. I hate it when that happens! So I didn't get to finish it like I wanted to, but I think she realized that we love her, even when she is at college on her Birthday.
We had some dear friends come in from the New Orleans area to watch the Young Prince play football and spend this weekend with us. We had a great time with them last night, and look forward to spending more time with them over the weekend.
The Oldest Princess is on her way home from college as I type, and will be here shortly, so I am going to wrap this up and get off of here.
Until I blog again...
Monday, September 12, 2016
September 12, 2016
I woke up this morning feeling a little tired, but better than I had expected. I did my First 5 devotion, and then started getting ready.
We had a special Patriot chapel first thing at school. The speaker had been a Marine, and he did a really good job of talking to the kids about Patriotism and being a good citizen.
After chapel, I felt a little rushed to get everything done. But we somehow managed to get to it all. I read to the girls while they did their Penmanship tests. I was not sure how my class full of girls would like the Josiah books, because they have a lot of action in them. But they say that they love it, and I am glad, because I love reading them to my class and I love the life lessons that the kids learn from them.
As the afternoon went on, I began feeling bad. I had a really bad headache, and my eyes were burning like they do when I have a fever. I did not have a fever, I just felt like I had one. And I felt queasy, like maybe I needed to eat, but I was afraid to eat because maybe I would be sick. I just felt yucky.
My Prince came and picked up the Young Prince from school to take him to the doctor to have him checked out after his football injuries. Pretty much anytime you hit your head, they consider it a concussion. So, the Young Prince can not play (or do any practice containing contact) for two weeks from last Friday. There is no game this Friday, so he should be released to play in the game the next Friday. Unless he has any dizzy spells while running or anything like that, and then he may have to go longer before they will let him play.
From the doctor, they went to the Young Prince's dentist appointment. Thankfully, he got a good report from his cleaning, and will not need any further work done.
I came home from school by myself. My Prince was already back home and the Young Prince had gone to school to practice (with no contact). I took some medicine, and tried to relax and get rid of my headache. I also tried to eat something in hopes that it would make me feel better. My Prince went and got the Youngest Princess from tumbling class.
I talked to the Oldest Princess for a few minutes. She is doing well. Learning how to balance school and a social life. She seems to be handling it pretty well. I know she is stressed and worried about her grades, but I am proud of her and how hard she is working. I am proud that she has turned down several opportunities to have fun, in order to study, but I am also glad that she is taking the time to make friends and have some fun as well. I missed her today, probably the most I've missed her so far. I thought that this was supposed to get easier...
I eventually had to go upstairs to bed to try to get over my headache. My Prince had to go to a meeting, so the Youngest Princess came to the bedroom and studied for her History quiz using Quizlet.
When My Prince came home, the Youngest Princess went downstairs to study with him. I rested for about an hour, and then went downstairs to spend some time with My Prince before we all went to bed.
The Youngest Princess took her shower, and then we read four (short) chapters from our book. My Prince came up after we finished reading, and we are ready to get some rest. I am feeling a little bit better, but I am ready for a good night's sleep. Hopefully I will wake up feeling much better in the morning.
Until I blog again...
We had a special Patriot chapel first thing at school. The speaker had been a Marine, and he did a really good job of talking to the kids about Patriotism and being a good citizen.
After chapel, I felt a little rushed to get everything done. But we somehow managed to get to it all. I read to the girls while they did their Penmanship tests. I was not sure how my class full of girls would like the Josiah books, because they have a lot of action in them. But they say that they love it, and I am glad, because I love reading them to my class and I love the life lessons that the kids learn from them.
As the afternoon went on, I began feeling bad. I had a really bad headache, and my eyes were burning like they do when I have a fever. I did not have a fever, I just felt like I had one. And I felt queasy, like maybe I needed to eat, but I was afraid to eat because maybe I would be sick. I just felt yucky.
My Prince came and picked up the Young Prince from school to take him to the doctor to have him checked out after his football injuries. Pretty much anytime you hit your head, they consider it a concussion. So, the Young Prince can not play (or do any practice containing contact) for two weeks from last Friday. There is no game this Friday, so he should be released to play in the game the next Friday. Unless he has any dizzy spells while running or anything like that, and then he may have to go longer before they will let him play.
From the doctor, they went to the Young Prince's dentist appointment. Thankfully, he got a good report from his cleaning, and will not need any further work done.
I came home from school by myself. My Prince was already back home and the Young Prince had gone to school to practice (with no contact). I took some medicine, and tried to relax and get rid of my headache. I also tried to eat something in hopes that it would make me feel better. My Prince went and got the Youngest Princess from tumbling class.
I talked to the Oldest Princess for a few minutes. She is doing well. Learning how to balance school and a social life. She seems to be handling it pretty well. I know she is stressed and worried about her grades, but I am proud of her and how hard she is working. I am proud that she has turned down several opportunities to have fun, in order to study, but I am also glad that she is taking the time to make friends and have some fun as well. I missed her today, probably the most I've missed her so far. I thought that this was supposed to get easier...
I eventually had to go upstairs to bed to try to get over my headache. My Prince had to go to a meeting, so the Youngest Princess came to the bedroom and studied for her History quiz using Quizlet.
When My Prince came home, the Youngest Princess went downstairs to study with him. I rested for about an hour, and then went downstairs to spend some time with My Prince before we all went to bed.
The Youngest Princess took her shower, and then we read four (short) chapters from our book. My Prince came up after we finished reading, and we are ready to get some rest. I am feeling a little bit better, but I am ready for a good night's sleep. Hopefully I will wake up feeling much better in the morning.
Until I blog again...
Sunday, September 11, 2016
September 11, 2016
I got up this morning feeling very tired. Probably because I skipped drinking my Plexus pink drink yesterday morning. I skipped it this morning too, and so that does not bode well at all for tomorrow morning, because I am feeling extra tired tonight.
The morning went well. The Young Prince had to be there a little early to practice the drama he was going to be a part of, so he and My Prince left early. The Youngest Princess and I followed shortly thereafter.
Sunday school was good. I always enjoy fellowshipping with everyone before it starts, and today was no exception.
I had the 2/3 year olds today for extended care, so I did not get to go to the service. The Young Prince did his part in the drama, and then came downstairs to be my helper. We had 6 kids. 3 girls and 3 boys. It was a lively hour. But it was fun as always. I love getting a chance to love on some of our little ones. Especially since we have no little ones of our own any more.
After church, as we were walking to the car, we found a butterfly that had a hurt wing and could not fly. I let it crawl on my hand so the girls could see how beautiful it was. I love all the details that God puts into every aspect of nature and just how beautiful and interesting each and every creature is.
The Young Prince wanted to go to a local Mexican food restaurant. Poppy came with us since Grammy was not feeling well, and had stayed home. The Youngest Princess asked if her friend could come home with us, and I told her that she could. So M came with us.
Lunch was good, and we enjoyed having Poppy with us. Back at the house, I did some general straightening up and some more laundry. Then I studied for my class. The girls played and had a good time. My Prince studied, and the Young Prince played on his computer.
Pretty soon, it was coming a downpour outside. It was a pretty good thunderstorm. I was in the laundry room, when there was a very loud pop like glass cracking. It scared me half to death. I came flying out of the laundry room. The Young Prince said that it was lightning, and that it had struck pretty close. I was afraid that it had done something to the house, but I could not find anything wrong, and everything seemed to be in working order. I went on about my business, getting ready to go to church, and it happened again. But this time, the kids all heard the loud pop as well. Again, we did not find anything wrong. I still don't know what caused those unusual popping sounds, but I am thankful that everything is okay.
My Prince left for church. We planned to come a few minutes later, but he returned home to get something that he had forgotten before we left, so we all ended up going together.
My discipleship group went well. Only we were missing a member, but hopefully she will be able to be back with us next week.
Bible Drills went well also. I love working with those kids and seeing them work so hard on something that really matters. It is very encouraging to me. And I love my wonderful helper as well. I am very thankful that she was feeling better and was back with us tonight.
After church, we went to pick up a pizza for dinner.
We came home and ate, and talked on the phone to the Oldest Princess for a few minutes before she had to get busy doing homework. She talked like she had had a good day. I did get one picture from her today, and that was nice.
I read to the Youngest Princess, and then she read one of the stories to me. And now, we are done and we are going to go to sleep.
So, until I blog again...
The morning went well. The Young Prince had to be there a little early to practice the drama he was going to be a part of, so he and My Prince left early. The Youngest Princess and I followed shortly thereafter.
Sunday school was good. I always enjoy fellowshipping with everyone before it starts, and today was no exception.
I had the 2/3 year olds today for extended care, so I did not get to go to the service. The Young Prince did his part in the drama, and then came downstairs to be my helper. We had 6 kids. 3 girls and 3 boys. It was a lively hour. But it was fun as always. I love getting a chance to love on some of our little ones. Especially since we have no little ones of our own any more.
After church, as we were walking to the car, we found a butterfly that had a hurt wing and could not fly. I let it crawl on my hand so the girls could see how beautiful it was. I love all the details that God puts into every aspect of nature and just how beautiful and interesting each and every creature is.
The Young Prince wanted to go to a local Mexican food restaurant. Poppy came with us since Grammy was not feeling well, and had stayed home. The Youngest Princess asked if her friend could come home with us, and I told her that she could. So M came with us.
Lunch was good, and we enjoyed having Poppy with us. Back at the house, I did some general straightening up and some more laundry. Then I studied for my class. The girls played and had a good time. My Prince studied, and the Young Prince played on his computer.
Pretty soon, it was coming a downpour outside. It was a pretty good thunderstorm. I was in the laundry room, when there was a very loud pop like glass cracking. It scared me half to death. I came flying out of the laundry room. The Young Prince said that it was lightning, and that it had struck pretty close. I was afraid that it had done something to the house, but I could not find anything wrong, and everything seemed to be in working order. I went on about my business, getting ready to go to church, and it happened again. But this time, the kids all heard the loud pop as well. Again, we did not find anything wrong. I still don't know what caused those unusual popping sounds, but I am thankful that everything is okay.
My Prince left for church. We planned to come a few minutes later, but he returned home to get something that he had forgotten before we left, so we all ended up going together.
My discipleship group went well. Only we were missing a member, but hopefully she will be able to be back with us next week.
Bible Drills went well also. I love working with those kids and seeing them work so hard on something that really matters. It is very encouraging to me. And I love my wonderful helper as well. I am very thankful that she was feeling better and was back with us tonight.
After church, we went to pick up a pizza for dinner.
We came home and ate, and talked on the phone to the Oldest Princess for a few minutes before she had to get busy doing homework. She talked like she had had a good day. I did get one picture from her today, and that was nice.
I read to the Youngest Princess, and then she read one of the stories to me. And now, we are done and we are going to go to sleep.
So, until I blog again...
Saturday, September 10, 2016
September 10, 2016
I was awakened this morning by the Youngest Princess crawling into bed with me. My Prince had already left to go meet with his Discipleship group. She told me that she had a crick in her neck and she needed to lay with me, so of course I let her. We snuggled and dozed a little more. My Prince got home, and I got up. The Youngest Princess was quick to follow me downstairs. I did some house work, and laundry, laundry and more laundry.
My sister called and we talked for two hours. Maybe we need to talk more often so we don't have to talk so long. But we had lots to catch each other up on, so it took us a while.
I took a shower and ate lunch. The Youngest Princess had a birthday party to go to, so I took her to that. It was a swim party, so the moms sat around and talked while the kids swam. It was nice to have time to just sit and talk to friends for a while.
After the party, we came home. My Prince grilled hamburgers, and we ate dinner. Then we watched the football game. My Prince's team won, so that is always a plus. Makes for a happier Prince, which makes for a happier me.
The Young Prince and I ran to a local store so he could get some dog food. I parked next to one of our church members, whose husband and daughter were in the store, and we talked for a few minutes.
I text back and forth with the Oldest Princess off and on throughout the day. She studied, went to lunch with a friend, and then out with a group of friends, and "that boy" again. She said they watched the game for a while and then bowled. I asked her who she was going to church with tomorrow, and she said "he" asked her to go with him and his brother and a group of their friends. So it sounds like she is doing okay. I did get a picture of her and a couple of friends, so I can put a face to some of the names I hear. I told her I like pictures. Evidently it's not very "cool" to take pictures and send them to your mom back home, though, because the pictures are few and far between.
The Youngest Princess is still struggling and missing her big sister. We read only one little short story tonight. We are reading from a book called More Stories from Grandma's Attic now that we have finished all of the Mandie books. We usually try to read about four of them a night, because they are really short, but it was late tonight, so we only read one. She asked the Young Prince to stay with us while we read, and he did. He is a pretty good big brother.
She is asleep beside me while I type. The Young Prince is in his bed, and My Prince is downstairs doing some last minute studying. Tomorrow will be a long and busy, so I guess I will call it a day.
Until I blog again...
My sister called and we talked for two hours. Maybe we need to talk more often so we don't have to talk so long. But we had lots to catch each other up on, so it took us a while.
I took a shower and ate lunch. The Youngest Princess had a birthday party to go to, so I took her to that. It was a swim party, so the moms sat around and talked while the kids swam. It was nice to have time to just sit and talk to friends for a while.
After the party, we came home. My Prince grilled hamburgers, and we ate dinner. Then we watched the football game. My Prince's team won, so that is always a plus. Makes for a happier Prince, which makes for a happier me.
The Young Prince and I ran to a local store so he could get some dog food. I parked next to one of our church members, whose husband and daughter were in the store, and we talked for a few minutes.
I text back and forth with the Oldest Princess off and on throughout the day. She studied, went to lunch with a friend, and then out with a group of friends, and "that boy" again. She said they watched the game for a while and then bowled. I asked her who she was going to church with tomorrow, and she said "he" asked her to go with him and his brother and a group of their friends. So it sounds like she is doing okay. I did get a picture of her and a couple of friends, so I can put a face to some of the names I hear. I told her I like pictures. Evidently it's not very "cool" to take pictures and send them to your mom back home, though, because the pictures are few and far between.
The Youngest Princess is still struggling and missing her big sister. We read only one little short story tonight. We are reading from a book called More Stories from Grandma's Attic now that we have finished all of the Mandie books. We usually try to read about four of them a night, because they are really short, but it was late tonight, so we only read one. She asked the Young Prince to stay with us while we read, and he did. He is a pretty good big brother.
She is asleep beside me while I type. The Young Prince is in his bed, and My Prince is downstairs doing some last minute studying. Tomorrow will be a long and busy, so I guess I will call it a day.
Until I blog again...
Friday, September 9, 2016
August 27 - September 9, 2016
I think this is as far behind as I've gotten since I started trying to blog every day this year. There are several reasons that I have gotten behind. One is I have been busy. Two is it was our last week with the Oldest Princess at home, and I wanted to spend as much time as possible with her. Three is I've just been too tired to blog each night. And the longer I went without blogging, the bigger the task became, so I would put it off one more night. And now, I am almost too far behind to catch up. I will have to write about just the highlights for sure this time. So, let's do this!
Saturday, August 27 - We had a ladies conference at our church. Reba Bowman and Lisa Potter with Dare for More Ministries came and presented their Hearts and Hope ministry to our ladies, and several ladies from other churches. We had a great night of fellowship, worship, ministry, shopping and eating. Reba challenged us from God's Word, and opened our eyes to how women around the world are suffering, and how we here in America can help.
Sunday, August 28 - Was a pretty normal Sunday. Lisa and Reba were still with us. Reba presented her ministry to the whole church. We went out to lunch with Lisa and Reba. We had a great time of food and fellowship. That night Reba and Lisa went to a different church to present their ministry. We had services as normal. My Bible Drills helper had strep, so the Oldest Princess helped me out. After church Grammy, Lisa and Reba met us for dinner. Again, we enjoyed talking with them and getting to know them even more.
Monday, August 29 - It was hard to get the Youngest Princess up and running on Monday morning, but eventually we did. My friend S and I cooked supper for our friend who had been in the hospital. She came and picked me up, and we took it to her. We stayed and visited with her for a little while. It was so good to see her doing better! I don't remember much about Monday other than that - lol!
Tuesday, August 30 - The Oldest Princess had her root canal that morning. It went very well, and I was super glad. By the time I was finished with school, she was ready to go shopping for a few more last minute things she needed for college. We got most of what she needed and then we came home.
Wednesday, August 31 - It was a crazy morning even before we could get to school. The crazy morning consisted of but was not limited to: a lost lunch box, a forgotten assignment pad, a flea (I HATE fleas), a strange sound in the car, a fallen curtain, forgotten cheer clothes, lost earphones, found earphones. I remember all of this only because My Prince and I had some very interesting text messages about all of the above, so I was able to look back and be reminded of the madness of that morning. Otherwise, I believe it was a pretty normal day. The Oldest Princess attended her last Wednesday night youth service before heading off to college. Several of us, along with the Oldest Princess and some of her friends went out to eat after church.
Thursday, September 1 - The Oldest Princess went back to the dentist to have a filling until she can come home at Christmas and get a crown put on. That appointment went well, and we were thankful. After I got home from school and the Young Prince got home from football practice, we went to meet Grammy and Poppy for dinner. Our last dinner as a family before the Oldest Princess left for college. As we were leaving, we got the message that our youth pastor and his wife had had their baby. We were all very excited. We went to eat, and enjoyed our time with Grammy and Poppy very much. Then we went to the hospital to meet the newest member of our church family. He was absolutely precious!! And so very tiny! We were very glad that the Oldest Princess was able to meet baby C before she left, because she was afraid that he would be born after she was gone. We left the hospital and came home with full hearts.
Friday, September 2 - It was a good day. We finished school and came home. The girls, My Prince and I all went to eat. We left there and went by and picked up Grammy and Poppy. From there we went to the football game. We were having a good time visiting with friends, and watching the game. I had stepped over to talk to some friends whose son had left for college a few weeks before.
I heard the crowd react to a hit, but my eyes were not on the game so I did not see it. I turned to see what had happened, and I see all of the players moving except one. One is laying face down on the field not moving. I knew by the shoes which one it was. It was the one that belonged to me. It was the Young Prince. I stood up and continued to watch. My heart growing sicker every second that he did not move. I moved over to where my Prince was. We watched as the medics on the field, and the coaches went over to him. I watched as he moved his left arm and leg, but never saw his right side move at all. My Prince walked down to the sideline, but I could not move. They motioned us over, so we went out on the field. The medic told me that he had a something, on his C-something, and that she recommended that we "transport". All the while, she was holding his neck stable. I have no idea what all that meant. She said that since we were there, she would defer the decision to us, as his parents. It was all I could do not to throw up at this point. I had no idea what to do or say. My Prince got down on the ground to look the Young Prince in the eyes, and the Young Prince told him that he was okay.
A fan from the other team came out on the field and told us that he was a doctor. He asked if we cared if he checked out the Young Prince. I told him please! I was glad to have someone look at him that could give us an idea of what to do. They allowed the Young Prince to get up. The doctor pressed on his neck and asked him a few questions. He told us that he would not go spend the night in an emergency room, but that we should take him home and let him shower and get some rest. He told us to take him to our doctor, or to an urgent care doctor the next day if there were any problems. We let him stay on the side lines through the third quarter and then we took him home. He said he was fine, just sore. When we got home, he was hungry, so he showered and ate and then went to bed. I was very thankful for all of our sweet friends who prayed for the Young Prince and for us during that very scary time. And I was very thankful that what could have turned out to be very serious, turned out in the best way possible.
Saturday, September 3 - I wrote in the notebook that the Oldest Princess and I have passed back and forth over the years, and later I slipped it under her pillow for her to find when she went to bed that night. A little last minute "motherly" advice - 10 pages of it - I had a lot that I wanted to say, and I wanted her to have it written down, so she could remember it all. What I would give to have something like that from my mother.
The Young prince woke up feeling okay, just a little sore, praise the Lord!
The Oldest Princess wanted to go to a local Japanese restaurant to eat lunch.
I did several loads of laundry, and helped the Oldest Princess pack and organize a few things.
The Oldest Princess went to her volleyball coach's house to eat dinner and see her and her family for a few minutes.
We hung out and had a quiet evening at home, just the five of us. And then we went to bed.
Sunday, September 4 - I woke up feeling sad. I went down to sit with My Prince for a few minutes. I sat down at the table and the tears started flowing. My Prince was busy looking over his sermon again. Finally he looked up and asked me what was wrong. I told him I had done great up until this point, and that I was allowed a few tears. So I just cried. Pretty soon, he was crying along with me, and then we were laughing at ourselves crying. I knew going to church and everyone talking about it being the day we left, would be hard. I told him that I felt like those people in the Bible who had leprosy and had to call out "Unclean! Unclean!" to warn people who might come near them. Only I felt like I needed to call out "Unstable! Unstable!" because it was possible that I would burst into tears at any minute, and needed to warn people. But as I got started moving, and getting ready, it did get a little better.
Church went well, and I did pretty good until we were shaking hands at the end, and several people gave me hugs. I do well until someone shows me a little sympathy, and then it is all over. So I did cry a little then.
We came home and finished packing up everything. The Oldest Princess's friend C came home from college for the weekend and stopped by to tell the Oldest Princess goodbye. It was good to see her again and to talk to her for a little while. But then it was time to load up the car and get on the road.
I rode with the Oldest Princess who drove her car, and we followed My Prince, the Young Prince and the Youngest Princess. We got to the hotel that evening, and pretty much went straight to bed, because we were all tired.
Monday, September 5 - We got up and got ready. We went to the college and got the Oldest Princess checked in. She had her student ID card made. She text her friend who came down and verified that they were in the same room. We watched a quick introductory video, and then got busy trying to check things off of her to do list given to us by the college.
I noticed a couple that looked familiar. It was a family that we went to church with about 19 years ago. I don't think we have seen them for about 18 years. They were there dropping off their youngest daughter. It was good to see them again. We talked for just a minute and then said good-bye. I had hoped that we would run into them again, but we never did.
We, along with the help of the Oldest Princess's roommate and a friend of hers got all of the Oldest Princess's stuff moved from the car to the room. The Youngest Princess helped to make the Oldest Princess's bed. We put a few things away, and then the Oldest Princess had a math placement test to take. So she went on her way, and we waited for her.
She finished her test pretty quickly, and then we tackled opening the mailbox. They have combination locks, and it takes a little getting used to to get into them. She had a card from Aunt T.
We had a couple of meetings to go to. Then we went to dinner, back to the hotel to freshen up, and back to the college for opening night revival service. While we were standing there waiting for the Oldest Princess to meet us before church, I heard a noise and looked up, and the Blue Angels were flying right over our heads. I said, "Blue Angels! Blue Angels!" so everyone else would not miss them, and then I grabbed my phone and tried to get to my camera to get a picture of them, but my pictures were so late that it does not really do the moment justice. The Oldest Princess came pretty quickly after that, and we went in for the service. It was good, and after the service we walked over with her for a freshman connection thing they were doing.
The Youngest Princess figured out that she would be the class of 2028. We waited around for the Oldest Princess, and met some other parents who were waiting for their daughter as well. The Oldest Princess came out telling us that a guy from the college had introduced her and another girl to a couple of guys, then told them to talk, and walked away. She said the name of the two guys. I asked her if the one guy was the son of our friends who is going there. She said she wasn't sure, but that she bet he was. So My Prince goes back into the room to talk to him and see if it was. It did turn out to be the son of our friends. We were hoping that they would meet, so it was neat that it worked out that way.
We talked to the man who worked there, and he ended up giving the Youngest Princess a button that said Class of 2020 (they were giving them to all of the freshmen), and telling her that she could just use a sharpie and make the last 0 into an 8. It was pretty funny. We walked the Oldest Princess to her dorm, and then left to go back to the hotel.
The Youngest Princess cried when we got back. She begged us not to leave her sissy, or for us to move there close to the college. She finally went to sleep.
Tuesday, September 6 - The Oldest Princess went early that morning to get registered for her classes. She text to say that she was done about the time we were leaving the hotel. She had a couple of things she wanted us to run by the store and pick up for her, so we did that and then went to the college to meet her.
When I got there, she was sitting in the common area copying her schedule into her planner. She looked up at me with big tears in her eyes and asked me to let her pack and just go home with us. I understood. I have been there. Those first few days can be overwhelming. And she was feeling overwhelmed. I encouraged her to stick it out, that it would get better.
We went with her to get her books. The Young Prince, the Youngest Princess and I stayed out in the hall, while My Prince went in with her to help her buy her books for the first time. We did that and then let her take her books back to her room.
The Youngest Princess was pretty much a barnacle on her sister's side the entire day. We went to eat lunch. Then we went back to the college for a little while longer before we had to leave.
The Young Prince went up to get a table near the coffee shop, so he could plug in his phone. I went to the restroom, and the girls went with My Prince to park the car. When I caught up with the Young Prince, he was sitting at a table with another young man. I figured that the young man thought that the Young Prince was a college student, and that he was just looking for someone to talk to. My Prince and the Youngest Princess got there just a couple of minutes after me. My Prince told the young man his name and asked him where he was from. We made small talk with him for a few minutes, and then the Oldest Princess walked up. The young man said, "Your daughter is beautiful." My Prince said, "Excuse me?" and the young man said it again, "Your daughter is beautiful." As my niece used to say..."Awkward City. Population 6" My Prince thanked the young man for his compliment (?). It was a little uncomfortable to say the least. The Oldest Princess mentioned that she was out of data on her phone, and My Prince said that he would make a call and take care of that. That reminded me that we should get the wifi turned on on her phone before we left, so the girls and I left Awkward City to go to the wifi help to get her phone connected. My Prince went outside to make the call to get the data fixed, and left the Young Prince with the young man. The Young Prince said that the young man said, "Your family appears wealthy." I asked him if he said back,"Dude, my dad's in the ministry, and we don't have have dirt!" And then told him he should have said, "Yes, we are wealthy in the Lord's blessings." because we surely are that. Wow. When we finished, I text My Prince and asked them to come to us, so we would not have to go back to that situation. So they came downstairs. The young man came down shortly thereafter, and sat across the room from us. I think he was just lonely and needing someone to talk to. Maybe he was trying a little to hard. I felt bad for him, and I pray that he finds some good friends while he is there.
Way before we were ready, it was time for us to go. I hated to leave her, knowing she was overwhelmed and feeling lonely, but I also knew that in just a few short days, that she would be settled in and much more comfortable, with plenty of new friends. I am in a Pastor's wives group on Facebook and I shot out a quick prayer request for the Oldest Princess. One of the other ladies came back that they had just left there daughter and asked where we were. I told her. Same college. She got the Oldest Princess's number, and before we left, her daughter who is a sophomore had contacted our daughter and they had planned to meet for dinner that night. It helped me to leave her knowing that she had plans and would not be alone that night. And it was very sweet of them to go out of their way to help her feel more comfortable, when they had never met us before. Lord willing, I will be able to meet my Facebook friend and her daughter and give them both a big hug of thanks before too long.
We said our tearful goodbyes. The Youngest Princess cried herself to sleep in the car. The rest of us stayed pretty quiet. Lost in our thoughts. The Oldest Princess text me before we were halfway home and told me we could still turn around and come back and get her.
I think that night was the toughest on her. But she had a good time with her new friends at dinner and church, so I knew she would be okay. She had a good support group of family calling and checking on her as well, and I think that helped too.
Wednesday, September 7 - My Prince's birthday. It was a normal day for us here at home. We had a picture of the Oldest Princess's schedule, so we knew when she had classes and when she was done. My Prince and I both checked on her from time to time to see how it was going. She was upbeat for most of the day. And that made me feel better. She knew one guy in one of her classes. One of the guys she had met at the freshman connect thing on Monday night. She ate lunch with a precious lady that had been her babysitter when she was young, and who now works in the English department there at the college. It made my momma heart happy to know that they had connected, and were able to have lunch and talk. It makes me happy to know that J is there and that the Oldest Princess can call on her if she needs to. At church that night, they had a cake and some balloons for My Prince. That helped to make the day a little more special for him, as well as all the goodies people brought him throughout the day. After church we had a meeting, and then we came home and tried to help the Youngest Princess get her homework done and into bed.
Thursday, September 8 - We had school and work. After school I went and got my hair cut. The Young Prince had football practice. When we all got back together again, we left to go and meet Grammy and Poppy for dinner to celebrate My Prince's birthday. We had a good time at dinner. The Young Prince was in rare form, and he kept us laughing most of the time. We came home, finished homework, face-timed with the Oldest Princess and went to bed.
Friday, September 9 - A pretty regular day at school and work. There was a pep rally, and the Youngest Princess got to do her cheer routine with her little squad. They are really cute.
Then after school the Youngest Princess, My Prince and I ran and got something to eat, and pretty much went right back to the school for the Homecoming football game. The Young Prince played hard and about 3/4 of the way into the 1st quarter made a tackle and hit his head on the ground. He said he blacked out for a few seconds. The paramedics who were there made him sit out the rest of the game. They also said that he will have to see a doctor before he can be allowed to play again. Have I ever told you that I am not a big fan of football? And now you know why.
We text back and forth with the Oldest Princess again. She said that the guy she had met the first night, and had a class with, had asked her to dinner. We teased her a little back and forth about that. She went to dinner with him and then they had another freshman connection where they met up with some other friends, and she seemed to have had a good time. I was glad. She got her first grade back, and she made a 100, so that was exciting. I sent her the video of her sister's pep rally cheer routine, and pictures of the homecoming court and the winners. We talked, after it was all said and done, for a few minutes. I was glad to know that she had had a good day.
It is hard with her being away. But at the same time, I have a peace. I know that she is where she needs to be. I know that she will have great experiences and learn and grow like never before while she is there. I miss her like crazy, but I know that what she will experience these next four years will be priceless. I know that God will take care of her. I know she can handle the challenge before her, even if she does not believe it herself. I am excited for her, and pray for her daily to learn what God has for her. I look forward to seeing how God will use her to further His kingdom and glorify Him.
And now...the daunting task of catching up has been accomplished. And I think I will get some rest. If you have made it this far with me, you probably need some rest too! Thanks for sticking with me!
Until I blog again...
Saturday, August 27 - We had a ladies conference at our church. Reba Bowman and Lisa Potter with Dare for More Ministries came and presented their Hearts and Hope ministry to our ladies, and several ladies from other churches. We had a great night of fellowship, worship, ministry, shopping and eating. Reba challenged us from God's Word, and opened our eyes to how women around the world are suffering, and how we here in America can help.
Sunday, August 28 - Was a pretty normal Sunday. Lisa and Reba were still with us. Reba presented her ministry to the whole church. We went out to lunch with Lisa and Reba. We had a great time of food and fellowship. That night Reba and Lisa went to a different church to present their ministry. We had services as normal. My Bible Drills helper had strep, so the Oldest Princess helped me out. After church Grammy, Lisa and Reba met us for dinner. Again, we enjoyed talking with them and getting to know them even more.
Monday, August 29 - It was hard to get the Youngest Princess up and running on Monday morning, but eventually we did. My friend S and I cooked supper for our friend who had been in the hospital. She came and picked me up, and we took it to her. We stayed and visited with her for a little while. It was so good to see her doing better! I don't remember much about Monday other than that - lol!
Tuesday, August 30 - The Oldest Princess had her root canal that morning. It went very well, and I was super glad. By the time I was finished with school, she was ready to go shopping for a few more last minute things she needed for college. We got most of what she needed and then we came home.
Wednesday, August 31 - It was a crazy morning even before we could get to school. The crazy morning consisted of but was not limited to: a lost lunch box, a forgotten assignment pad, a flea (I HATE fleas), a strange sound in the car, a fallen curtain, forgotten cheer clothes, lost earphones, found earphones. I remember all of this only because My Prince and I had some very interesting text messages about all of the above, so I was able to look back and be reminded of the madness of that morning. Otherwise, I believe it was a pretty normal day. The Oldest Princess attended her last Wednesday night youth service before heading off to college. Several of us, along with the Oldest Princess and some of her friends went out to eat after church.
Thursday, September 1 - The Oldest Princess went back to the dentist to have a filling until she can come home at Christmas and get a crown put on. That appointment went well, and we were thankful. After I got home from school and the Young Prince got home from football practice, we went to meet Grammy and Poppy for dinner. Our last dinner as a family before the Oldest Princess left for college. As we were leaving, we got the message that our youth pastor and his wife had had their baby. We were all very excited. We went to eat, and enjoyed our time with Grammy and Poppy very much. Then we went to the hospital to meet the newest member of our church family. He was absolutely precious!! And so very tiny! We were very glad that the Oldest Princess was able to meet baby C before she left, because she was afraid that he would be born after she was gone. We left the hospital and came home with full hearts.
Friday, September 2 - It was a good day. We finished school and came home. The girls, My Prince and I all went to eat. We left there and went by and picked up Grammy and Poppy. From there we went to the football game. We were having a good time visiting with friends, and watching the game. I had stepped over to talk to some friends whose son had left for college a few weeks before.
I heard the crowd react to a hit, but my eyes were not on the game so I did not see it. I turned to see what had happened, and I see all of the players moving except one. One is laying face down on the field not moving. I knew by the shoes which one it was. It was the one that belonged to me. It was the Young Prince. I stood up and continued to watch. My heart growing sicker every second that he did not move. I moved over to where my Prince was. We watched as the medics on the field, and the coaches went over to him. I watched as he moved his left arm and leg, but never saw his right side move at all. My Prince walked down to the sideline, but I could not move. They motioned us over, so we went out on the field. The medic told me that he had a something, on his C-something, and that she recommended that we "transport". All the while, she was holding his neck stable. I have no idea what all that meant. She said that since we were there, she would defer the decision to us, as his parents. It was all I could do not to throw up at this point. I had no idea what to do or say. My Prince got down on the ground to look the Young Prince in the eyes, and the Young Prince told him that he was okay.
A fan from the other team came out on the field and told us that he was a doctor. He asked if we cared if he checked out the Young Prince. I told him please! I was glad to have someone look at him that could give us an idea of what to do. They allowed the Young Prince to get up. The doctor pressed on his neck and asked him a few questions. He told us that he would not go spend the night in an emergency room, but that we should take him home and let him shower and get some rest. He told us to take him to our doctor, or to an urgent care doctor the next day if there were any problems. We let him stay on the side lines through the third quarter and then we took him home. He said he was fine, just sore. When we got home, he was hungry, so he showered and ate and then went to bed. I was very thankful for all of our sweet friends who prayed for the Young Prince and for us during that very scary time. And I was very thankful that what could have turned out to be very serious, turned out in the best way possible.
Saturday, September 3 - I wrote in the notebook that the Oldest Princess and I have passed back and forth over the years, and later I slipped it under her pillow for her to find when she went to bed that night. A little last minute "motherly" advice - 10 pages of it - I had a lot that I wanted to say, and I wanted her to have it written down, so she could remember it all. What I would give to have something like that from my mother.
The Young prince woke up feeling okay, just a little sore, praise the Lord!
The Oldest Princess wanted to go to a local Japanese restaurant to eat lunch.
I did several loads of laundry, and helped the Oldest Princess pack and organize a few things.
The Oldest Princess went to her volleyball coach's house to eat dinner and see her and her family for a few minutes.
We hung out and had a quiet evening at home, just the five of us. And then we went to bed.
Sunday, September 4 - I woke up feeling sad. I went down to sit with My Prince for a few minutes. I sat down at the table and the tears started flowing. My Prince was busy looking over his sermon again. Finally he looked up and asked me what was wrong. I told him I had done great up until this point, and that I was allowed a few tears. So I just cried. Pretty soon, he was crying along with me, and then we were laughing at ourselves crying. I knew going to church and everyone talking about it being the day we left, would be hard. I told him that I felt like those people in the Bible who had leprosy and had to call out "Unclean! Unclean!" to warn people who might come near them. Only I felt like I needed to call out "Unstable! Unstable!" because it was possible that I would burst into tears at any minute, and needed to warn people. But as I got started moving, and getting ready, it did get a little better.
Church went well, and I did pretty good until we were shaking hands at the end, and several people gave me hugs. I do well until someone shows me a little sympathy, and then it is all over. So I did cry a little then.
We came home and finished packing up everything. The Oldest Princess's friend C came home from college for the weekend and stopped by to tell the Oldest Princess goodbye. It was good to see her again and to talk to her for a little while. But then it was time to load up the car and get on the road.
I rode with the Oldest Princess who drove her car, and we followed My Prince, the Young Prince and the Youngest Princess. We got to the hotel that evening, and pretty much went straight to bed, because we were all tired.
Monday, September 5 - We got up and got ready. We went to the college and got the Oldest Princess checked in. She had her student ID card made. She text her friend who came down and verified that they were in the same room. We watched a quick introductory video, and then got busy trying to check things off of her to do list given to us by the college.
I noticed a couple that looked familiar. It was a family that we went to church with about 19 years ago. I don't think we have seen them for about 18 years. They were there dropping off their youngest daughter. It was good to see them again. We talked for just a minute and then said good-bye. I had hoped that we would run into them again, but we never did.
We, along with the help of the Oldest Princess's roommate and a friend of hers got all of the Oldest Princess's stuff moved from the car to the room. The Youngest Princess helped to make the Oldest Princess's bed. We put a few things away, and then the Oldest Princess had a math placement test to take. So she went on her way, and we waited for her.
She finished her test pretty quickly, and then we tackled opening the mailbox. They have combination locks, and it takes a little getting used to to get into them. She had a card from Aunt T.
We had a couple of meetings to go to. Then we went to dinner, back to the hotel to freshen up, and back to the college for opening night revival service. While we were standing there waiting for the Oldest Princess to meet us before church, I heard a noise and looked up, and the Blue Angels were flying right over our heads. I said, "Blue Angels! Blue Angels!" so everyone else would not miss them, and then I grabbed my phone and tried to get to my camera to get a picture of them, but my pictures were so late that it does not really do the moment justice. The Oldest Princess came pretty quickly after that, and we went in for the service. It was good, and after the service we walked over with her for a freshman connection thing they were doing.
The Youngest Princess figured out that she would be the class of 2028. We waited around for the Oldest Princess, and met some other parents who were waiting for their daughter as well. The Oldest Princess came out telling us that a guy from the college had introduced her and another girl to a couple of guys, then told them to talk, and walked away. She said the name of the two guys. I asked her if the one guy was the son of our friends who is going there. She said she wasn't sure, but that she bet he was. So My Prince goes back into the room to talk to him and see if it was. It did turn out to be the son of our friends. We were hoping that they would meet, so it was neat that it worked out that way.
We talked to the man who worked there, and he ended up giving the Youngest Princess a button that said Class of 2020 (they were giving them to all of the freshmen), and telling her that she could just use a sharpie and make the last 0 into an 8. It was pretty funny. We walked the Oldest Princess to her dorm, and then left to go back to the hotel.
The Youngest Princess cried when we got back. She begged us not to leave her sissy, or for us to move there close to the college. She finally went to sleep.
Tuesday, September 6 - The Oldest Princess went early that morning to get registered for her classes. She text to say that she was done about the time we were leaving the hotel. She had a couple of things she wanted us to run by the store and pick up for her, so we did that and then went to the college to meet her.
When I got there, she was sitting in the common area copying her schedule into her planner. She looked up at me with big tears in her eyes and asked me to let her pack and just go home with us. I understood. I have been there. Those first few days can be overwhelming. And she was feeling overwhelmed. I encouraged her to stick it out, that it would get better.
We went with her to get her books. The Young Prince, the Youngest Princess and I stayed out in the hall, while My Prince went in with her to help her buy her books for the first time. We did that and then let her take her books back to her room.
The Youngest Princess was pretty much a barnacle on her sister's side the entire day. We went to eat lunch. Then we went back to the college for a little while longer before we had to leave.
The Young Prince went up to get a table near the coffee shop, so he could plug in his phone. I went to the restroom, and the girls went with My Prince to park the car. When I caught up with the Young Prince, he was sitting at a table with another young man. I figured that the young man thought that the Young Prince was a college student, and that he was just looking for someone to talk to. My Prince and the Youngest Princess got there just a couple of minutes after me. My Prince told the young man his name and asked him where he was from. We made small talk with him for a few minutes, and then the Oldest Princess walked up. The young man said, "Your daughter is beautiful." My Prince said, "Excuse me?" and the young man said it again, "Your daughter is beautiful." As my niece used to say..."Awkward City. Population 6" My Prince thanked the young man for his compliment (?). It was a little uncomfortable to say the least. The Oldest Princess mentioned that she was out of data on her phone, and My Prince said that he would make a call and take care of that. That reminded me that we should get the wifi turned on on her phone before we left, so the girls and I left Awkward City to go to the wifi help to get her phone connected. My Prince went outside to make the call to get the data fixed, and left the Young Prince with the young man. The Young Prince said that the young man said, "Your family appears wealthy." I asked him if he said back,"Dude, my dad's in the ministry, and we don't have have dirt!" And then told him he should have said, "Yes, we are wealthy in the Lord's blessings." because we surely are that. Wow. When we finished, I text My Prince and asked them to come to us, so we would not have to go back to that situation. So they came downstairs. The young man came down shortly thereafter, and sat across the room from us. I think he was just lonely and needing someone to talk to. Maybe he was trying a little to hard. I felt bad for him, and I pray that he finds some good friends while he is there.
Way before we were ready, it was time for us to go. I hated to leave her, knowing she was overwhelmed and feeling lonely, but I also knew that in just a few short days, that she would be settled in and much more comfortable, with plenty of new friends. I am in a Pastor's wives group on Facebook and I shot out a quick prayer request for the Oldest Princess. One of the other ladies came back that they had just left there daughter and asked where we were. I told her. Same college. She got the Oldest Princess's number, and before we left, her daughter who is a sophomore had contacted our daughter and they had planned to meet for dinner that night. It helped me to leave her knowing that she had plans and would not be alone that night. And it was very sweet of them to go out of their way to help her feel more comfortable, when they had never met us before. Lord willing, I will be able to meet my Facebook friend and her daughter and give them both a big hug of thanks before too long.
We said our tearful goodbyes. The Youngest Princess cried herself to sleep in the car. The rest of us stayed pretty quiet. Lost in our thoughts. The Oldest Princess text me before we were halfway home and told me we could still turn around and come back and get her.
I think that night was the toughest on her. But she had a good time with her new friends at dinner and church, so I knew she would be okay. She had a good support group of family calling and checking on her as well, and I think that helped too.
Wednesday, September 7 - My Prince's birthday. It was a normal day for us here at home. We had a picture of the Oldest Princess's schedule, so we knew when she had classes and when she was done. My Prince and I both checked on her from time to time to see how it was going. She was upbeat for most of the day. And that made me feel better. She knew one guy in one of her classes. One of the guys she had met at the freshman connect thing on Monday night. She ate lunch with a precious lady that had been her babysitter when she was young, and who now works in the English department there at the college. It made my momma heart happy to know that they had connected, and were able to have lunch and talk. It makes me happy to know that J is there and that the Oldest Princess can call on her if she needs to. At church that night, they had a cake and some balloons for My Prince. That helped to make the day a little more special for him, as well as all the goodies people brought him throughout the day. After church we had a meeting, and then we came home and tried to help the Youngest Princess get her homework done and into bed.
Thursday, September 8 - We had school and work. After school I went and got my hair cut. The Young Prince had football practice. When we all got back together again, we left to go and meet Grammy and Poppy for dinner to celebrate My Prince's birthday. We had a good time at dinner. The Young Prince was in rare form, and he kept us laughing most of the time. We came home, finished homework, face-timed with the Oldest Princess and went to bed.
Friday, September 9 - A pretty regular day at school and work. There was a pep rally, and the Youngest Princess got to do her cheer routine with her little squad. They are really cute.
Then after school the Youngest Princess, My Prince and I ran and got something to eat, and pretty much went right back to the school for the Homecoming football game. The Young Prince played hard and about 3/4 of the way into the 1st quarter made a tackle and hit his head on the ground. He said he blacked out for a few seconds. The paramedics who were there made him sit out the rest of the game. They also said that he will have to see a doctor before he can be allowed to play again. Have I ever told you that I am not a big fan of football? And now you know why.
We text back and forth with the Oldest Princess again. She said that the guy she had met the first night, and had a class with, had asked her to dinner. We teased her a little back and forth about that. She went to dinner with him and then they had another freshman connection where they met up with some other friends, and she seemed to have had a good time. I was glad. She got her first grade back, and she made a 100, so that was exciting. I sent her the video of her sister's pep rally cheer routine, and pictures of the homecoming court and the winners. We talked, after it was all said and done, for a few minutes. I was glad to know that she had had a good day.
It is hard with her being away. But at the same time, I have a peace. I know that she is where she needs to be. I know that she will have great experiences and learn and grow like never before while she is there. I miss her like crazy, but I know that what she will experience these next four years will be priceless. I know that God will take care of her. I know she can handle the challenge before her, even if she does not believe it herself. I am excited for her, and pray for her daily to learn what God has for her. I look forward to seeing how God will use her to further His kingdom and glorify Him.
And now...the daunting task of catching up has been accomplished. And I think I will get some rest. If you have made it this far with me, you probably need some rest too! Thanks for sticking with me!
Until I blog again...
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