FSU Parents Weekend, 2016

One of my favorite college campuses is FSU in the beautiful Tallahassee, FL. I am in love with the live oaks and Spanish moss and the old, Spanish-style architecture.

There is a certain, laid back feel to Florida that most likely comes from the heat. It was very hot this particular weekend, especially sitting all day in a sunny football stadium. But Bill and I didn't mind too much since we got to see Braxton march with the Marching CHIEFS and watch our NC Tarheel eek in a win against the Noles. Very exciting game! We love the Seminoles, but our blood still runs Carolina blue!

The Chiefs did a great halftime show to Grease, hence the 50s costumes. Braxton can do a mean hand jive. We also hit our fav eating establishments, including Midtown Caboose, Momo's Pizza and the IHOP. 4 Rivers bbq was excellent as well!

Peach Bowl 2015

FSU vs Houston was a disaster BUT the Marching Chiefs were great and the stadium chili cheese dog and roasted peanuts were delicious. Sad game, but we did have fun. Happy New Year to everyone! Praying for a great 2016!

FSU Parent Weekend 2015 - Marching Chiefs

We're having a great time in beautiful Tallahassee watching FSU beat Syracuse and, of course, watching the Marching Chiefs tear up the field. Since today was Halloween, the entire band turned into zombies for the halftime show and even treated us to the Thriller dance! Great fun.

We even got a seat in the shade and ate tons of great food. Loved watching Chief Osceola astride Renegade with his flaming spear. There isn't a cooler mascot in all of sports imo.

Love FSU! Such a gorgeous campus with old, live oaks dripping in Spanish moss. Such a great place to attend school. Braxton is really blessed! Happy birthday to him on top of it all!

Becoming an Empty Nester

Becoming an empty nester is a truth all of us parents know we must face some day, way off in the future. While changing diapers, preparing meals and snacks, loading grocery carts to the gills, and running the carpool, one never really thinks about life with an empty, quiet home that awaits in 20 years time. But as the clock ticks down, the day finally comes. 

The busy season that preceded it, filled with graduation, orientation, shopping for dorm room decor, and updating the college wardrobe kept this Type A first-born mama's mind at a whir, so that when the quiet came, it seemed abrupt and cruel. Now what to do? The rooms are clean, no need to stock the fridge, the basement is straight, the yard taken care of. . . Time to realize one has entered into a new chapter of life.

There is sadness in leaving the old chapter behind, because I now realize motherhood was my 24/7 job that I loved and am really good at. I know I'll still be called upon from time to time when my kids need help or advice, etc., but it won't be the same. Once you've gone from one life chapter to another, there's no going back.

So I've decided to be excited, thrilled, elated. No more mandatory weekly grocery runs, no more cooking every night, no more incessant laundrey piles, messy rooms, basement furniture covered in snack crumbs, no more dealing with Cobb County schools (which I am grateful for all they did for our kids, btw), no more weekend scheduling around sports games and competitions. Bill and I can go whenever and wherever we want without announcing our departure. We can eat leftovers for days, and we can head off for the weekend at a moment's notice. And we will do it! 

We already have our list of places in the Atlanta area to explore, one being the Marietta Diner. Amazing place. But that's just a small beginning. There's lots more to come - the Lord will lead and guide us into new ventures and callings and wonderful family reunions with our children. I'm beginning to see that the best awaits us!!

Here are some pics of my birthday celebration, Braxton's Marching Chief attire, Rachel with her UK friends, and Anna at Dragon Con. And of course, the wonderful Marietta Diner!!