OT, pics of me & DH with son before leaving for college

Thanks Jean!  I wonder how long it will take me to getting used to Kyle not being at home...  Although the past 3 weeks except for the weekends he was gone, working at my BIL's farm. 
Kelsey is still living at home so that helps, but she's either working for will be at school.

Gracie and I get to start up our visits to the 1st graders next Thursday, so I'm looking forward to doing that again.  I told Jack ( our Golden ) that even though he was in Kyle's senior pics, that he has to stay home with mommy! hahaha  I know the dogs will miss Kyle, but when he visits they will be super excited to see him.

I think there's something wrong with me.  During times when I should be tearful and emotional with my daughter...like the first day of kindergarten, dropping her off at college, her wedding day...I felt nothing but happy and didn't feel like crying or any sadness at all.  I am single and live by myself so you would think I would feel some loss...but I'm glad I don't. 

You look great by the way and your son is a hottie...should  say that???  Is he 18 yet???  Oh well...hahahaha.

I think it would be easier if I didn't feel like crying.  Even when they were babies I knew my job was to raise them to become strong, independent adults.  I feel like we did the best job we could and over the past year, we gave Kyle more independence.  I had a friend that was a helicopter parent and it was just too much.  Never want to be like that. 

Take care,
Kristi

Kristi --- what a beautiful family you have!

I don't have kids, so can't really feel your pain, but I did call my best friend last night -- and asked about her son (he is leaving TX to go to school in Ohio next week) and I said, "are  you really going to let him go" ---then we both cried a little.

I have known Sam since he was in-utero --- and babysat and loved and prayed for him his whole life.

I know HE is ready to move on to his new adventure -- and I know that THEY are ready for him to BE there -- it is just so hard letting him GO.  I am sure you feel the same.

Maybe it will be easier when he starts to bring home dirty laundry and frat brothers who gobble your food and sleep on your floor!!!

You look wonderful, my friend -- so happy and loved by the men in your life!

Thanks my band sister!  It's great that you got to be close to Sam.  Letting go is hard, but I've had it in the back of my mind since he was a baby.  You just don't think the time will go by so fast.  : )

I feel good about where Kyle is at.  The Frat house will be so much better for him than the dorm.  The fraternities are so different from when my brother, sister and brother in law were in them.  The have to maintain a certain GPA, they provide a mentor, provide free tutoring and do philanthropic (sp?)  work.  They also have a house mom to teach them etiquette and have a weekly sit down dinner where they have to dress up.  When we arrived a group of them came out and welcomed Kyle and helped carry in all of his things.  I also know he will have  lots of fun and they already told him they would all  be serenading the sorority pledge girls. 

Oh, no dirty laundry coming home, the house had 3 washing machines that are free.  Yay!

Well as soon as the grass dries, I will be out mowing since a certain young man isn't here to do it! hahaha 

awww, very sweet...I guess it's probably bittersweet...my daughter is 19 and has been attending college locally.  But that will probably change next year.

Oh and by the way, you look like you could be his sister!

Thanks for the compliment. It does help to have our 19 year old daughter going to an area college for nursing.  It would be so much more difficult if we were empty nesters. 

You guys look great
 

Thanks so much Mike.  Welcome back to the board.

You look so great! I remember when you first joined the board! WTG!!