Kids headed to College Fall 2012 Check-in

[Buckalew11]

So, tonight I get a call from DD: Mom? Are you still feeling the effects of Empty Nest Syndrome?
Me: Yes. Why?
DD: I'm on my way home and bringing you something. Be there in a few minutes.

She arrived with 2 new friends and a lovely baby squirrel about 2-3 weeks old!

Now, anyone who knows me knows I love squirrels as much as I love the Beach Boys and Disney World. In fact, the squirrels at WDW...well, nevermind. Bicker would not be happy with me sharing that info, lol. Anyway...

Tonight I'm trying to keep a tiny, fit in the palm of your hand, baby squirrel alive! So, so cute.

We fed the 3 girls because they were on their way to the dining hall to eat when they found the baby so they missed dinner.

I truly hope this is the ONLY baby my DD brings home to me from college!

Glad to hear everyone is doing so well this week with move ins and all that!! Oh, the 2 girls who came to the house are the ones who were crying so hard last week and are doing much better.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

I truly hope this is the ONLY baby my DD brings home to me from college!

They leave for LA in the morning. I just got a job (Tuesday about 10 PM) as a school librarian and started Wednesday morning! I've been super-busy, so maybe I won't miss her much-until I stop for a minute and think of her.

Good luck to everyone!

Brenda, I'll bet you love that she can just pop in. That is great.

 

[ckay87]

WARNING - Keep the girl/boy friends FAR away on moving day! Did not need THOSE extra tears! Geez.

 

[clh2]

We left Friday afternoon - move in day was Saturday.

DD's roommate had the orientation just before move-in date, and "those" students moved in on Wednesday. So - we hooked up with roomie Friday night to get some things out of the van (so we could go pick up the fridge that we had at Walmart on the "site-to-store" delivery.)

Move-in time officially started at 8, but we got there from the hotel at 7:45. Our car got unloaded ASAP (there are fraternity and sororiety volunteers to unload and move stuff). It took 10 minutes max for that process.

By 10:00 or so - the line to unload appeared to be HOURS long. I'm glad we were done with that part early. (IF we would have had to get the fridge on Saturday, we would have been in the car line at that time.)

We ran to Walmart and Bed Bath and Beyond for some storage-related items (easliy carried from the parking ramps) and had lunch. My goal was to leave at 2 - and we actually left a few minutes before then.

The good bye was great a floormate that DD met on Friday night (that girl had the last orientatino too) stopped by...Seemed like the perfect time for a quick hug...a few tears.. BUT THAT WAS ALL

We got home about 6 had dinner, and then took the van that we rented back home. (That way I could sleep in today!)

DD assembled her chair on Friday night while DH and I ran and got the fridge. DD was "kidding around" with a different dad who was assembling a chair in the hallway. Having fun - the dad was pretty impressed that she offered her toolkit if he needed it

DD was very organized...made the day great!!! Now on to the next task...want to send out a care package to mail out tomorrow!

 

[Patience]

My 5 year old is really missing her big sister. Her Kindergarten teacher told me she talks about her sister all the time. During art class last week, the Kindergartners had to draw a picture of something that makes them happy. My girl drew a picture of herself holding hands with her big sister. Sniff, sniff.

 

[SC Minnie]

DD moved in yesterday. Everything went smoothly even though it was hot as Hades with high humidity. We were able to snag someone in a golf cart helping haul stuff from the parking lots to unload all her stuff. They dropped it off at her dorm and we had to haul it up to the 3rd floor. We helped her get everything set up in her room. Her room is larger than I had remembered and everything fit well. Her 3 room mates were moving in at the same time so we got to meet their families as well- 2 of them had aunts, uncles, older siblings, boyfriends, etc helping. After a much needed lunch and quick trip to Target to pick up some last minute things we took her back to campus. DH went down to the bookstore with her to get her 2 books we didn't order online and pick up her parking pass. We left about 4 to take the 3 hour drive home. It was tough leaving her there but I was able to control the tears. We'll see her in less than 2 weeks so its like she at camp or something right now.

 

[Green Tea]

We have run out of suitcases and boxes for all the clothes DD is planning to take. I started filling the mini fridge with garments this morning. I wonder what might be packed in the microwave by the time we get there.

 

[BrerMom]

We have run out of suitcases and boxes for all the clothes DD is planning to take. I started filling the mini fridge with garments this morning. I wonder what might be packed in the microwave by the time we get there.

As least this made me giggle. We just took two kids to the same college (what a blessing this is in SO many ways!!!) and had the same creative packing. Our Disney packing training came in handy - so many more clothes fit in a small space when they are rolled.

 

[SC Minnie]

We have run out of suitcases and boxes for all the clothes DD is planning to take. I started filling the mini fridge with garments this morning. I wonder what might be packed in the microwave by the time we get there.

DD folded all her clothes and put them in big garbage bags. Nothing to bring home plus they used the bags for the trash from move in.

 

[java]

My son's best friend left today, so he was feeling down. We went to ikea for some stuff, lamps,rugs,desk stuff, tool kit, robe. He was really in the mood to shop which is a first! He's napping now and going out tonight with a girl. We have 8 days to go.
I only cried once today. Seeing how upset the besties were to say goodbye got to me.

 

[wowsmom]

Move in day was Friday. It was about 90° - not too common in western Washington state!

DS's move-in time wasn't until 11:15, which was nice for not having to get up too early, but after the fact, I realized that also meant about 2-3 less hours to help get everything settled. They had other activities on that day, so we weren't in the room the whole time getting it settled.

DS is a single in a double room - ends up his roommate didn't come and they didn't assign anybody else. So that's good for things like having lots of room and not having to get used to somebody snoring...but not so good for having that "instant friend" or somebody to go eat with.

His room is located right across from the bathroom and the laundry room is right next to the bathroom, so that's convenient.

Friday afternoon, the school had a convocation - a bunch of speakers talking about the school and this new class. When we left the stadium, there were people lining both sides of the walkway - other students, teachers, staff, etc - and they were high-fiving and cheering and clapping for the new students. It was actually pretty touching.

Saturday was parent orientation meetings and such, with the kids off doing their own things. Saw DS for lunch, then for dinner. Dinner was a bit tough, knowing we'd be saying goodbye right after (they actually designate 4:30-6:00 for dinner and goodbyes).

Carried a couple things up to his dorm (snuck a candy bar into his fridge ), hugged him goodbye and that's when I started crying. That was so hard! Anyway, his dad said goodbye then we all walked out of his dorm room. We turned left to leave and he turned right to head to his next activity.

And yes, I was one of those moms who was sobbing...shoulder shaking, can't breathe sobbing. I knew I would cry - that was a given - but I had no idea how hard it would hit me.

We left the school and headed back to our hotel (20 minutes away) then contacted my nieces who live just north & ended up going out with one of them for dessert. But then it was back to that hotel just 20 minutes away from campus - I think that made it much harder. I really think if we had gotten in our car and driven away, it would have been maybe just a tiny bit easier. Oh well. Anyway, I flew home Sunday (and cried once I was on the plane...ugh) and DH is driving home.

I know DS is going to have a great time...he seemed very happy and comfortable on campus...and already got complimented on his beard. And I did talk to him for about 3 minutes this morning (he called with a quick question) and he sounds good.

Now to figure out if there is any way to go up for Family Weekend - it's the same weekend as DH's annual convention and DS#2 has a football game on the Friday and a marching band competition on the Saturday. Not going to be easy....

 

[tar heel]

We have run out of suitcases and boxes for all the clothes DD is planning to take. I started filling the mini fridge with garments this morning. I wonder what might be packed in the microwave by the time we get there.

I put one of those big multi packages of chips in DS's refrigerator. No one remembered they were there. Chilled chips anyone?

 

[Buckalew11]

My 5 year old is really missing her big sister. Her Kindergarten teacher told me she talks about her sister all the time. During art class last week, the Kindergartners had to draw a picture of something that makes them happy. My girl drew a picture of herself holding hands with her big sister. Sniff, sniff.

Oh this GOT me!!! I was older when my sister moved to college but I remember the heartbreak. Now, she is 55 (very soon) and still has never come home from leaving for college when she was almost 18. I STILL miss her. That part of life is NOT fair.

Hug your little one tight. Your big sister is your sistermom/bestfriend/hero all rolled into one. Hugs for her, I know she has a empty spot for her big sis.

Glad all the move ins are going so well!! It is exciting to read about them!

And...my little baby squirrel is still fighting for his life! (I only thought I had an empty nest!)

 

[pixie dust 112]

My college senior leaves this Thursday and my Freshman leaves Thursday and now you all have me totally sobbing! It's so darned hard!

 

[bimshire]

Thursday was move-in day and we had it pretty easy. The best decision was using Southwest Airlines and getting to take two bags each for FREE. So we made up a list and bought most of the stuff in advance. Got three computer boxes from my wife's job along with DS suitcase and filled them up.

We were allowed 30 minutes to unload infront of the 5 story 1 year old dorm. DS is on the 4th floor. I pulled the rental into a parking space. DS took the largest box and I took a smaller one and pulled his suitcase. Elevator was quick and not crowded because they had the move-in times staggered. Worked real well. Went back and got the other box along with backpack and carry-on and just like that the rental was unloaded. Two of us together were able to unpack and organized the room relatively quickly.

DS had used Amazon Prime for 5 of his 8 books. They were waiting for him at the mail area on the first floor of the dorm. Went to the bookstore and picked out the other 3 and luckily the lines at the cashiers were very short.

Got something to eat at one of the dining locations and then hit Costco, Target and Walmart for the few remaining items.

Originally, I had my flight booked so the I could finish up with DS the next day from 8am til 12noon. But since everything was done the day before, I took the rental back so I only had a 24 hour usage and got an automatic adjustment of $48 on the collision damage waiver charge.

So with all three kids in college, empty nest life is kicking in.

 

[ckay87]

Here's a weird thing. I did not shed a tear when we left DS at school. It was just such an exciting day and I'm so happy for him, I did not feel the tears.

The next day I went to the grocery store and that made me cry a flippin river! I saw all the items I would have normally picked up for him and it just hit me that he was gone.

And THEN.... I checked out. . Not sad anymore.

 

[zurgswife]

Finally got DS (freshman) to begin packing. DS(Soph) is almost totally packed and literally has almost nothing compared to last year. Tomorrow DS(freshman) will be required to continue packing and we are doing some more "stuff" shopping.

Soph leaves on Friday and Freshman leaves Sunday.

 

[clh2]

DD has been gone for a few days already - first care package (with stuff in it is in the mail.

I've been trying to find some things that would be quick and easy to mail - and came across these ideas:

grab a smile

The smile - would cost a "stamp" to mail. And - I could totally see DD hanging this on her door. I could also see this with jokes on it too!

And - while this one would take a little more work - wouldn't cost an arm and a leg to mail - it is designed for "skinny" stuff.

Envelopes idea

So - thought some of you may find them to be beneficial as well!

 

[StephMK]

Carried a couple things up to his dorm (snuck a candy bar into his fridge ), hugged him goodbye and that's when I started crying. That was so hard! Anyway, his dad said goodbye then we all walked out of his dorm room. We turned left to leave and he turned right to head to his next activity.

And yes, I was one of those moms who was sobbing...shoulder shaking, can't breathe sobbing. I knew I would cry - that was a given - but I had no idea how hard it would hit me.

....

Awww, if I had seen you, I would have totally started too! I did ok since it was a quick goodbye in the parking lot without others around and mostly a happy day. It would have been soooo hard to leave her room & walk out alone, that is emotional!!

DD has been there a week now & has settled in. She is having some minor roomie issues - the other 3 vaguely/kinda know each other so she's feeling very odd man out. After a few tearful calls (those were heartwrenching!), she found a sorority that felt right and has found some friends on her hall.

Classes & job started today and she sounded totally back to her usual self when she called this afternoon about stuff she needs. Now I'm tracking down a new book and a white dress & shoes for an event. Ahh, it feels much better to know she's happy, I know she can handle the rest.

How are the others doing at school? Good luck to those getting ready to take kids off to school!!

 

[goofy4tink]

DD folded all her clothes and put them in big garbage bags. Nothing to bring home plus they used the bags for the trash from move in.

Yep, that's what we're doing as well. I don't want to be carting suitcases or duffle bags back and forth. So, dd can keep the trash bags, and then use 'em to bring the clothes home.
Starting to get packed....huge pile of stuff in the spare room. Not really sure how we're going to get it all in the car. Looks like the fridge and storage units will have stuff in 'em.
Friday is our day....at least it isn't going to rain or be overly hot/humid.