All over the place. That describes my emotions this month. It hasn’t taken much to bring tears. Happy tears, sad tears, frustrated ones and wistful ones. But it’s all good. It’s only because we moved my baby to college. She is officially a Baylor Bear – the 3rd generation. And I think it’s safe to say the whole family is excited…and a little nervous about that. But let me back it up a bit.
The first week of August was the 2nd week of grandparent camp (Camp LolliPop if you will). I am Lolli and the hubs is Pop. We had the first two of our four the week before. And this week we hosted the younger two. We went to Fossil Rim – a wildlife drive through park in Glen Rose, Texas with my mom and dad, we went swimming at our REC swimming pool a lot, had a water balloon fight, played Chicken Foot and had pizza and movie night. To top it off, Chuck’s parents traveled up to see them and provide much additional entertainment while I worked a couple of days. Allie went back to Camp Blessing to work one more week. I think it’s safe to say that an exhausting time was had by all.
Preparing for What’s Next
Upon coming home, Allie spent most of the next week soaking up as much time with hometown friends as possible before they all started going their separate ways for the next life chapter. We went wherever she lead worship to get our fill for a while. We sure will miss that, but pray she finds a church home in her new city that will utilize her many gifts.
In our time with her we cooked her favorite meals, let her pick favorite restaurants and played Spicy Uno with her and friends. If you don’t know this version of the popular card game, you can google the rules using the regular Uno deck. We also bought her a pair of cowboy boots and worked with her on popular dances to get her ready for the country two-step scene in Waco. We basically acted like we were never going to see her again even though she’s an hour and a half away and we bought season football tickets. She will be wishing she missed us!
Movin’ On Up
Move2BU (as they call it) was very hot and tiring, but Baylor does right by their new freshmen. When we pulled up in front of her dorm, a swarm of upperclassmen grabbed all of her things from our two cars and hauled it up to her room. It was a gone in 60 seconds situation. Being spared that part, we could go straight up to her room and start putting it all together. And the room turned out so cute – thanks to the creativity and thoroughness of her roommate’s mom! The day ended with a family picnic outside in 109 degrees. Suffice it to say, we didn’t stay long and said our goodbyes outside in public. Too hot to hug for too long, so I only teared up for a minute and then we were gone! A great way to remove some of the emotion and send this Momma Bear off without a scene.
To reward ourselves for making it through all that, Chuck and I took ourselves to see Petra! Anyone else grow up listening to them? They are touring for their 50th anniversary and it was so fun. Even more fun was watching the people in their 70’s rocking out as well as a father and son duo in front of us who were all in!
All Over the Place with Entertainment
I bought into the Barbenhiemer hype and went to the Barbie movie with my girl. She even made me change into pink clothes! It is fun and clean and deeper than you originally think. I kind of want to see it again. Chuck and I went to Oppenheimer on a date night and it did not disappoint. I can’t call it clean since there is a sex scene and way too much of Florence Pugh’s skin, but the psychological drama kept me interested for the entire 3 hours. It didn’t feel that long at all.
On TV, we got the most out of a free month of Apple TV+ by watching Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie. I loved him growing up and love documentaries so this hit a sweet spot. Little Voice also delighted us on Apple with the story of a young singer/songwriter trying to make it in NYC. The main character had a special needs brother that we so related with. Untold: Johnny Football on Netflix was so interesting, but in the end showed the lack of character of all involved. Especially when there was a chance to make some money. And we enjoyed binging So Help Me Todd. I’m hoping there is a second season this fall.
New Chapter
When our grandkids were here, we dusted out the old Wii for some entertainment and the hubs and I decided to keep it out for ourselves. Playing some active games together has been fun and kept us from turning into total couch potatoes in the evening. As well as taking Shelby swimming or walking to get her some exercise too. In my spare time I read Lynn Austin’s Chasing Shadows. Not my favorite of her books. 
And now Allie is finishing up her first week of college classes and she is sending positive reports. Getting texts about how much she loves her classes and the university in general make my day. As well as an occasional “I love you” text. Not bragging, just saying. 😉 Tonight we are having friends over for game night. Going to teach them spicy uno. And as always, I love you, I thank you and I hope September treats you well!
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I love the thought of turning “why” questions into “what” questions with God as Linda Stoll does in Porch #105 Please Answer at Least One Question.
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Oh my! You sure were all over the place for sure. But oh the places you’ve been. I’m so happy to hear Allie is at college at last! Way to go Allie. I’ve enjoyed your posts and following Allie on her previous college visits, high school ventures, church and worship fellowships. Oh, and I can’t forget her singing. Now, I can’t wait so hear about Allie’s college updates.
Oh, how wonderful you guys got to spend Lolli Pop camp with the grands, sounded fantastic. I’ve got to say I can’t wait to hear this year about what Shelby’s been up to and how school is going and any adventures that await her this year.
Sending Have A Great Weekend wishes your way!
{{Hugs}} & Blessings.
G&T
Thanks so much for going on the journey with me, Paula!
That dorm room is very cute! Life is full of transitions, and when we see our kids thriving in new environments, it’s a blessing indeed!
Agreed, Lynn. Thank you.
So glad all of Allie’s transitions went well and she’d off to a good start. I have that book of Lynn Austin’s but haven’t read it yet.
The book is good, just not as good as some others.
so fun to read about Allie’s move to college! our 2nd granddaughter just set off on her college adventure. where does time go?!
I ask myself that question all the time, Linda!
You had an adventuresome month, Lauren! Allie’s room is cute, and I’m glad she had a smooth transition into BU. I trust you’ll have lots of fun at the football games this season. 🙂
With 4 home games in Sept in Texas, I may melt. But also have fun!
What a full August you had! Seeing our kids fly the nest is SO emotional… I’m glad you had some fun moments in there, too. 🙂
It is emotional – but also rewarding watching them come into their own.
My goodness, Lauren … so much here to respond to I actually made a list! 😂 My girls’ departures to first year of college and semester in Spain were two weeks apart, so we basically had a month of favorite meals at our house. We haven’t played Spicy Uno for a few years but totally love it. I love your daughter’s dorm room and can relate to your gratitude for her roommate’s mom. In our case, my daughter and her roommate drew up a detailed, to-scale floor plan before they arrived so we were able to set all the furniture up very quickly. My husband is nowhere close to 70 but he’s a HUGE Petra fan. If their 50th anniversary tour were anywhere near Kansas City, I’m sure we’d have gone. We have a wii that my girls still play; I’ll have to see if my husband wants to do a few rounds of Mario Kart sometime. 😊 Hope you have a great September!
Thanks for relating to me and communicating how much we have in common, Lois. I love it.
I know how to play chicken foot and I certainly have experienced Petra in concert. My husband took me to their concert in 1987! It was our first date.
Lots of memories, happy and bittersweet, packed into one hot month of August.
Bless you all as you begin a new chapter of life.
Thanks so much, Lisa! Seems we have a lot in common.
My heart remembers dropping off my babies at college too. Life’s transitions can be tricky, but I know you’ll navigate them well. And you’ll have lots of fun hanging out at Baylor events with Allie! 🙂
Oppenheimer is still on my list (yikes, I didn’t know it was 3 hours long!), but I did dress in pink to see Barbie and loved it. We had a few months of Apple TV+ this summer too. And they hooked us. 🙂 Watching “Still” was very emotional for me too; I’ve seen Michael J. Fox in so many shows and movies. I admire his tenacity and courage to be so public.
I also admire how much Michael J Fox has done for the cause by being so transparent!