Tears and Treasures

Here's the latest blog post, but be sure you read the one precipitating this one. I had drafted it and forgot to post a few weeks ago. :)

Well, I did it. I said good-bye to my girl last week. She is now officially a freshman at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. A whole country and a lifetime away from her Momma who misses her terribly. 

 Ken, Kennedy and I took off from the GR airport on an early Tuesday morning and left Brecken to stay with family and friends as she couldn't miss her volleyball practices and matches here that week. This is she and Kennedy saying their farewells at the airport that morning. Mercy.

Once I survived that, it was excitement and anticipation for all the good things ahead.

Ken did an amazing job planning our trip with a fantastic hotel suite just around the corner from campus and a Target and Ikea! Score!

We had nothing shipped before hand. We decided to purchase most of her dorm necessities once we got there, which worked out surprisingly well. She had already chatted and coordinated with her roommate that their room would be soft greys and whites so it was easy to stick to that style and find bedding sets and accessories that didn't break the bank but that were cute and functional.

 We actually got to move her in a day early to beat the rush of the rest of the incoming freshman, which was super smooth and seamless. 

 Every morning consisted of a little more shopping for items she would need to make this place her new home. Gotta love IKEA!!

Afternoons consisted of picking up her long-distance boyfriend Jordan, (who no longer is long distance-PRAISE!) and spending time checking out the sites and attractions around Santa Monica  and Malibu, which is about 45 minutes from campus. Third Street Promenade.

 Santa Monica Pier

 Biking from the Pier to Venice Beach

 And enjoying campus family activities and the breathtaking mountain views.

Of course, I was in my element staging and prepping her room to make it comfortable and cozy for her once we left. Fortunately for me, we have similar taste in keeping things subdued and subtle. She didn't want lots of color, and with the fabulous dark burgundy carpet, I think that was a wise move. :)

 Great find from Ikea-$30 storage cart-the perfect height for her lofted bed. 

 Not lots you can do to beautify a dorm style desk! I was itching to get some contact paper to cover the insides and flat fronts of the desk, but both Ken and Kennedy thought that was taking things a bit too far!

 Still the hover mother that I've always been. Old habits die hard. :)

Wall decal we found at Hobby Lobby on clearance. Accessories all from Ikea including the battery operated candles. 

 Of course she needed reminders of the mitten and her friends and family at home.

We couldn't have felt better about leaving her in good hands at a Christian University that has put "God First" since it's founding. 

On the last day before we flew home, the University president prayed over the families in the Sunday morning chapel service and afterwards, challenged each of the families to make a family crest or circle symbolizing the start of this next stage of life-launching our children.

He said that upon graduation, families are asked to go back to the exact spot of that circle and then truly commission their children into the world. A very meaningful experience praying together with Kennedy and Ken and for Brecken at home for all of us to still feel connected and whole. 

God is so faithful. 

I haven't cried even once upon my return and am truly just so proud and happy that she is able to make her way in this world and find her place in it. 

Thanks for letting me post and process this transition and for so many of you offering words of encouragement and support. 

And before I leave you with that trip down memory lane, I wanted to let you know that Ken and I hauled an entire van load to my booth at Not So Shabby last night. It was desperately needed as I have let my inventory run too low lately. Haven't been hitting the garage sale trail lately but did manage to hit a great one last Saturday and ventured to Burley Park Swap Meet for some treasures on Labor Day. Here are the results of that: 

Make sure you head down there sometime and check out the loot. I'll be adding more each week as my garage is still pretty full and we're not able to do the Fall Peddler's Market downtown Zeeland this year because of other commitments. That market is so great. Make sure you don't miss it this year! Saturday, September 17 from 3-8 and you can even stroll with a glass of wine! Feel The Zeel !!