Happy Thursday, friends, and cheers to the almost weekend! Today is the day…the car is packed, his room is cleaned out, all the friends have stopped over to say goodbye…in a few hours we’ll move our son to college.
Watching Little Miss say her goodbyes this morning was brutal. The two of them have always been close, and I think it’s just dawning on her what an incredible big brother she has.
We prayed for him as a family last night, and many tears were shed. But there was also a sense of peace knowing that he will be okay. More than okay, actually. He will soar, and I’m so excited to have a front row seat for that. But for now, it hurts.
I know this has been a constant topic on the blog for the last year, and I can’t thank y’all enough for the support and encouragement. Hearing your stories has brought me so much comfort. Can we just be one big support group, please?!
Today on the blog it’s time for another round of Sugarplum Style, snapshots of my everyday outfits I share on Instagram and Facebook, created by mixing and matching items in my closet. I hope they inspire you to stretch your wardrobe further by mixing up what you already have, and thoughtfully add new things.
Embroidered Tee | Jean Shorts | Hat | Flip Flops | Bangle Set
Palm One-Piece Swimsuit | Striped Tote | Similar Bangle Set | Hat | Sunglasses
Flutter Sleeve Tee | Patterned Shorts | Wedges | Bag
Embroidered Top | Jeans | Hoop Earrings | Sandals
‘Make It Count’ Tank | Striped Leggings | Sneakers
Abstract Sundress | Sandals | Bag
Ruffle Racerback Tank | Distressed Shorts | Embroidered Sneakers
Sundress | Striped Tote | Sandals
Embroidered Tank | Wide Leg Pants | Suitcase | Monogrammed Tote | Sandals
Bodysuit | Pull-On Patterned Skirt | Sandals
Striped Tee | Jeans | Suitcase | Monogrammed Tote | Jean Jacket | Sandals
Bodysuit | Flared Skirt | Sandals | Bangle Set
Jean Jacket | Bodysuit | Pull-On Midi Skirt | Sandals | Suitcase | Woven Tote
Ruffled Two-Piece Swimsuit | Hat | Bangle Set
Flutter Sleeve Tee | Chino Shorts | Sandals | Similar Bag
Tank | Running Shorts | Sneakers | Embroidered Cap
Patterned Shirtdress | Hat | Sunglasses | Sandals
Striped T-Shirt Dress | Sandals | Monogrammed Tote
Striped T-Shirt Dress | Tassel Necklace | Sandals
Have you been following all the house renovations on my Instagram, too? Here’s a peek of the office!! I can’t wait to spend my days creating here!
That’s it for today, I hope you found some new outfit inspiration, and fresh ideas for mixing things up in your closet! I’m sure I’ll be sharing snippets of our move-in day over on Instagram, so follow my story for dorm room peeks!
You can catch up with past installments of Sugarplum Style here, and follow my everyday outfits on Instagram. You can also shop my outfits anytime by clicking the Shop My Insta button under my blog header, or in the Shop menu of the navigation bar. Happy almost-weekend, lovebugs!
Cassie,
It is hard to let your kids take flight. And every time they come back home it hurts to see them leave again. That never complete changes, even after many years. However, it is also a great joy to see the fruits of your labors when your children find their own path. It takes some a little longer than others, but it’s very gratifying to know that your children have grown into caring, responsible adults. Hang in there, it will get better!
Lots of prayers and love coming your way today Cassie. Its a rough day when they go away. You will find yourself going back into his room to smell some of his clothes. Might sound strange, but you will.
I will be following along on stories to see how your day goes.
Much Love,
Judy
Cassie –
I feel your pain! My first child went off to college in 2005 and my last one is going into his senior year at college next week. This was the first summer in 32 years that we did not have a child living at home! And although we are used to the empty nest, I never realized how much I needed the kids to be here for the summer. I remember how empty the dinner table felt when my oldest left for school, even though only one person was missing. One of the things I told myself when I was feeling sad and lonely was that not only were my children happy, successful, and loving college, but that I did my job right for 18 years to get them to that point. They were able to excel while away, learn to live on their own, and thank goodness for text messaging and face time! Congratulate yourself for a job well done and know that your son is acing the next milestone in his life.
Headed off to do the same on Sunday with our son — hugs to you, fellow mom!
Try not to be too sad. Yes, you’ll miss him. And, you’ll worry about whether or not he’s eating right, getting enough sleep and making good choices. The house will feel like something is missing for a little while. BUT, then you’ll realize that he is in the midst of one of the best times of his life. And, while you won’t be walking quite along side him for this adventure, you’ll be amazed at how the sadness is replaced with excitement and pride……not only pride for him but for all that you’ve done as a parent over the past 18 or so years that has allowed him to grow into the capable almost-adult that he now is. And, thanks to modern technology (hello face time), you’ll find that your connection to him will remain strong. When my oldest went off to college (6 hours away), I found that, some days, we communicated more than we did when she was still living at home because we made the effort to be in touch. And, believe it or not, the day will come when he brings his messy dorm living habits back home and you’re counting the days until the end of Summer vacation when he goes back to campus 🙂 🙂 Hang in there!!!
Your post about your son leaving for college brought back a lot of memories. Our son is now married and a father but the day he left for college seems like yesterday. He attended a college 1200 miles from home. He and his sister were (still are) very close. They are five years apart. It was gut wrenching for her to say good bye. We gave her permission to call him any time she wanted and she did not have to ask permission. This she did and it helped her a lot. Sometimes the call was just to say hi or tell him something she did. The good bye and driving away feels like your heart is going to break but believe me when I say that it was pass. When you know they are having fun, being responsible (Our son was–now a Executive VP in a large Engineering firm) and that you did all your could do to prepare him for this adventure your heart will fill up with pride. Prayers for you as you navigate the next couple of weeks.
p.s. the first summer back home is an eye opener–they are very independent. HA
Probably one of the hardest things you will ever do. The good news is: you get to see them blossom into an adult and see what they will become. Had to send my twins off to college a few years ago. Two completely different experiences; as different as these two amazing individuals could be. Thankfully, they weren’t too far apart and not scheduled for the same day. I felt as if I was watching a ship sail away and it hurt so bad that I could barely breathe. Then I had this comforting thought: if my children are “ships” then I am the shore and they will always return. As parents, we are our children’s safe spot and their home. Our hearts are their harbor. Best of luck with this. I still tear up at this topic, but am so very proud of the adults my children have become. Fascinating stuff!
Hi Cassie, I too will miss reading and seeing him on your blogðŸ˜. Wish you both the best and happy new memories😘