New adventures for Ashton or a heckuva rough day for Mom!

Moving in day was sad in several ways; the thought that my youngest was really going to be away at college, the" baby" was leaving the nest so to speak, did she really need me anymore and IT WAS POURING RAIN AND JUST PLAIN CRAPPY! Ashton had us up and out at 7:20 a.m. and on our way Saturday morning. She and Eric did the final packing late the night before after going out to dinner and bowling. They knew rain was predicted so got the truck all loaded Friday early with her stuff and then later that evening finished loading. Miss Efficiency did every single bit of preparing for this big day, I just watched in amazement as things were purchased and piled up in organized stacks, lists were written, and preparations were made.

Luckily we found two parking spaces close to her dorm. It was pouring so hard and windy. Mark and Eric made I don't know how many trips up and down the three flights of stairs. Ashton and I did carry in a few items but it was better if we stayed in her room and "organized". Seriously I think Mark and Eric must have made at least a half dozen trips each, there was her tv, crates, a put-together tv stand, her end tables, totes, etc.,etc. Things one MUST have to go college....It wasn't long before the white cement block walls were starting to look a little more appealing. The men put the extra bed into bunk beds so there was much more space. Ashton had prided herself on the purchase of two end tables/stands for $10 a piece and she promptly had them in place.

Ben and Allison arrived later in the morning with some supplies. Thank goodness for cell phones, Allison was able to pick up a pair of scissors as the PINK ones broke early on in the set-up process. Ben quickly went to work with the internet set-up, putting little cord holders along the wall that Ashton had purchased (who thinks of these things?? I know, Ashton...)to keep cords out of the way and then on to a project of putting wall decals up on a blank space between the windows. She set that would be a project that Ben and Allison could do. Good because it wasn't going great when I first started to put it together....as you can see no blank space was left undecorated! Everything in her room was based on the dot theme.

I bet the room was completely organized within an hour or so. No flies on this gal....She might consider the role of a Drill Sargent if she decides on a career change....

One of the jobs "assigned" to Eric....

Has anyone been able to figure out the color theme....?

Ashton had favorite photos made into magnets for the refrigerator and also purchased magnetic letters and sayings for decorating as well. In a blink of an eye the fridge was decorated

This brought the welling of tears (again)

There you have it, the first official college freshman photo! We made the bed together. It just was one of those "sentimental things".

Mark taking a well-deserved rest. They don't show well in this photo but the bedside lamps are pink, making her room look very cozy and a warm ambience! Her fellow dorm dwellers poked their heads in occasionally and commented on how "colorful" her room was. There were even a few parents stopping by and giving her a compliment on her colorful room. I knew that made her day.

We all went to the big family luncheon and of course, a stop at the bookstore. Only Ashton could find something like this for BuddyTheElf! Thank goodness it was 75% off and only cost $1.75! She made sure we brought it home for him and to tell him it was from her.

Ashton had entered her name into a drawing while we were in the Student Center. As we were almost out the door heading back to the dorm her name was called out. She quickly became a contestant on "The Price is Right"! Good thing Mom carries the camera everywhere. Ben, Allison, Mark and I settled in for some fun.....

Ashton was given the "rules" and shown the "game board". She was to guess the price of college essentials, such as Fabreeze spray, dryer sheets, towel set, memo board for the dorm room door laundry basket, water bottle and notepads. This game was PERFECT for her!

There were many students gathered around us and everyone took part in the game, just like on tv! Prices were shouted out by the on-lookers. It was fun to watch and I am sure a great ice-breaker for the freshmen and their families. There were many events scheduled for that day and evening.

Finally the time had come when we knew that we all had to leave. Eric left early on and then Ben and Allison left....Ben said he wanted to leave before Ashton and I said our good-byes, he is a big softie....he knew what was coming. After Mark gave Ashton a big hug he practically ran out the door, leaving us alone. Lets just say it was hard. But I left knowing that my little girl was well on her way to new beginnings, new friends, new challenges and many more adventures. I can only wish for her everything that she dreams of and hopes for. She and I have been through alot together but we look at all that as "steps" to other parts of life. I wish you a wonderful college experience my Tunny and know that someday you will be a wonderful nurse. I love you tons and tons. XXXOOO

I couldn't help by smile when I looked at the organizer on her desk just before we left. It reminded me so of my little girl packing her backpack for the very first day of Kindergarten with her coveted crayons and markers. She still is a kid at heart!

I did very well (considering) when we finally left her. We were about 5 minutes away from the college when I received a text from her saying "I want my mommy". That did it....but no, we didn't turn back. Just headed home to a very quiet home.

P.S. I cannot begin to thank my dear family members who emailed me such wonderful messages yesterday as well as the phone calls. They really lifted my spirits and it was so heartwarming to know that they all care. Thank you all and I love you all!