Well friends, tomorrow is the day we take John to Auburn. I can’t write much more than that right now because I want to savor the last few hours of him here without being a blubbery mess. I spent the week cooking another round of his all time favorites. Here’s the list:
Pasta Night
We started this fun – and yummy – family night after we learned how in Italy summer 2023!
Sauce we love. I doubled and added ground beef this time to make it go further.
Steaks on the Big Green Egg
I don’t have a recipe for this, but it’s always a hit. Steaks, baked potatoes and roasted asparagus.
Marry Me Chicken
This one hasn’t been in the repertoire long, but it is one of my most requested supper.
Smash Burgers
I new rave hit on the Blackstone is Smash Burgers. We enjoyed these with a pool day with the whole family present – Marme, Daddy-O and Sister’s Family.
Cottage Pie
If you’ve been around the blog any time at all, you’ll know John’s favorite meal ever is Cottage Pie! I saved it for tonight – his last night home. At the last minute Sister, Uncle J and Cee joined us so I forgot to get a pic. I made enough for John to have a few containers to keep in his freezer at school when he wants a taste of home. <3
Creme de Menthe Brownies
Any favorite meal for John wouldn’t be complete without creme de menthe brownies. Once again, I told him the story of how C’s mom used to bring these to the ZTA house. He asked if I’d bring them when I visit and it brought a tear to my eye. It would be my honor. Like the Cottage Pie, a tupperware of these is headed to Auburn tomorrow.
Monkey Bread
It wasn’t all dinners this week – I also made his favorite breakfast this morning.
You can read last week’s favorite meals here:
With that, friends, say a little prayer for me. I know so many of you have done the college drop off. And so many of my friends have done it in this past week. After holding it all together pretty well for his entire senior year, right now I just don’t feel very brave. <3
Y’all saw him off to Kindergarten with me 13 years ago, and I cannot thank you enough for still being here for this very big next chapter.
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My heart! That last photo really shows what you feel.
What an awesome 18.5 years you have given him under your roof. He is ready!
But as a mom we’ll never be!!
-mom of ‘25 & 27 boys
Be gentle with yourself this next little bit. I was stunned to feel grief for myself as well as joy for our daughter when we took her to college 7 hours away. Major transitions are hard. You can do this!
Prayers to you and your family, Amanda. I know this is our goal as parents but I can’t imagine the ache in your heart to leave him……I hope the memories of the past 18 years will bring you comfort and the knowledge that he’s ready for this next chapter. God has him in His care!
He’s going to love it & thrive and I pray his joy is going to help cover over the sadness. It seems like you have managed to ground him in faith, family and being a good friend and that is going to serve him well. He’s going to remember his roots as he finds his wings, I’m sure of it. Sending a big hug and a prayer for you.
Awww, Amanda. As I write this, you are being your usual super self, setting up the dorm room. I didn’t tear up until I saw you three with John’s gallery wall in the background. Only then, did the passage of time sink in. You have made every single moment count and you have many more blessed ones to come. God bless you all during this transition. ❤️ Thanks for the memories. ❤️ Jane 🌴
What a big chapter! You have done an amazing job raising such a fine young man……He’s going to make a big impact on the Auburn campus. Thank you for sharing your journey with him through the years (and Whit too)….I have enjoyed your adventures, your trials and your traditions that have made their way into my house too. Safe travels home and know he’s going to be calling and texting you with updates I am sure!
It’s okay and perfectly normal to shed some tears and be mess along with the feelings of pride and happiness for John as he transitions into college life. I know the drive home was difficult as the reality sets in that this is a new chapter of life for all of you. It will get easier! I know he will be missing his moms great cooking. Just wait until he comes home for a weekend with all his laundry, it will feel like old times…..lol.