There have been lots of changes around here. Lots. I am coming to grips with it all. Slowly. The biggest change has been that Roman has gone to University. He got back from Thialand very (very) late on Wednesday 21st september and after three days at home Husb and I drove him to Uni. (Sunday 25th) Yep it was too quick for my liking. I will post some of his photos he took on the trip in another post. He used my Craftroom to pack in, because his room was still full of Thailand backpacking gear.
We'd found out he wouldn't be in catered accomodation so had to sort him a list of stuff for self-catering. I really enjoyed just the two of us going to town to get the last few bits and pieces like new trainers because his had only just survived the Thailand trip. New jeans, jumper, T-shirts and undies. Toiletries and stationery. Towels, bedding and pillows and a new hold-all. The list went on and on. We went to Starbucks and sat and sat. I was holding it all together (mostly). He has phoned once since we dropped him off. Once. I heard from him more when he was in Thailand and was using Internet cafes. If you're reading this (you know who you are) get in touch with yer muther.
Ready to go, just need to pack the car (and get a few photos!)...
Still looking a bit tanned...
When we arrived after over three hours in the car, we had 20 mins to drop him off. Seriously. There was a shortage of space to park, so although I could understand it... it was too quick. Actually it was 17 mins from driving in the gate to driving off. I did get some very quick photos of his new room...
He had been greeted by a bunch of folks that live in his Halls, so he was a happy chappie...
The campus is fab. Here's the view from his window...
...and up to his room...
...and nearby...
When we drove out the gate I saw a bunch of students and just had time to capture this photo of Roman going off in a group to a BBQ.
Unexpectedly seeing him after saying our goodbyes made me a bit tearful. But as Husb said, it's good to see him walking off in a group than leave him sitting on his own in his room. My Husb is a wise man. We went for a coffee. I was a bit teary. We had a brief trot about in the sunshine and remembered that we'd visited this city about 19 years earlier on a mini-break.
So. What about the other three?
This girlie now goes to College. She has a very full timetable. Here she is on the first morning...
I totally love her confident, purposeful stride...
The next day was Chef's first day at Catering College. They don't travel in their 'whites'.
It was a cold wet morning. He's not over keen on photos these days :( But he strode off, very excited and raring to go (he's wanted to be a Chef since he was 12)...
The following day, Smurf started school. He had asked about school last Easter. Husb and I visited first and I was very impressed. We took him for a visit and he liked it too. Then followed several weeks of gradually introducing him. The school were absolutely brilliant. They integrated him more and more and finally he went for the whole last week of last term. He looks so grown up in his new uniform...
He's kept his morning paperound and has a ten minute window to get home and change into his Uniform. School is a 25 minute walk away (uphill on the way home).
We were so pleased when he got to do BTec Construction as one of his options. He does Construction all day Wednesday and it's his favourite subject. He has been doing all sorts of woodwork joints and helps his friends when he's finished his work. He's not so thrilled with the academic stuff but has got on with it. So pleased he's settling in.
Right then. That leaves me. I am not sitting at home like a lady of leisure. I have been helping an old College friend with fundraising for her African Charity, but I'll put that in another post as I must go and get on.
Husb is fine too. Supportive as always :) I am so very blessed.
Gosh. Just gosh. I hope that beyond your sadness in all the changes, you are so very proud of what you have done for them all. Such a wonderful time you have all had, and now you move into the next phase. There's no reason why it should not be as idyllic as the earlier one, as you see them grow and develop even further, knowing that the roots you helped them grow are strong and secure.
Be happy girlie, and take some time for yourself as you adjust.
love Elxx
PS - school is beckoning for this boy too.
Posted by: Eleanor | October 06, 2011 at 03:22 PM
Wow what a busy time you have had! So many changes but you sound like you are coping well. Makes me think of all the changes I have to come. Maybe living in the most isolated city in the world has it's advantages. Almost all kids go to universities in our own city ... next closest city is over three hours by plane!
I wonder what the next chapter will bring for you??? Bet it will be good :-) Can't wait to read about the charity.
Posted by: Chipper | October 08, 2011 at 07:45 AM
Wow, I got emotional just reading your blog today, Mandy. Being a mother is sometimes quite difficult... seeing the kids grow - experiencing them becoming independent, when all we can think about is them as our 'babies' and the years flying by too fast! But on the other hand... to see them grow into such wonderful young adults is a real blessing. You're an amazing family. We're so blessed to know you. Good luck with all the changes and new ventures, and I hope to catch up with you REAL soon.
Lots of love to you all xxx
Posted by: Gail Meek | October 12, 2011 at 09:01 PM
Thanks for popping by my blog the other day. Your comment was a very pleasant surprise. I took a look at that site and it seems like a great place. I have thought about your suggestion, and it just isn't good timing for me (wish it was, would be fun). I don't like to commit to something unless I can give 100% and everything is very topsy turvy here :-)
Hope all is going well for you. Did you sign up for the Pretty Paper Party? I am enjoying it. Hoping to keep up this time. LOL
Posted by: Chipper | October 19, 2011 at 01:26 PM
Well, what can I say? I can't believe how grown up the fledgies all are and stretching their wings already. Quite a change in your life my little earth mother! So proud of you & yours, Husb included. love xxx
Posted by: Maz | October 23, 2011 at 08:29 PM