UGHHHH Spring Break!

Today's scripture for my little bird:

Psalm 121:8
The Lord will keep watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time and forever.

We are certainly testing the wings of our little bird.  With  much prayer and angst (I know we aren't suppose to have this, but being parents is hard and sometimes it just overcomes us!) we are letting our little bird head to Gulf Shores Alabama with TONS of college kids for the week.  We are also letting her drive her car with 3 other girls.  Thankfully, they are following another group of girls and breaking up the trip with a stop this evening.  We are heading a different direction and of course it doesn't feel like a family vacation when you are missing a family member, however our new normal is what it is!

My husband sent her the sweetest letter and I would like to share parts of it with you so that you will have a glimpse into his heart and why I feel so blessed to have him as a husband and father to our three blessings! 

Here it goes:

Please drive safely & responsibly, keep the music down so you can hear traffic around you and no alcohol in the car (also NO DRINKING FOR ANYONE IN THE CAR). I know I might sound like a broken record, but sometimes there are no second chances in life. Being safe, careful, mature, responsible and aware of your surroundings can make the difference between having fun or inviting serious trouble, injury and even death.

Because you have proven to be trustworthy, I am trusting “you” to be mature and responsible for not only yourself, but those around you. If it’s wrong or feels wrong, say NO. DON’T GET IN YOUR CAR OR ANYONE’S CAR IF THEY HAVE BEEN DRINKING. I will gladly reimburse you for “any” cab money you spend.

You are one of the most important gifts I have ever received and I’m honored to be your Dad. I will be praying for you and your friends and hope you have the time of your life in Gulf Shores. We will miss your presence terribly, but know that you have to spread your wings and enjoy being a collegian.

We love you so much, have fun and be safe.

Love Dad

We are really watching for her wings to work and for God to do His thing and protect our precious blessing!  If you are a person that believes in the power of prayer, I would cherish your prayers for my baby girl's safety in the coming days as she is with 1000's of college kids, many who won't be making good decisions.  Pray that she would not be exposed to too much debauchery :), and that she certainly wouldn't participate in any!

Have a wonderful spring break and thanks for joining us on this journey. 

Almost Seems Unfair

NEVER POSTED THIS ONE, and must admit that recovery from this departure was certainly easier than the one in August!  We are adjusting and it almost makes me sad to admit that!  What a joy and delight it is to watch my baby girl's wings work!!
From January 2013:

College students are so fortunate to get such a nice long break- almost a month! Having them back under your roof that long allows you to adjust to their presence in a way that feels like the good old days, you know the ones.....the ones when they lived with you full time!?!?  Then it hits like that swift kick in the gut once again, they will be going back to school.

I must confess that about 5 days before departure date I started feeling the dread and the weepiness setting in.  In fact while visiting with a sweet friend that my daughter often babysits for at the grocery store, I totally started crying. It was so embarrassing as she was just sharing such sweet compliments about my girl.

Just seems unfair to have to give her back to that collegiate life!  LOVE having her home and my family complete!