College - Been There Done That

Mom’s post last week might have taken you by surprise.  And clearly, someone found it interesting because almost 1,600 people have read it. And many commented that they could not wait to read my post. Which is a lot of pressure. Thanks everyone. Here goes.

Coming home was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make and honestly, I’m still working through some things, mostly my own feelings and expectations. Some days I feel like shouting for joy and some days I think “what have I done, I have passed the point of no return and I'm defying gravity.” (Incorporating the musicals Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera and Wicked into my melodramatic lament.)


I do want to thank you for your kind comments on mom’s post.  I was not sure what to expect and had braced myself for some harsh, unkind words. Reading all of your sweet comments on the blog and Facebook made me cry – not one person had anything negative to say (and if you did, thank you for keeping it to yourself). I was blessed by your stories.

There were a lot of factors that played in my decision, and all of them rolled around my head for weeks.
Where did God want me? What did my parents want me to do? What did I want to do? I had friends and a job that I loved.  I didn’t want to be “giving up,” and I didn’t want others to think I was giving up.  I felt that either way I chose, I could not win. (more Phantom lines. Go figure) Either way, I had to give something up.

But, I came home. Because this is where my family is and, for now, this is where God wants me.
So you might be wondering what I’m doing now.

And you might be thinking that I am going to sit around doing nothing. Which is tempting. Actually it isn’t. I can’t sit around doing nothing for very long before I have to go organize something, or at least knit something. So I have plans. In case you were concerned.

On Monday, I started four online classes at Arlington Baptist College. By taking online classes, I’m able to save money both on room and board and living expenses. I also might get to graduate a semester early, which would be a huge blessing. And I’m starting up my sewing business again, doing things like hemming pants, planning/working on three quilts, draping a formal dress, sewing on patches for my dad and brother, etc. This week my sister and I are in charge of food – planning, shopping on a budget, and cooking.  (mom's idea, I think it was a trick!)  I’m working on my photography and my web design/HTML skills. I’m also working on making some friends here, and getting involved with my church.

So I am busy. And very happy to be home. But it is an adjustment. This week and next week will be the hardest because my friends are back in school and I started classes. It is a little painful to see them post about being back, but at the same time, I am so glad I do not have to leave home!

I want to leave you with two things.

The first is that I just want you to know that those of us who are/were homeschooled can succeed at college. In fact, the homeschooled kids I met at college were the students who were excelling. Not only did they excel at school, they excelled at other things, like sewing, flying planes, playing instruments, conversing with adults, public speaking, etc. There are those who might take my story as a story of failure. I want you to know that it is not - as far as my parents and I are concerned, mine is a success story, not one of failure.

Second, my favorite quote. “Never say never, when God is writing your story.” –Steve Saint
I keep coming back to that quote because God keeps doing things in my life that I looked at and said “never.” Don’t say “never” to God. Let Him write your story. It works much better that way.

Blessings, Ashton

If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I would be happy to try to answer them. 

Happy to be linking up with these wonderful women-  visit their sites and be blessed!

College Transition- Ours, not hers!

For 18 years you nurture a child, teach them, guide them and impart much wisdom, or so we hope.  Then you send them off into the world!

Whose grand idea was that anyways?  And why did I fall for it? ;)

Just kidding!  Mostly.

We are home after a 7 day whirlwind trip off dropping our oldest off.  There were many sweet memories made and now tired parents and siblings!  And an 18 year old as well, probably.

I may decide to write more later, but for now, here are some things learned...

You get use to having someone around and it is just plain weird when they are not.  Remember, we are a homeschooling family, so I am not even use to her being gone all day.

No matter how much stuff you take, you will still end up in Walmart with all the other families dropping off their kids.  CP said we did our part at boosting the economy.

Wisconsin is not close!  AT ALL!

Small schools are amazing!  We each unloaded ONE thing from our car...a group of amazing girls unloaded all the other stuff!  We should have brought those girls home to help catch up on the laundry!

Christian schools are amazing!  To see people praying all over campus, to have people ask how they can pray for your child...'nuff said!

God is in the small stuff!  Like giving ALP  only two roommates.  One is from a ranch in WY, one is a fellow military brat.  My child is in heaven! 

Prayers from friends WORK!  I know, because otherwise it would have been a much longer ride home!  And I thank you!

Grandparents are not to be taken for granted!  They kept the boys for a week, loving on them and entertaining them more than we would have!  Many thanks!

My 14 year old is a great little sis and a real trooper!  She helped with everything and was our official photographer!

My husband is amazing!  He drove the whole way there and back with no help from me, and pretends not to see the occasional tears.

My oldest is ready for this challenge.  She surprises me hourly with her strength, determination and devotion to the Lord.

She is where she belongs and this momma could not be more proud.