It’s moving day!
And I’m all packed and ready to go. I’ve even rented a big van so I can fit everything in one go.
I can’t wait to begin the next chapter of my life! But wait… there’s some disturbance in the background…
What’s that, dear? I call my husband dear only when I’m angry or annoyed. And I’m a little both right now. He’s constantly reminding me that it’s not me who is moving, but rather it’s our son.
He’s right, of course, it’s HIS moving day. He’s the one about to begin his life as a college student… gutting it out in a college dormitory without air conditioner, eating those mass-produced cafeteria meals, washing and folding his clothes… all on his own. That’s why it’s so important to make sure he brings everything that he needs.
And as far as I’m concerned, it’s not up to him what to pack or bring! Yes, he’ll need shampoo aaand… conditioner! And he’ll need hair comb aaand… hair brush!
I know I sound paranoid, but indulge me, please… I find this very hard… I won’t be seeing his little face everyday from now on… He’s not so little anymore, of course, but to me he will forever be my little guy.
I don’t know how I’m going to spend my days without having to cook for him and yell at him for not cleaning his room. I’m really going to miss him!
He’ll come home for the holidays and the husband promises trips to visit him, but it won’t be the same… Isn’t it unfair that we only have our children pretty much for 18 years? I really think it is…
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We’ll be voting for favorite links this week, folks! So make sure you come back on Tuesday to cast your vote. Voting will start at noon EST on Tuesday 8/23.
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Now, Features!
Savory Meringue Canapes from Petra @Food Eat Love
“I am always blown away by Petra’s creativity! To begin with, I wish I could lick that spoon with the mango steak sauce. Then to see Petra use it brilliantly in a savory meringue for canapes and again in the meatballs! What an elegant assortment of canapes too. I would be parked next to those figs stuffed with mozzarella and drizzled with chili balsamic vinegar. Petra brought the party with her to Fiesta Friday!” — Sandhya
“Only Petra can turn a good recipe (ahem, mine) into a great one! This is just glorious! She is Fiesta Friday’s very own Iron Chef. How lucky are we!” — Angie
Shrimp Po Boys from Jamie @ From James to Jamie
“One glance at the photos that James shared and I knew this was something I would love. The shrimp in the sandwich appear to be cooked to perfection. There’s something about a Po Boy sandwich that screams summer. I can picture myself sitting on the dock of a bay, toes dipping in the water and this sandwich (two hands required) moving towards my mouth. Yum!” — Nancy
“Finally! I’ve been waiting for a Po Boy recipe I can trust! This one ticks all the right boxes!” — Angie
Nordic Apple Trifle from Naina @ Spice in the City
“Naina’s Nordic dessert with a romantic name like Bondepige Med Slor had me hooked right away. And her superb photos, the description, the recipe and the cause behind it are all noteworthy. I also liked the fact that it is a healthy dessert, with fresh apples from her yard. I cannot wait for apple season to arrive here so I can try that rye bread topping!” — Sandhya
Raspberry Jalapeño Shrimp Tacos from Julie @ Hostess at Heart
“These tacos look so enticing … Char grilled shrimp… The spicy sweet marinade… And homemade jalapeño tortillas. There’s a whole lot of flavor going on here and I want it my mouth … Now! Julie upped the deliciousness factor for me with her beautiful plating.” — Nancy
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Oh Angie, I can feel your emotions through this post. I guess my mom went through the same phase when I moved out. Hang in there, you can do it 🙂 Think about the positive things 😉 My mom and I used to call or skype almost every day :p But that might be a little too much for your son since he’s going to college and there are sooo many fun things to do I bet :p
I hope my son would call daily; that would be nice. But boys are different I think. I’d be happy if he sends me a text every other day ?? And I hope he’ll study! Thanks, Sarah! ??
I guess boys are indeed different. But I’m sure he’ll text you 🙂 And study 😉
I completely and utterly sympathise! I can’t imagine how I will feel when my time comes so I am only too happy to fully indulge you! Lots and lots of luck, I thinking of you and sending hugs xxx
That time will come, in a blink of an eye, Elaine. I’m not kidding, unfortunately. I just don’t know how 18 years could go by so fast! My husband looked at each other yesterday after packing the van, and all we could say was…dang…time flies!
I’m saying it already after 14!!! And this summer Ben has grown so much, not such physically, I love it, but it only confirms even more that the time will come 🙁
Can we just freeze time already?! ?
Yes please!!!!!!
??
all part of the life dear.. i can understand your emotions.. but still try to be happy:)
Trying, Nimmi, trying… I suppose I’d be more unhappy if he didn’t go to college ?
hi Angie
It sounds like a hectic time and quite emotional! I hope it will all go fine and it will be even better when you get together 🙂
Thank you for the steak sauce inspiration and am humbled and so happy about the feature xxx
It’ll take some getting used to, I’m sure, not having him around. Oh well, at least I won’t have to keep cleaning his room, ha! Btw, either this iPad is getting old or the Internet connection in this hotel is all screwed up, the post published without all the text! Omitted my comments on the features, etc. So if you want to know what I think of your recipe, it’s now fixed ?
It is a part of them growing up, and a small reminder how fast time goes.
Thank you for your absolutely lovely comment, I am glad you liked them!! 🙂 xxx
hi Angie
thank you! 🙂 you are so sweet! xx
Awww Angie, that has to be hard. I recall those times pretty vividly. But with social media these days, I’m sure both of you can stay in touch every which way. That doesn’t discount the fact that you will be missing him though. As moms, we all feel the pain and the void. He’s growing up, he’ll find his way and all will be well Sending hugs and prayers that it all goes without a hitch. I’m sure he’d appreciate your delicious care packages from time to time xoxo
I probably will send him too many messages and way too many care packages ?? I’m already counting the days til he comes home! And I’ll make sure I’ll cook all his favorite meals when he does. I guess that’s all that’s left for moms to do once the little birdies fly the best.
Nest, geez!
Angie,
I can feel your pain…..those 18 years go by so fast…….and what hurts the most is when the kids start calling their dorm room home:(
But I also wished it was me moving especially when I saw the fun campus life….so your husband may have to hold you back when you go to drop off your son….I know my husband had to 🙂
I know! I was telling my husband we should go back to school, lol. If only I can go back knowing what I know now. I’d ace all my classes, haha… Thanks, Sandhya! ??
Everything always looks so delicious. Don’t worry about a thing, He will miss you as much as you miss him. Like you said, its a new chapter in life and life has many chapters. Have a great day 🙂
Thanks for that. He will miss his little sister, that’s for sure!! He keeps hugging her ?? I guess I’d be more upset if he didn’t go to college, right?! I have to look on the bright side.
Aww Angie!!! I feel you! It is funny how our children’s battles become our own! Their pain, their sorrow.. It is hard to believe that they are grown up and can manage on their own. Our kids will always remain our babies! Just hang in there Angie! Everything is going to be fine. Soon you will be sharing with us your son’s accolades!
Thanks, Su! Your kind words bring comfort to my heart! ??
Best of luck – it really will be your new life as well as your sons! I hope the transition is peaceful for you!
Thanks so much, Lynda! And nice to see here at Fiesta Friday ?
You had me going thinking you were moving, but I can understand the feeling, though I don’t want to think about the idea of us getting to that day at some point!
Enjoy your time with your kids, Caroline! They belong to you completely when they’re little ??
Hi Angie!
Sounds like you’re having a hard time… but I can guarantee you he’s going to miss you just as much. I know I missed my parents and their cooking when I was in college. I would call them on Skype during dinner time or breakfast time so it felt like we were eating together as a family haha. I also looked forward to getting care packages from them every few months with food and socks inside 🙂
I haven’t contributed to Fiesta Friday in a while because I was in Vancouver for a whole month! Looking at the features, I’ve been missing out… but I’m back and excited to contribute starting next week!! 😀
Happy FF!
Hey that’s a great idea to skype him while I’m cooking, and I’ll make sure I’ll cook his favorite food. That way he’ll want to come home, haha… Oh, wow, in Vancouver for a whole month?! You’ve been having too much fun, girl! I look forward to hearing about it, Ai! And I’m sure you’ll share all the food inspirations you came across while there! ??
Awww Angie, I know you must be going through a tough time with the son leaving for college. Right now my air bnb guest is here getting her youngest daughter situated at college and she breaks into tears everytime we talk. Both of you are starting a new phase in your lives and it’s life changing. You will be fine as with any change it takes time to adjust. Wish I could give you a hug in person but it will have to be virtual.
I didn’t realize how hard it is! All this time we kept telling him to study hard so he’ll go to a good college, etc, and when the time comes I almost don’t want him to go. But I need to remind myself that I’d be feeling worse if he didn’t go. Tough being a mom! Thanks, Suzanne, your virtual hug brings lots of comfort! ??
Oh, its hard letting them go out there! 🙂 But with all that home cooking – he’ll be back 😀
? That’s all I can hope for now, haha… Some kids don’t even come home for the holidays, preferring to vacation with friends etc.
love lets go and they do return x
Good luck with the move Angie!
I’m feeling especially lucky that my two are in elementary school. Until I blink!
Happy Fiesta Friday! Thanks for hosting!
Michelle
Not to scare you or anything, but mine WAS in elementary school yesterday. LOL! Too bad we can’t freeze time! ?
Oh gosh what a massive transition in your life. I will have that happening to me in a few years time, how far away will he be time wise? Good luck with it all xxx
He’s about 4 hrs away, so not too far. But not close enough for me to visit every weekend, either. Of course if I had my way, I’d move in with him, haha…
yes I get what you mean, a bit of a trek, awe shame, what are you going to do to take your mind off things? x
Well, I suppose there’s still work, and of course, my baby girl! Well not baby anymore, her turn will come soon enough. She’ll have a very needy mom the next few years! ?? I hope she can take it!
And you forgot cooking ?
But I have one less person to cook for now ☹️
very true 🙁 dreading that day myself x
It is all part of life. They have to leave the nest and start their own lives.
You’re so right, Nadia! It’d be worse if they don’t, right?! ?
Enjoy the emptying nest Angie! It gets easier then you can’t wait for them to go back to college!
I hope that time will come soon, Johanne, lol… And you know what, 4 years will come and go even faster than 18, but then no guarantee that he’d want to come home after.
So true Angie! The internships, study abroad, jobs get us ready to let them fly away eventually. ???
I have been there, Angie, and I feel for you! Such an exciting, wonderful, scary, bittersweet time. The advantage is that somehow when they go off to college, they somehow think you are smarter and appreciate you more when they get home the next time! 🙂
So they will eventually grow up, enough to finally appreciate their moms? ?? That’s so comforting to know, Shari, thanks for that! ?
Awww you poor thing! Who knew kids would grow up? Have a lovely weekend xoxoxo
Lol, I had an inkling, Sarah, just didn’t know it would happen so fast! ?? You’re too funny!
Angie – I know my mum felt a lot like you 18 years ago now when I packed up for Uni……time will help of course in how you manage those initial feelings. Can I ask how do I know who is co-hosting this week so I can mention them in my weekly post?
There’s no cohost this week, Laura. We’ll be voting for features instead. This is tougher than I thought but I’m hoping it’ll get easier over time, like you said, thanks!
Ah thanks Angie!
Aww, hugs Angie! My little one started school this year, a reminder that one day she’s gonna fly the nest too! Loads of hugs to you!! Thank you and the judges for featuring my bondepige med slør 🙂
Aaw…I remember those days! I was nervous back then too, even though they were gone for only a couple of hours a day. How time flies! Enjoy this moment, Naina! ??
Dear Angie, ENS – empty nest syndrome! As inevitable and as welcome as hot flashes. You’re heading for it. But don’t worry, it’s just another phase of that parenting journey. It too shall pass. And of course, just as you’re beginning to enjoy yourself in your new found freedom, you will be reinstated for active duty. (I’ll let that part come as a surprise.) xx
What?! Hot flashes coming next?! Omg, why, why… So not looking forward!! But I know about that active duty part, and guess what? That one I’m looking forward to! ??
Thanks for hosting the party! Love the features.
No problem, Sherry! Thanks for participating! ?
I hope the move went smoothly – for the 3 of you. 🙂
Thanks, John! Yah, it went without a hitch actually. Just sad to leave him ?
Oh Angie, what a tough phase to get through… I know I’ll be an emotional wreck the day my boys pack their things to move out of the family home. Sending you big hugs from the other side of the world and hope that all goes well for your son as he sets out on this new adventure. M.xx
Hi, Margot! Long time, girl! It’s going to be a tough adjustment for me, that’s for sure. I keep thinking he’s going to need this and that…and I won’t be there to provide. A lot of growing up is going to take place the next 4 years! If only we can freeze time! Thanks for the comforting words, darlin ??
Think positive Angie: the visits to see him, his new friends and “his home away from home”, the trips to Target or Walmart to get those items he needs and touring the local sites. You could have such fun putting together care packages to surprise him just when he needs a “hello” from home. Go crazy cooking when he comes home for the holidays and get ready, sometime he might bring a girl 🙂
Well now you’re getting me all excited, lol! Something big and special happened today, taking my mind off the sadness a little bit. Will talk more about it on Friday?? Thanks, Judi! ??
Angie, he will be back, it’s only a stage although a difficult one for you and your husband. And you will be surprised at the changes when he comes home for the holidays. We adopted a new puppy a week after our son left, he calls it the child replacement dog.
Funny you should mention that, Liz! We adopted a dog just today! Will tell you more about it the next fiesta! ??
Hang in there mamma. They survive somehow on there own. I was so sad when my son moved across the country. Now I have a great place to visit. Thank you so much for featuring my tacos this week!
I’m trying very hard not to text him too many times. Somehow all of a sudden I have so many things to ask him. But I only texted him 3 times today, not bad eh? ? ? Thanks, Julie! ??
Angie, it’s only now I have time to come back at your lovely place. I know I am too late, so I will ask – how are you? In Philippines, we can stay with our parents until old age or as long as we want. I remember last year, I went out for dinner at my brother’s home. My dad kept asking my little sister (who is turning 18 this year, yeah she will always be a baby for me) if I am already home or what time I will be coming back home. It’s like “Hello? Dad, I am 34, not a teenager anymore.” Haha.
Ahh, I know how it feels – he will be back. Hang in there! Hugs!
Thanks, Jhuls! Now that we have Skye, I think the son will come back more often. He was the one who was most insistent on getting her. It’s turning out to be a great “unplanned plan” to get him to come back, lol ??
Haha! That’s a good plan, Angie. 😀
😀