Never Too Old

#TEAMEMPTYNESTER #NOT #ITSUCKS #NOTFORSISSIES

I'm an empty nester.  Such is life.  I knew it was coming.  I planned.  It didn't make it easier.  It still sucks.  

As we started our little family years ago, we talked about raising our children to be independent, dream big dreams, and chase those dreams.  Contrary to popular belief, kids do listen, do learn and do follow through.  Darn it.  

Honestly, I am extremely proud of all three and happy for them.  Sad for me.  But this post isn't supposed to be a woe is me post. I’ll do one of those later.  This is a bragging mom post!  I will never be too old to brag on my kids, nor will my kids be too old for me to brag on.  So here goes:  

Life for the Carleton kids (who are now all newly adults) ((somewhat)) is thriving.  These kids got it going on. Please don’t misunderstand.  They are not perfect.  But they ARE perfect for me!  I am amazed everyday at their accomplishments -- both big and small.  

Cole, aka Papa C, is doing life in Burley, Idaho at the moment.  He has a cute little home in town just mere minutes from  his work.  Right behind is a cute little coffee by morning, wine by night shop called LuLu’s.  He thinks of me everytime.  (I’ll take what I can get!) He is still the superintendent at the grain elevator.  Loading and Unloading trucks and shuttles is usually the news I get.  He is a member at a country club in a nearby town where he golfs 2-3 times per week with his buddies.  The scenery is just stunning -- both at his golf course  and his town.  I went to visit and his landlord just raved about him.  It's always nice to hear your kids are doing life well when you aren't there to see it everyday.  

He came home a couple of weekends ago to play in a golf tournament benefiting “Prevent Child Abuse” for Kerri’s Sorority with his friend Jake.  I’m sure he enjoyed his time in Ames, and they placed 3rd!   Third time is the charm, I guess!  Yesterday, Cole accepted a job transfer to New Johnsonville, Tennessee, where he will be working back on the river with barges.  This is a new facility that the company bought, so Cole will have his work cut out for him setting up new programs and getting things running the Gavilon way.  He is up for the challenge! And the hunt is on for a new home.  Zillow is our new best friend. 

He has a new addition to his family, a new kitten (or cat, I'm not sure) named "Officer Meow, Meow Fuzzy Face." I asked for a picture and Cole promised one today at lunch if the cat wasn't hiding from him.  I got this via snapchat, though he wouldn't send without the filter.   I will never forget mine and Brian's first cat when we were Cole's age.  "Whiskey" hid from me so often that once I had to call Brian at work when he got stuck in the dryer vent.  It was a story Brian never lived down at work.  

Kerri, aka my princess, is back at Iowa State in Ames adulting her way to graduate a year early.   She returned home from her summer internship in Uganda a little sickly. Okay. A lot sickly. We headed straight to the emergency room. All better now! She had a great experience and would love to go back. I still don't understand exactly what she did over there, but I'm sure it was great!  She is focused on finishing her final year strong, making the most out of her college days and figuring out what comes next for her.  She talks of programs such as Americorps and Peace corps, and then she talks of getting a masters.  Some days she talks of going straight to work or spreading things out to go an extra semester.  It's tough to make big girl decisions.  

Sorority life keeps her busy and has given her so many friendships, but mostly I enjoy seeing the lessons she is learning.  Time Management.  Hard Work.  Accountability.  She was always great at these things, but geez she is super woman at them now!  Kappa Delta just finished their CLASSIC Golf Tournament, where Kerri worked hard for the silent auction portion (she did awesome!), and now they are moving into getting ready for homecoming festivities. It is always fun to see their events with their pairings.  I'm sure you all have had a request from me to "like" their banner for derby days. Not sure if its related, but always fun to help them out!  She got a new g-little named Shelby in kappa delta.  I can't wait to meet her!  

Bus party was themed, "Used to Be Cool" and I think she and Jacob went as...  well, I'm not sure, but here is a cute picture of them from the event!  Kerri tried to bring Chowder to college, but her landlord wouldn't allow it.   He is super strict (he even tried to have Brian's truck towed when he was parked in her roommates parking spot when she was out of town.), so it is still just Kerri and Kali living the college dream - petless - in their cute little apartment.   Kerri and Jacob recently celebrated their 1 year anniversary with dinner and football with his buddies.  Ha!  She was a great sport about it!  Much better than I would have been.  Poor Brian!  

Kadi, aka my baby, is loving college!  She went through sorority recruitment prior to school starting and is a Gamma Phi Beta at the University of Nebraska.  I have seen her blossom before my eyes, but she is struggling a bit with time management and double booking herself.  I’ve witnessed a few mental meltdowns because she is truly being pulled in different directions. In addition to a few missed meetings, she missed a big chunk of her homecoming activities because she accepted an invitation to a concert with her boyfriend.  She honored her word and went to the concert.  I was extremely sad she missed all the festivities on that Friday, especially because GPHI won homecoming (YAY!), but proud she honored her word!  I saw pictures from the parade and her potential big in the jester competition. Great job G Phi!  


She attended her first formal with her sorority. Her boyfriend made the drive from Omaha, but they didn't make it in time for group pictures. I got a cute one of them though!   It was Kentucky Derby themed!  Also, Brian enjoyed participating in Dad’s day where they carved pumpkins.  I sent him with a cute little carving kit, but he said he was underprepared compared to other dads.  They brought big boy tools! He is already planning for next year.   Tailgating, Football games and Frat parties have been fun to hear about.  There is always one GREAT story per event, though I’m sure I only get the mom version!  

Kadi and Olivia, her roommate, have added a fish, baby girl, aka rosie,  to their room.  They are living their version of Three’s Company.  She has met many new friends on her dorm floor and in her sorority, and also sees her friends from high school 2-3 times per week.  She is in the middle of Crescent dates where she is getting to know potential big sis’s.  She misses her alone time, which is nil when in a college dorm with a roommate.  Definitely normal for college freshmen! Oh, and she is treasurer for her dorm!  As busy as she is, her favorite hobby seems to be finding random dogs on campus and snapping pictures!




So this is my fall update!  Oh, and I apologize for my picture quality.  Many of my pictures are the ones they send me from snapchat.  Such is Life of a millennial's mom!