Dorm Move-In Day: Chaos, Tears & New Beginnings

The day you’ve been anxiously dreading (and preparing for) has arrived: Dorm Move-In Day.

If your house has looked like a storage unit lately—piles of bedding, shower caddies, snacks, and random “just in case” items stacked in corners—you know the mix of excitement and heartbreak that comes with this milestone. It’s bittersweet, chaotic, sweaty, and yes… full of tears.

Our Dorm Move-In Experience

I’ll be honest—I was bracing for total madness. My son didn’t even know who his roommate would be until a few days before move-in. But to my surprise, things went smoother than expected.

• Arrival: With our time slot between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., we loaded the car, grabbed Starbucks (priorities), and pulled onto campus around 9:30.

• Parking Woes: Every street was jammed with parents and students hauling box after box. But we lucked out—on-campus volunteers were ready to swoop in and help unload, saving us multiple sweaty trips.

• Unpacking: Once the car was moved “far, far away,” we got busy making the bed, arranging furniture, meeting the roommate, and figuring out where the trash went. Honestly? It didn’t take nearly long enough. I wasn’t ready to leave.

Making the Most of Move-In Day

Thankfully, the university planned activities for both parents and students. We toured campus with the help of one of his upperclassman friends, picked up books, had lunch, and mapped out his walk between classes.

He, of course, was counting down the minutes until I left so he could join his orientation group. Meanwhile, I was doing my best to hold back tears. Watching him walk away into his new world hit me harder than I expected.

Mom Reality Check

As I drove off campus, I reminded myself to stay busy that weekend so I wasn’t constantly texting, “What’s new?!” Did I check his location a dozen times anyway? Absolutely. I’m his mom, after all.

But here’s the takeaway: Dorm Move-In Day doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s emotional, yes, but it’s also the start of an incredible new chapter for your child—and for you.

You can find our Dorm Packing list available on this site, here are a few links that were super helpful for a seamless dorm move in:

Large Bean Bag https://amzn.to/4n84jHE

Dust Buster Vacuum https://amzn.to/47D0xBF

First Aid Kit https://amzn.to/4mFBrqr

Towels https://amzn.to/4fWvnXQ https://amzn.to/47YB2um

Hamper https://amzn.to/4fXgtAx

Hangers https://amzn.to/465z09A

Shower Slides https://amzn.to/47fS9Yv

Mattress Topper https://amzn.to/4lUwnwR

Powerstrip https://amzn.to/3HXtmOw

Shower Caddy https://amzn.to/3UO3DLr

Sheets https://amzn.to/45NoZxi

Mini Fridge with Freezer https://amzn.to/46cQYYJ

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🎓 Graduation Party Planning: What I Learned (So You Don’t Have to Stress as Much)

If you’re anything like me, you’re a little bit extra. Whether you’re celebrating your first, fifth, or only child’s graduation, you want to show off all their hard work with the perfect grad party.

Now, my son was actually on the fence about having one—some of his friends opted for graduation trips instead. But I was determined, and I made sure to book the venue the day after his senior year started so we didn’t miss out. (Pro tip: the earlier you lock down your location, the better!)

But let’s be honest… the rest of the planning? Totally overwhelming.

Do you pick a theme?
Home-cooked or catered food?
Photo booth with props?
Donut wall? (Yes, please.)
Custom drink station?

Like most moms, I went down the Pinterest rabbit hole and asked other parents for advice. Bless their hearts—they had ideas, but no one really gave me the “relax and enjoy it” kind of wisdom I was secretly hoping for.

Since my son didn’t have strong opinions about the details, it was up to me (and thankfully my team of helpers!). Here’s what I learned along the way:

🎉 Graduation Party Tips Every Parent Should Know

• Catering is convenient but not always the most budget-friendly.

• RSVPs are tricky — expect fewer responses than invites.

• You can never, ever have enough ice.

• Allow extra time for setup because last-minute emergencies will happen.

And here’s the truth: looking back, I worried so much about making everything perfect—where we got the cupcakes, what the centerpieces looked like, how many balloon garlands were “too many.”

But none of that really mattered. What mattered was this: my son had the best time. He smiled, laughed, and celebrated with his people, and that made every ounce of planning worth it.

So if you’re planning a graduation party, take it from me: focus on the joy, not the jitters. The little details will fade, but the memories? Those will last forever.

Here are a few items on Amazon that I found super helpful for having a successful grad party!

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Thank you Notes https://amzn.to/4g0O4K6

Automatic picture printing camera https://amzn.to/4g0O4K6

Graduation cap curtain https://amzn.to/4n56ZWn

Scrapbook/sign in book https://amzn.to/4mFCuXm

Metallic Pens https://amzn.to/45Vdq7j

Chalkboard signs https://amzn.to/47g7o3C

Photo props https://amzn.to/47f7qJ3

GRAD Balloons https://amzn.to/3I0MfQF

Just an FYI: As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.

Senior Night: The Moment You’re Never Really Ready For

My son has played soccer since he was five. From his first clumsy kick to the final high school whistle, it’s been a journey of early mornings, muddy cleats, and sideline pride. For years, I watched other families experience Senior Night—the tradition where graduating players are honored alongside their parents—and I thought I knew what to expect.

Spoiler alert: I was not prepared.

For three seasons, I helped plan senior night for other players. I knew the routine: the flowers, the announcements, the photos, the walk across the field. I thought I’d be ready when it was our turn.
But when the spotlight finally hit my son—and me standing next to him—no amount of tissues could have prepared me for the onslaught of emotion.

In our small town, Senior Night isn’t just a ceremony. It’s a heartfelt celebration of growth, community, and connection.
The coaches have seen your child since they were half their current height(even if that was just Freshman year). The other parents have become your people- your ride or die, your tribe. And the team? They’re more than teammates—they’re family.

If you're approaching your child’s senior night, here are a few things I’ve learned:

• Soak it all in – Don't worry about the perfect photo. Just feel it.

• Celebrate the journey – From toddler shin guards to varsity wins, it’s all part of the story.

• Live in the moment – It’s okay to cry. It's okay to laugh. Just be present.

I’m so deeply thankful to the parents who helped organize my son’s senior night. I finally got to be on the receiving end, and it reminded me that it really does take a village—and that village? It’s more than worth it.

To all the parents getting ready to walk that field: you’ve earned this moment, too.

*If you’re like me and like to celebrate everything to its fullest, check out these fun customizable Fat Heads. These were a HUGE hit at games and as photo props throughout the season.

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Just an FYI: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Where it all starts

They always say it goes by in the blink of an eye.

And somewhere between sleepless nights, potty training, packed lunches, late-night homework, and endless sports schedules—you blink. And suddenly, you’re not prepping for the next chapter… you’re staring down a whole new novel.

This spring, my only son, Apollo, is graduating high school and heading off to college. And while I’ll always be his mom (or mama when he needs something), the dynamic is shifting. I’m learning how to stand on new ground—ground that’s quieter, unfamiliar, and full of possibility.

A little backstory: I had Apollo in April of my senior year of high school. Just two months later, I graduated in the top 10% of my class and headed to the University of Mount Union to pursue a degree in Accounting. Determined to make the best of an unexpected situation, I juggled textbooks and bedtime stories, part-time jobs and final exams. There were many long nights (and biology books read aloud to a baby), but four years later—I earned my Bachelor’s degree.

Of course, I didn’t do it alone. I had an incredible support system, and I know I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

Since then, my adult life has been a steady stream of pushing forward—always climbing to the next hurdle, the next goal, the next season. But this season? It’s different. With my son moving into his dorm and me officially stepping into empty nest territory, I’m not just facing change—I’m inviting it in.

And instead of letting fear take the lead, I’m saying: bring it on.

This space is my attempt to embrace this transition with humor, curiosity, and zero judgment. I’ll be trying new hobbies, prioritizing self-care, maybe traveling a bit, and doing everything in my power to avoid the full-blown midlife meltdown.

So if you’re on the verge of your own “what now?” season, welcome. Let’s figure it out together—one deep breath, one new experience, and one almost-ugly cry at a time.