For all of you who have been following my posts, I want to write a quick update for you regarding my son Mark and his college applications. We have submitted all the paperwork we were required to submit; FAFSA, applications to colleges and ACT and SAT scores. Now it is just a waiting game. I am positive Mark will receive the Hope Scholarship because of his great grades, but I am really chomping at the bit to find out what we will receive for financial aid.

I played hooky from work and the kids skipped school today as we took off over Blood Mountain to visit and tour North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega. We first met with the youth pastor at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and it was after talking with him I have decided I want to go back to college. The opportunities there are endless. Mark could get involved with the youth group and go all over the world on mission trips. They even offer an extreme sports mission to Russia! They spend time in Mexico, New York and Korea. What a way to see the world and help those in need.

After lunch at Mo’s, we took off on foot across the campus. The first and most important stop, according to Mark, was the weight room. The moment he walked into the gym, he went into a trance. His eyes glazed over and his mouth hung open. He said, “I am going to live in this room.” He was in heaven. Weights and machines everywhere, loud music, hot sweaty guys and the smell of testosterone filled that room. His sister Haley and I looked at each other and smiled, then shook Mark to bring him back into our world.

We dragged him out of there and we began our guided tour of the campus. What a beautiful place. Old brick buildings with huge white columns, trees everywhere and a beautiful mountain range framed the campus. It is small, only about 5,600 students. We all feel that this is the perfect school for Mark to begin his college career. We were told they received over 2,000 applications this fall and regrettably they were only able to reward 700 with acceptance letters. That made all of us a little nervous about whether or not he would be accepted. Mark’s SAT scores were above the school’s average scores, which gave us some hope.

The tour was great and our excitement was high. My little Mark is no longer that little boy who played with lizards. He is a grown man, 6 foot 2 to be exact, who is leaving home to begin his own life. Like I said before, bittersweet. Haley has already made plans to visit him on weekends.

We headed back over Blood Mountain and got home safely in less than an hour. We checked the mailbox and found a letter from the college we just visited. Mark tore open the envelope and began reading. I watched his face as his eyes scanned the letter. He shouted out loud with a huge smile on his face, “I have been accepted!!” Yes! Mark will be going to North Georgia College and State University. We also got his senior pictures and graduation announcements that day. It is final….my baby is graduating and going to college.

Friday was a stellar day. There are only ten more weeks of school left and I only have about six more months to have Mark with me every day. You better believe I am going to make the most of every one of those precious days!

Like I mentioned before, I am spending a lot of time with my son, trying to get him ready for college. He has taken the SAT and the ACT, applied to several colleges, and we are now working through the financial aid forms (FASFA).

When I think of all the things that we have to buy for his dorm room I get overwhelmed! So, I have decided to begin purchasing items for his dorm room early. I know that we need the essentials such as proper clothing, toiletries, and school supplies. So I am going to list some things that may not be so obvious.

1. Mini Fridge with Freezer – It is nice to have things that remind you of home in your fridge, and some things you just can’t find in the cafeteria.

2. Mementos from home -  Even those teenagers who say they can’t wait to go away to college, still suffer from homesickness once in a while. A family picture is always nice.

3. Milk Crates – No student should be without this college staple. They can be used as bookshelves, chairs, end tables, laundry baskets and storage bins.

4.Mini Laptop- There are some great mini notebooks that are light and easy to take  to class.  A printer is very handy to have in the room when papers are due.

5. Hangers – Easily forgotten when packing!

6. Braided Rug - Dorm rooms can be cold and boring. A nice braided rug can brighten it up and is warmer on the feet.

7. Dry Erase Board – This is nice to have inside your room to coordinate with your roommate. Also fun to have one on the outside of your dorm room door for friends to leave notes on.

8. Extension cords – a must have!

9. Towel Set- Don’t need to explain these.

10. iPod or MP3 Player – You will want your music.

11. Television and DVD Player- Of course they are not a necessity, but it sure is nice to sit down and watch a movie when you are in the mood. Relieves stress and provides some relaxation and entertainment.

12. Batteries – You never know when you’ll need them!

These are just a few things my son Mark and I, Tracy Matlack came up with while brainstorming. The list could be endless. Hopefully we can stay ahead of the game by organizing our time and getting things done early.