The “Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” back to school commercial has always been one of my favorites. I am the mean Mom who usually taunts my kids by singing that song as they are grumbling about the dwindling days of summer. They looooove me for it.

This year is different. I honestly haven’t given “back to school” much thought yet. I’m completely pre-occupied by “off to college.”

The past school year was full of “lasts” for Jimmy. Last homecoming, last football game, last wrestling match, last day as a “child,” last prom, last day of high school, last trip with high school friends. Each last made me sad.

Soon there will be lots of exciting firsts for Jimmy. First night with a roommate, first time in the all-you-can-eat dining hall, first college lecture hall, first frat party, first time putting quarters in a washing machine. And that makes me happy(except maybe the frat party).

There will also be firsts for me. First night not being able to say goodnight, first time having an empty bedroom in the house, first time saying “party of 5” in a restaurant, first time not needing the 3rd row of seats in the car… I realize it’s not actually the “first” time for those things, but they were the exception.  Now they will be the norm.  And that makes me sad.

As the “to buy” list gets smaller and smaller, I feel like the “makes me cry” list gets larger and larger.

You know it’s getting really bad when a song called “Ain’t It Fun” brings me to tears every time it is on the radio.

“Ain’t it fun living in the real world
Ain’t it good being all alone
Ain’t it good to be on your own…
Don’t go crying to your mama ’cause you’re on your own in the real world.”

I’m trying a new technique to help with my separation anxiety – chunking time.  Instead of thinking about Jimmy being at college until next May, I will only let myself think about how long until I see him next.

• 6 weeks until parents’ weekend.
• Then 2 weeks until fall break.
• Then 5 1/2 weeks until Thanksgiving break.
• Then 2 1/2 weeks later, winter break will bring him home for 3 1/2 weeks!
• Then 9 1/2 weeks until spring break.
• Finally, less than 6 weeks until he’s home for summer!  That will be my new “Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

See?  Nothing but single digits!  Piece of cake, right?? Wrong. But it is helping.  A little (said while a tear is running down my cheek…).

It’s still going to take everything in me not to burst into a big old ugly cry right in front of his new dorm-mates.  But I’m determined to give him a hug, tell him how proud I am and how much I love him with a smile on my face*.  And leave him to his firsts.  And unfortunately me to mine.

*All bets are off on the car ride home.

To read about some great memories Jimmy and I had during a weekend trip, read What Happens In Greensboro Stays in Greensboro.

GIVEAWAY

Since everyone else IS already thinking about back-to-school, I’m teaming up with Boogie Wipes to offer an awesome Back-to-School Giveaway for kids and moms!

Three lucky winners will receive a backpack stocked with school supplies (and Boogie Wipes) and a Mommy Clutch – full of everything moms need (including gift cards!)

How to Enter

From following Boogie Wipes on social media to instagramming a picture of your favorite Boogie Wipes products, there are dozens of ways to enter – and a few ways to enter every single day.Complete the form below to get started.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Looking for Great Back-to-School Ideas?

Visit the Boogie Wipes blog for six back-to-school ideas for parents, plus a coupon to save on your favorite Boogie Wipes products.

Good luck!

Giveaway is live Tuesday, August 5, 2014 until midnight on August 22, 2014. US and Canada residents only (excluding Quebec). Three winners will be randomly chosen and notified via email. Momopolize received no compensation for sponsoring this event, and is not responsible for the delivery of the prize. Prize delivery is the sole responsibility of Boogie Wipes.