My youngest arrived home from university last night (exams finally over). This means our family of five is now together and will be for the next two weeks (and a bit?) before the boys take off yet again. This is precious time. Judging by their future plans, I suspect this “family-of-five-together” for a two week stretch may not occur again. (For those of you dreading your children heading off to university, that is just the first baby step toward the empty nest syndrome.)
Tonight we’re all going to see The Leafs play at the ACC — courtesy of my eldest son’s birthday wish. Yet another precious family time. (Thank God for scalpers.)
Having waxed all sentimental about family togetherness, I must now confess that my husband and I are going away for four days after Christmas. The mushy-mom side of me feels guilty and sad for abandoning my kids at this time. The practical side of me (which I believe is actually my husband’s voice residing in my brain after all these years) says, “Just go — forget the guilts.” If I stayed home I’d simply be a spectator to the boys sleeping, eating, seeing friends, partying and the like. Well, I’d be more than a spectator. I’d be preparing those meals. I think some me-and-the-hubby time is way past due.
But while I am with my kids, I’m going to enjoy them. This will necessitate an early New Year’s resolution — to keep the nagging to a minimum. And that’s a tough one because it’s a huge part of my job description — one I have mastered to a tee.
Tonight we’re all going to see The Leafs play at the ACC — courtesy of my eldest son’s birthday wish. Yet another precious family time. (Thank God for scalpers.)
Having waxed all sentimental about family togetherness, I must now confess that my husband and I are going away for four days after Christmas. The mushy-mom side of me feels guilty and sad for abandoning my kids at this time. The practical side of me (which I believe is actually my husband’s voice residing in my brain after all these years) says, “Just go — forget the guilts.” If I stayed home I’d simply be a spectator to the boys sleeping, eating, seeing friends, partying and the like. Well, I’d be more than a spectator. I’d be preparing those meals. I think some me-and-the-hubby time is way past due.
But while I am with my kids, I’m going to enjoy them. This will necessitate an early New Year’s resolution — to keep the nagging to a minimum. And that’s a tough one because it’s a huge part of my job description — one I have mastered to a tee.
8 comments:
It's your JOB to nag! Believe me, they'd miss it if you didn't. ;-)
It's a really nice feeling to have all your chicks together under one roof, isn't it?
I can hardly imagine.
I am doing a lot of "....this time next year" in my head because 2007 will be the year my nest begins to empty.
"attila" - Yes, nagging = love. They'd think something was wrong if I didn't nag - just a little. I do love having my "chicks" under one roof. Their laundry - not so much.
trish - As I said (implied?) in my post, what's happening now is a lot harder than when they left for university. I'm supposed to be more adaptable as I get older? Uh-uh.
There's a difference between caring and nagging (I nag, you care - the difference between us as sisters). I, too, will be so thrilled to have my 'babies' home tomorrow for the holidays - I must say, I like the way they are turning into real people with real perspectives on the outside world - we must be doing something right....Believe me, your boys adore you (all of them, including the hubby guy)
Megan - For all our differences (and what are they exactly?) we are both good mothers who nag and care and heap love on our kids. And that's why they adore us!
Oh, that nag thing, have to confess it is my least favorite aspect of the whole enterprise. Maybe I will improve with time? No. Getting them in trouble when they have done something stupid and it is all so unnecessary is my least favorite part, but nagging crops up more often...
and I will not have all my babies home this year which is why I probably couldn't care less about Christmas.
oreneta - Nagging is an art and an integral part of being a mother. And to be honest, half the time I'm accused of nagging, I think I am simply making a reasonable request. It's all "in the ears" of the beholder.
anonymous - If you are who I think you are, your daughter would be home if she could, your sons will be waiting for you at your "other" home and you are "at home" with the man you love.
If you aren't who I think you are, I feel so badly for you and hope that although your "babies" aren't with you, you will all be able to keep in touch. God bless.
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