<p>My S’s break starts the week after next and only lasts a week. He’ll be staying on campus, by choice. It’s a long flight, and he loves a quiet campus that’s almost all to himself. We will miss him, but he calls often so I don’t even feel like he’s that far away.</p>
<p>OK–I have both sons home for Spring break. I’ve come to realize that our house is too small for the 4 of us. It’s fine for H and I (and our 110 lb lab/golden retriever) and we’ve gotten used to having the house to ourselves now that both are in college. Before every college break, I get very excited to have the guys home. After a day or two, I’m ready for them to go back. They’re really good guys but they just take up too much room! </p>
<p>Both sons still have the same crappy beds that they’ve had since they were about 5 years old. Husband refuses to upgrade them because he doesn’t want them to feel too comfortable. He’s afraid if we upgrade their rooms, they may never want to leave. </p>
<p>I have the next hour to myself. Both sons drove over to their grammy’s house for a visit. She likes to “slip” them some extra spending money when they come home. We let her think that she’s doing it on the sly but we know she’s doing it. We play along.</p>
<p>Another thing–I’ve all ready spent our grocery money for the week and it’s only Sunday! They’ll be here for another 6 days. Time to cash another check. Their college food plans are a bargain compared to what it costs to feed them at home.</p>
<p>I think one of my problems is that the older he gets, the more I have to accept that I can’t keep him safe. At least when he is at school, he isn’t driving (much) and I simply don’t know all the comings and goings. When he is under my roof, I am way to aware of the comings and goings and I worry about the driving. He left tonight to go back and I miss him, but it’s also a relief. I never worried that much about my daughter.</p>
<p>I have to laugh about the food comment, nysmile. Daring S (soph) came home yesterday for break. First stop with mom is the grocery store. Had to get the normal shopping cart. I am used to using the hand basket for H and I will S is at school. We traveled up and down every aisle. Cart was full, my bill doubled for the week and cupboards are full. So far all is well here for spring break. S likes spending time at home getting caught up on his sleep, the down time he has and the laundy and food service he received.</p>
<p>Alternative Spring Break was in 3 cities, one being the kid’s hometown. Guess which city she chose? We get to see her for 3 hours Thursday evening lol</p>
<p>Freshman daughter was home for a week. She seems to be going through that classic toddler stage where she’s clinging with one hand and pushing away with the other. We’ve always been very close. I’m just trying to roll with it, letting her have her space. It was hard to see her leave again though, maybe because she is trying so hard to grow up.
<em>sigh</em></p>
<p>Good news, Bela! I was re-reading my copy of “The Launching Years” and it says this is all about individuating. They compare it to early adolescence–but I think of two year olds too. They also say that they can only distance themselves from us if we’ve made them feel they have a safe and secure base. It’s nice to know that it’s all part of becoming an adult, and not that they secretly loathed us all along. :)</p>
<p>I’m going to be sad to see him go, but I also did not enjoy hearing him and a friend wandering around the kitchen making nachos at 2am, so I can remind myself of that as he drives away.</p>