Home Alone

Our home is typically a hustling, bustling epicenter of activity with countless people coming and going. In the very least, it is a boisterous playground for our four kids. Such is not the case as I sit to write.

The day began, as most Saturday's do, with our son's basketball game followed by our other son's soccer game. With the impending three day weekend, my husband could not wait to hit the road and head north, for some R and R at the cabin. He left this afternoon, a huge smile across his face, with our three oldest kids. I stayed behind to help our youngest son prepare for his first ever sleep-over party. We packed all of his little necessities into his backpack and off he went, a huge smile across his face. 

Now, I'm home alone, a fish out of water, a clock with no hands, a mom with no kids. I can't remember the last time I've had no one to feed, no one to bathe and no one to remind about picking up their room. It was Wade's idea. He thought it would be a nice break for me and I do appreciate his willingness to take all the kids, so I could have a night off. Still, the silence is new.

The departure of responsibility for others left me with a blank canvas of possibilities. I spent the first two hours of alone time, sitting on my computer taking an on-line coaching course. I was a little disappointed that when I logged out for a much-needed break, it stated that I had completed only 24% of the course. With that, I decided it was a great time to wash some of the bedding in the house.  The kids are gone and the beds are empty, so I got stripping and started washing.

Then, I decided to enter one of our pets in a local news station's "Cutest Pet Contest". I submitted the photo and there's simply no doubt that Sierra's hairless cat, Elmo, is the cutest pet! I'm counting on a victory.

Next, it was shower time.  This was a turning point in my evening really, as I originally thought I might just sleep in my clothes. Colton left for his sleep-over about four hours ago and he's called as many times. Although my gut tells me that he's not going to be the least bit homesick, the mom in me feels the need to be ready for the midnight pick-up. Colton is actually our most independent child and quite often I remind my husband that he really doesn't need us. He has unusual confidence and self-esteem, a child who is not afraid to step out and take on the world. The only thing holding him back from pure independence is his inability to operate a motor vehicle. It's good to be needed.

After my most recent phone conversation with Colton, I decided he was not going to need me and I wouldn't need to sleep in my clothes after all. Lots of friends and family (you know who you are) like to tease me about my affinity for getting jammied-up as early as possible each evening. With no one here to harass me, I'm happy as a clam typing away completely cozy and comfortable, in my warm winter jammies.  

With the clock ticking on my evening alone, I gave some thought to finishing a project I started several weeks ago - cleaning out our master closet - but decided I deserved a night off. So what if we need to long-jump over my piles in the closet entry?  It's good exercise.  

I had what I thought was a really good book to read, but as I sat down with it the other day I ran into some unnecessary and horribly inappropriate language.  That did it for me, I was done.  I really think that books need to come with their own content labels. Everyone in the bookstore raved about this guy and his witty style.  Yes, I loved his style. I just couldn't stand his lack of character.  

I do have a stack of notes to write and I never made it to the gym today, but the sound of silence is making me sleepy. It's time to tuck the phone under my pillow, just in case Colton decides he needs a ride home. After all, he can't drive.

Comments

[w]

We all miss you and Colton.
Buck just beat me in playstation football. Life is good. W