What a Sad and Puzzled Look

I got up this morning and immediately started organizing a quilt top I am going to put together.  At 10:30 I woke up the youngest because was supposed to go to Magic draft today, and then I went back to what I was doing.  

At 11:15 I reminded the youngest he needed to get ready to leave, and went back to my fabric.  He came in at 11:30 and said he was out of the mood to go.  Five minutes later he heard that army boy was up and wanted to head over, so youngest hit the shower.  

When youngest came out of the shower I asked him for his opinion on some placement of my fabric and it was at this time I looked up and saw army boy out the window.  He had such a sad and puzzled look on his face. I immediately knew what was wrong. Mama's doors were locked! 

 

I had not been into the Man Cave, or outside this morning, so the two Man Cave doors were still deadbolted, and just as I looked up army boy was trying to get in the sliding door.  

I don't think he has ever arrived here to find the doors locked. He always just walks in, like all the boys.  

I felt really bad. The youngest opened the door and immediately apologized.  I think he felt bad too.

 

I guess the boys never think about the fact that I lock the doors when I sleep. 

 

 

It Wont' Be Long

It won't be long and all my boys will be gone.  They are all men now, and what wonderful men they have become.

My oldest is working, going to graduate school, and has a girl he says he will marry.

My youngest is on his way to 19, a junior in college, and pretty much does his own thing. He is living with me this summer, and hates to drive, so I get to spend lots of time with him, but he will be back on campus at the end of August.

My other boys, my sons' friends, some who have been a part of our lives for 17 years, are all graduates now, either from college or high school.  One will be getting married next July.  I love his fiancee, and they will soon have a house of their own and not hanging out here.  The army boy is leaving for Korea for 2 years. The dancer is still finding his way, and I am hoping it is close by, but without the other boys here, I won't see that much of him.  Several of the high school grads are leaving for colleges not close to home. 

It is going to be a huge transition for me after this summer. No more long nights of giggles (yes they still giggle) coming from the Man Cave.  No more hearing the door open and knowing there is someone here because they want to be here and not some where else. It makes me sad, but proud at the same time. We made it.  All the boys made it to this place in their life, and they only have great futures to look forward to from here on out.

Now It Has Gone Too Far!

Last night was the last of the big gathering of boys at my house for this round of the Army Boy being home. One of the boys brought his girlfriend and she and I spent a lovely evening together while all the guys set up and played Twilight Imperium.  My oldest arrived home just as the game was about to begin in the Man Cave and came into the living room to give me a hug.

I have always been able to tell the difference in my sons' hugs to me.  The hug my oldest gave me last night was a hug of "not all is right."  I took his shoulders and pushed him back to give him a long look and asked him what was wrong.  He said "Nothing," then proceeded to hug me with the I am "really upset hug."  I let it go because he had a houseful of friends and I did not want to embarrass him. 

The bulk of the boys and the girlfriend left a little after midnight.  I went in to see what was going on and I could tell as soon as my oldest looked at me that he was messed up about something.  As I turned to leave the room he hugged me again and then asked if I wanted him to stay home from work today.

Light bulb moment! I asked him if the family friend that had upset my youngest earlier in the day (see post entitled "Someone REALLY Overstepped) had contacted him and he said yes.  I explained to my oldest that I was just fine but that the family friend was wrong and had overstepped in his relationship..  That started the youngest off about how mad he was that this man said what he did to him. 

I was so mad!  I hate it when my kids are upset. I told my kids that this man was concerned but not really knowing me etc., he overreacted but that I was in front of them and they could see I was fine and to ignore it and just consider the source. 

The boys went on to play a new game, but I was still really irritated that someone had upset my kids on a day when I really needed to be taking care of myself.  I waited about an hour and then I sent a message to the source of all my anger.  My youngest just happened to be walking into the room when I started the message and when he looked at my monitor and saw the name he said "Oh, oh, someone is in trouble now."  Cracked me up.

I have not heard from the offender, but I am sure he meant well, but you just don't mess with my kids.

I spent some time with both of them this morning.  They both went off in their different directions laughing and they seem to be assured I am fine.

My oldest did not say what was said to him, but it was sweet that he offered to stay with me today.

Mama Bear's claws are still out and ready to strike.