My boys, of which only one is actually mine, went off on a camping adventure on Friday after school, the moment spring break officially began. They said they'd be home on Sunday, but on Sunday as I was driving into the church parking lot, my cell phone rang.
It was my son and of course, my first thought was, "This can't be good," because I'm a firm believer in not calling just to check in. Oh, you can text me to let me know you got somewhere safe, but a phone call is entirely different. Only call if you need something.
He did need something.
Permission to spend one more night out in the cold, wet, mountains.
Really? You guys are having that much fun?
Yes.
All righty then. He did come home briefly, because one friend had to catch a train to spend the rest of break in Montana and our son is the driver, so since he was in the area, he stopped by the house to get the camera and to tell us a Sheriff deputy had been up to see them, patted them down, took their names, then offered them firewood if they needed more and they'd only been lost slightly once or twice on their explorations and Spam is actually quite tasty.
My husband agrees, it does sound like fun. I feel slightly opposite, but the grin on our son's face confirmed that letting the boys go off on a camping trip was just exactly the right thing to do!
Great that he's having fun!
ReplyDeleteThey had a blast!
DeleteI have 3 boys of my own so I can totally relate! I look forward to seeing how your days progress!! Definitely a new follower here!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! They are all home, I had one dirty sock stuck to the top of the car (?) and a pile of dirty blankets.....but so glad everyone is back safe and sound!
DeleteWhat great adventures - - and great memories you are letting your boy have!
ReplyDeleteTheir last night, they slept in the car. Apparently, someone forgot to zip the tent (all day long) and it was like a lake in there because of the constant rain. But he loved every minute of his trip!
DeleteWith 2 boys and a girl...I can totally feel your Boy Mom fear. I think part of their purpose in our lives is to make us have heart palpitations but also to remind us to let go and breathe sometimes. :)
ReplyDeleteI want them to try new things, have adventures, take fearless leaps in life....and that means letting them go (slowly!) but surely!
DeleteWhat a great mom you are. Your son will appreciate this so much for years to come. It will live as part of him forever. I hope when my time comes to let these little ones loose, that I can be as giving as you are and let them go and keep my fears to myself.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am one big bundle of anxiety, but I don't want that to rub off on my kids.....it's probably the hardest part of being their mom, but I'm perfecting the smile and nod, so they can take off camping and have no idea I thought they'd be mauled by a cougar!
DeleteWell, I must admit that I love to spend as much time in the mountains as possible. I completely understand the desire to just be out in nature.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for when my one year old boy is old enough to be this excited too.
I love camping, and I am so glad we have passed that love onto our kids. I prefer camping by the ocean, but can appreciate the loveliness that is in the mountains!
DeleteYou are going to get the 'Cool Mom' Badge! Great kids come from great parenting....sounds like that's happening at your house. Cell phone, texting sure is a great thing for keeping tabs and communicating with kids. When my son was that age and that far from the note pad....we needed a 'Pigeon'. Great 'B'Post.
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you! My son has his cell all the time and he will call if has trouble. I count cell phones as a huge blessing!
DeleteCamping is a blast.
ReplyDeleteWhen we are at a campground. With bathrooms. And warm showers. And electricity. And wifi. Ok, ok, I'm joking about the electricity and wifi...
I've camped without showers and electricity, but by golly goodness, I will not camp without a bathroom!
DeleteI've been back-reading your blog for almost an hour. What a happy family you have. And you write them so well.
ReplyDeleteI could eat pizza everyday too.
Thank you! I've been blessed with two really good kids, easy going and laid back....they get that trait from their dad!
Deleteloved your story--and i feel the same way when my grown sons call me--like something's wrong-----and you are so right, buttered toast does rock!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! My son did call again last night, and it was for advice. He never calls to say, 'hi'!
DeleteI can't say I like camping, but it sounds like your son's having great fun.
ReplyDeleteHe had a great time! The pictures he took make them all look like drowning kittens (it poured buckets of rain all weekend) but in every photo, the boys are grinning!
DeletePopping in from the A to Z Challenge site, nice to meet you and seems you love yer boyz as much as I love my wee lassies.
ReplyDeleteAnd we also have doggies, Lucy and Emma are also spoiled rotten.
Teehee--yes, boys have a different sense of fun, for the most part. Were there say... sunshine and a lake I might be convinced... And I can tell you I like that stuff better than my husband does, but i can see my son loving that. (daughter has asked to camp with friends this summer, too--I am mostly on board, except I wish out area was less densely populated.
ReplyDeleteWe'll see how I feel if my daughter asks in two years....
DeleteGlad they had a good time and glad you survived it as well. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat first few minutes after they drove off, it was a close thing. Didn't think I'd manage!
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