Not bad weird, but just off. I got home a little before 7, after having picked up some hibachi for Isaac and Dakota. Once he was over his sickness and wanted food again, that’s what he requested. Ash and Elliot got back from their meal/movie then too. But all was not well. For starters, the movie was apparently really bad (do NOT see Argylle), and then Elliot didn’t open up and talk the way Ash had envisioned and he was, truthfully, a little worried about the kid not ever making it. With a lack of conversation skills, how will he launch? How will he get a job, friends, a wife? Now granted, we both realized that as parents, we’re seeing the long game and he, as a 16 year old boy, isn’t particularly aware or worried about anything.
Anyway, I woke up Saturday morning still super stressed about him and though I was getting stuff done around the house, there was this undercurrent of stress. We took Koda to her soccer game and when we got back, I had the brilliant idea to take everyone out to eat but of course, no one could figure out what they wanted and so we ran an errand to Lowes first and when they didn’t have anything we were looking for, it all just sort of fell apart. And when we got home, we had a nice little family pow wow about communication, and acting like a family. I have always pushed the siblings to act like a team and love each other but the older they get, they seem to be pulling away. But in the end, the long conversation was exactly what we all needed. We watched the part from our wedding where, in Ash’s dad’s speech, he says how he used to be a squirmy kid who he was truthfully sort of worried about and now, he had a job and was getting married.
Maybe all parents see that in their kids at some point: the sheer possibility that they might botch it entirely and never live a life their parents (and they) would be proud of. In all actuality, I have this undying faith that all my children will turn out just fine. But as their mother, I feel this need to stay vigilant, just in case. But it’s a weird dichotomy because they get older and don’t need you as much in the same ways so you think you’re good but they do still need guidance.
We took another stab at going out to eat and it was wonderful. We just had Mexican up the street but everyone was happy, talkative, thankful. When we got home, I think we all felt a renewed sense of family and thing were good again. Ash and I watched All Of Us Strangers and then, in the evening, two of the kids and I went to the store and then, as a family we watched Olympus Has Fallen. So all in all, we redeemed that day.
Sunday though was good/bad. I guess I seemed stressed because Ash was annoyed by my “let’s get this done now!” attitude. We had planned to brew but knew we had to figure out why the pump wasn’t working. Funny thing is, we fixed that but then a gasket in the spigot turned out to be worn out so it was leaking. In the end though, we felt happy that we got some of it working and things cleaned out and can possibly brew next Saturday once the part comes in. We watched some soccer, I made hot dogs and hamburgers, even though it was pouring rain most of the day. In the afternoon we watched a movie called Stardust from 2007 that was really good! Elliot went to the gym and picked up food for his siblings and Ash, Koda, and I took a 2 mile walk. So all in all, we recovered our weekend enough to enjoy parts of it.
I am actually feeling a renewed sense of motivation. Five more weeks of Session but as I look at the calendar, February looks like it’ll pass by in a flash. I mean, it’s already the 5th, which is surprising. Come on, March!
********
Well, since it seems I listen to this band most of the time, here are a couple I have not shared.
incognitusscriptor.com 
Some kids take longer to become social butterflies and maybe they’ll never be extremely outgoing. Your son will do alright finding himself. Thanks for sharing your song picks today and for coming to the 4M party. Have a boogietastic week!
Yes, especially boys do this. My son was a teenager just when computer games got big. We didn’t allow it full time, but he is/was a late bloomer and not a talker, though he’d say very funny sarcastic type things a lot. He’s fine, still not a talker most of the time, has a good job. He does live with his girlfriend (way too long) and we think he should you know or get off the pot. But he’s honest, hard working, has a good heart, exercises, etc. (He did have testicular cancer but is fully recovered, so he’s had some challenges). But yes, most parents worry about their sons more than daughters. He still says funny things. Luckily, my daughter and he are close, always were, though don’t wait for John to be demonstrative or ever give you a compliment. But when he’s needed, he’s there.
It is hard not to worry about our kids – no matter their age. It sounds like your weekend turned out ok after all. Hang in there!!
I will see this movie, when it’s on TV. My brother could grunt but so could I when I was a teen. I didn’t want to be bothered and, in the words of Garbo, I wanted to be left alone but….hahaaa. that was not going to happen. You have a very open relationship with your kids knowing they can come to you. Teens can be so difficult never mind that they, more the boys, can drink milk like no tomorrow and eat and eat. You are doing just fine and I would have loved a family sit down. My mom was good for the most part, in listening. My dad was a good man and was good in making me feel good but he could also be too rough and not nice. He was born in 1913 and when I was 16, he was 67. He was brought up very poor and rough and we did not work well together. I was not innocent either and could have helped him more but I was an a- hole teen. Sorry for being blunt. He died at 75 just before I turned 24. I believe, had he lived, we would have been the best of friends and I would know so much more. You are doing great so don’t worry about them too much…remember how you were….
Teenagers can be moody and broody. Your son will likely be fine and you’re a good mom to be concerned. It appears your weekend had more good than bad elements. 🙂
This band was new to me. Interesting sound!
You are just fine, Mom (unsolicited advice from someone with a son in his 30’s). I think few 16 year olds are conversational experts with their parents. I can remember myself as a teenager, too (moody, sullen) and I’m shy. Always have been. But I managed in life, and your children will, too. It takes time for teens to grow into their adult selves and you may be in for a (pleasant) surprise in 10 or so years as they become fully mature. You’ve already set the foundation. More good stuff from Sleep Token especially the second song-I’ve heard a couple of songs from the Octane XM channel my spouse likes, but not these. Alana ramblinwitham
Boys in particular do not want to disappoint their mothers. Just remember that. Good songs!