When my triplets entered preschool, I wrote an article for Twins Magazine about my empty nest. I also remember writing about what I would like to do when the boys were all in elementary school and I think I also mentioned when our nest was really empty after they were off to college. Looking back I think I really had a misconception of what a true empty nest was.

We still have one son living at home and attending a local community college so we really aren't empty nesters yet. Three of the boys do live away at school, though. One is out of state.

I had these grand idea's that we would travel, I would redecorate the house, have all these fabulous luncheons with friends, attend plays, be spontaneous.... I am still waiting for most of these. We have been doing some big remodeling projects inside and outside of the house simply needed because of the wear and tear of raising for active boys. I'm still waiting for the traveling to start. The luncheons would be great if we weren't all working!!!!

All the money I thought we would have extra is still going towards the boys schooling. I just sat down and tallied all the education costs for our taxes and realized where all my income goes.

I do appreciate the quiet times I do have which are definately more than they used to be. My house does stay clean longer than it used to.

I think I remember saying that maybe I would go back to school. Yeah right! With four kids in college that leaves little room for mom to go.

I have started brightening up our house with lighter colored furniture and carpets. I have waited many years to do this. I thought I would have 5-6 years to really enjoy the light colors without too much worry. Then my oldest son became engaged to a young lady who has an almost 3 year old daughter. Out comes the playdough, the spaghetti O's, the crayons and the markers. I have been babysitting quite a bit.

Now I think maybe the empty nest stage will actually start much later in my life than I thought

How do you plan to spend your empty nest years? Especially that first one.

mom to:
Ryan 32 The Lawyer
Jason 30 The Chief Meteorologist
Chris 30 The College Student
Tim 30 The college grad

I love hearing their versions of their childhood memories!!