I am getting ready to travel to the USA for a writing conference. And I can't wait. I love America. I had my first baby there. He is seven now and I haven't been back since he was one. And I can't wait to catch up with some friends.
But I am leaving behind my husband and two little boys. Now, don't get me wrong. I have every confidence in Matt's ability to man (or rather, woman) the house while I am gone. But not everyone shares my confidence. Here's a conversation I had with my seven year old son yesterday.
Isaiah: Mummy, how long are you gone for?
Me: Eleven days
Isaiah: ELEVEN DAYS! That is a lot of sleeps Mummy!
Me: I know, but you'll be fine. Daddy will be here.
Isaiah: Daddy's is looking after us?
Me: Yeah, of course.
Long Silence. Then he looks at me with don't-leave-me-eyes.
Isaiah: Mummy, I don't think we'll make it.
I had to laugh :)
What about you? Have you been to a conference and left behind some less then confident individuals?
(By the time you read this I will be on a plane somewhere between Australia and the USA. Brisbane to LA is THIRTEEN HOURS of flying time. So think of me. And I'll try to visit your blogs once I get set up. Thanks :)
i do hope and pray that your family remain happy and well in your absence and u join them soon.
ReplyDeleteits really hard to go way from your loved ones even for a short period.
i remember when i was child ,in the morning while i used to leave for school ,it seemed to me a heart breaking parting moments as i was going away from my lovely mom.and now i feel the same for my husband when he goes away for his job.
Wow, have a great time!
ReplyDeleteThey'll make it. :)
Oh wow! 11 days is a long time - I'm going to a conference next week end... 1 night - first time I've left hubby with 4. He did a 2 night when there were 3, and when I was in hospital having the 4th.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the conference - bring back lots and blog about it!! :)
Love that conversation. When I had to head down to FL. recently for almost a week my girls were worried about Daddy making their sandwiches correctly. Love their minds.
ReplyDeleteHope you have an excellent time at the conference!
~ Wendy
I know that flight. Hopefully you have some good reading to do. Relax and have fun!
ReplyDeleteAww dear wee guy! Eleven days with no mummy seems like a very long time -- until five minutes after you leave and they're having a blast being "the boys." :) I hope you're having a wonderful time, Tab! I've been thinking about you flying all day.
ReplyDeleteNice to have you on the same continent! Once when I had to travel to Philadelphia for business, my then four-year-old daughter said to me. "I don't want you to go to Philadelphia. Philadelphia is closed!" In a turn about, the same girl, now sixteen, traveled to Philadelphia last week for a school band competition. When I texted her on the bus saying "I love you" she responded "Do you want Philadelphia to be closed?" Hope your conference is fantastic Tab.
ReplyDeleteThat IS a funny conversation! I always feel like I'm leaving my right arm at home when I leave my kids, but when I relax and trust my husband, I have a great time.
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope you do as well!
Yay! Hope you have a wonderful trip. That conversation cracked me up.
ReplyDeleteMy dogs get left behind when I go to conferences but I do leave them in capable loving hands, so they always manage to survive.
Happy travels!
Have a great trip, Tabitha. The boys will be so happy to see you when you're home again.
ReplyDelete"Mummy, I don't think we'll make it." Aw, that's so cute!
ReplyDeleteI went on a mission trip for almost two weeks and left behind my hubby and the two little girls--that was a challenge on both ends. But everything ended up going fine :)
I hope you have a great trip and conference.
So cute! Eleven days. I'm really excited for you - hate the thought of you being so close (relatively) and not getting to see you. Wishing you the grandest, most satisfying adventure of all time. I hope this conference gives you everything you hope for and more. Traveling mercies.
ReplyDeleteIt's really good for everyone when we mommies step away every now and then!
ReplyDeleteWish your conference were in Seattle!
ReplyDeleteMy family has a good time when I'm out of town, and they appreciate me extra when I get home.
Oh, safe flying, Tabitha! Those sweethearts will be fine with Daddy while you're gone!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the way kids think! So precious!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time, Tabitha. :-)
How EXCITING. Have fun, Tabitha! Hope you can come to East coast someday.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy coming to see us, Tab!
ReplyDeleteHee hee! I'm only going to be gone one day, and I don't have children, but I still doubt the hubby and the cats will survive. Something always goes wrong--usually involving tuna.
ReplyDeleteA writing conference sounds like fun. Shame you won't be on the east coast though :( I can only imagine what the house is going to look like when you get back. Enjoy, take pictures!
ReplyDeleteWow, great! Have fun!!
ReplyDeleteHad to smile when I read your post Tab, and it reminded me of leaving Rob and Malachi for 14 days when we also went to the States last September. In that case it was ME who was the nervous wreck. Mali talked happily about Mummy going to 'Merica and really couldn't fathom what that actually meant. Could have been down the road for all he knew! Mali was my baby who had been firmly (literally) attached to me for the first 2.5 years of his life, and to leave him for that time period was unthinkable. But we made it. He (and Rob) was/were completely fine. I didn't believe it until I saw them via Skype. And again it was me who was homesick and just wanted to be back with them. Liked what you said about the 13 hour flight too - I didn't mind that one at all, it was the one before, two after EACH WAY that were the killers for us. Hugs to you, and hope you have a great trip!
ReplyDeletelove charm
Oh how sad to hear your child say that. I remember those times when my mum had to go... I felt terrible. Now I feel terrible when my son travels with his father.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny though.
I really hope you have a superb time in the LAnd of Sweet Dreams:)
Eleven days is long but I'm sure it will be wonderful for you. And now with skype, email, texting--so easy to stay in touch. I look forward to reading how it all went for you!
ReplyDeleteAre you going to SCBWI in L.A.? (Jealous!!)
ReplyDeleteI went to a writing conference in UT last month for 4 days. it was heaven and I don't think my kids even missed me!
On the other hand, I did a 2 week long UK trip last fall and yes, they did miss me. When I came back, my daughter told me, "But mama, you've been gone for millions of days..."
Yes, that cracked my heart. It is still mending...
Oh, good for you. It's always hard for the Mum to leave. I have a hard time leaving my kiddos. I've not ventured too far, yet, for writing or any other purpose. I'll see how you survive, then look at my possibilities. Safe travels to you!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have tons of fun! We've left our kids for more than a week before. It was hard. But it was also good to get away. You deserve the break.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comments everyone. I have just hooked up my internet here in the USA and I will be around shortly to check out your blogs. Thanks again for visiting while I was away. :)
ReplyDelete