Seriously?

I never had doubts about becoming a mom. I don't know if it was immaturity, over-confidence, or a mixture of both, but at the age of 30 I felt completely ready, and qualified by life experience, to embrace the role of Mother. (Don't laugh...I know now.)

Growing up I remember my mom often sharing the humorous anecdote about when my older brother decided to run away. She let Wade know she really didn't want him to go, but if his mind was set on it she'd help him pack. Which she did. At the door she gave him a hug. She reiterated her wish that he stay with his family and let him know he could always come home, at which point she bid him farewell. She nervously watched from the window as he lugged his suitcase down to the end of the walk. He stood, glancing around for a few seconds then lugged the suitcase back, knocked on the door, and informed her that he had "missed the bus". He never threatened to run away again.

Savvy, right? Playing it cool while calling your childs' bluff, all the while letting them know that you love them and really, really want them to stay...awesome, right? That's what I thought.

Which brings us to today. Following a "lecture" on why we are all responsible to clean up after ourselves because we are a family and we work together, blah, blah, blah...I spent a little time cooling down, trying to spare my children any residual mom-grumpiness. I soon decided I'd been a little too harsh, and made my way upstairs to apologize to my children (something I don't do often enough) and was greeted by this:

Yes, folks. This is my 6 year-old daughter packing her stuff to "Move out of this house where I can be happy!" Attempting to follow my mom's example, I calmly asked her where she was planning to go. Her reply: "I'm going to Jody's for 3 days and if you don't appreciate it, I'm staying for 8 days, and if you still don't appreciate it, I'm staying for a week, and if it's not better I'm going to stay FOREVER!!!" I brought her close to me, hugged her tight, told her I was sorry for yelling (yes, I yell) and that I really, really, really would be sad if she decided to go.

No dice. She continued packing. I tried to explain nicely that Aunt Jody wouldn't be able to take care of her because she worked during the day. No matter, she said...Mike could help. I asked her how she'd get there, and she said I would have to drive her. When I told her I wouldn't be able to do that, she informed me that she would just "figure it out!" End of discussion.

After packing all essential items including clothes, stuffed animals, blankets, an inflatable bed, a picture of her and Ellie, shoes, books, toothbrush, socks, and underwear, she somehow roped Ellie into helping her "move". I stood at the window expecting to watch her walk to the end of the driveway, look around, discover she really had no options, and turn around and lay this whole thing to rest.

Was I really surprised that it didn't exactly play out that way? No, I suppose not. As I watched her resolutely march down the sidewalk I realized she was really leaving! I quickly put my baby in a stroller and hurried to catch up with them. I met up with them just as Lindy solicited the Babcock family for a place to stay. Apparently Morgan said yes. Crushing Morgan's dreams of a "sleepover" I managed to turn my girls around, luggage and all, and take them back home. I was treated to various amounts of grumbling and additional threats as we walked but I seemed to smooth things over a little by helping carry most of her stuff for her. She is now asleep. In her own bed. Hopefully snug with the knowledge that she is loved and we are glad she's here.

Note to self: Don't "play along" next time she threatens to run away. She's organized and she'll really do it.

Plea to friends and neighbors: If my child knocks on your door asking for refuge, please know that I do not want her to leave. I have not banished her from our home. Please send her back and let her know that her mom loves her and wants nothing more than to have her home.