My husband and children left today for a 4 day trip to New Mexico.  I am staying home to take care of some many needed adminstrative details, as well as, catch up on some work.  While this trip has been scheduled for a few weeks now, I woke up this morning with knots in my tummy.  The achiness of being without my family for 4 days had suddenly occurred to me.  I tried every trick and persuasion that could come to mind to convince my daughter that she should stay home with me.  Ice Cream,  a trip to the toy store, watching a movie — none of my “tricks” worked.  She assured me that she would be back soon and that she loves me very much!  Knowing that she was  much “wiser” than her years let on….I then tried to persuade my hubby that our son would be better off staying with me.  “Think of the airport, the plane ride, his naps…..yada yada yada”…I went on.  Nope, didn’t work on my hubby either.  Their bags were packed & they were off!  It’s been about 5 hours since I dropped them off at the airport and I have had 3 girlfriends call me to make sure I was okay and to see how I was occupying my time.  (Thanks gals!)  I have assured them, “I’m very mature now (another +1 year added to my 30 something years this week), I will be okay…..my days are full, I’m going to clean this & organize that, etc. etc.”  I’m sure they all realize I am working hard to convince myself, more than them!  My family just phoned to tell me their plane landed and they are now “en route” to Nana and Grandpo’s house!  With promises to call each night and kisses shared through the phone…they were gone, again.  One of my girlfriends said I should be ECSTATIC!  She said, “4 Days without the Kids?  Can I pay your hubby to take mine too?”  She than started daydreaming about all the things she would do to occupy herself:  movies, shopping, pedicures, massage, sleeping……   I must admit, all of her ideas sound fabulous.  I do have a gift card I got for my bday to spend…  There is that movie I have been wanting to see….  My unpolished, dry feet could sure use a good rub…..  It has been awhile since I slept in past 7:00 a.m…….   Hmmmmmm………achiness is still there, but not so “achy” at the moment…..