Year of Change

THE UPSIDE
They come home on their own and fix a snack.
They start their homework and help each other when they are stuck.
They sleep in on the weekends.
They are choosing to spend time upstairs on their own.
They go on bike rides unaccompanied.
They call their friends for help with school work.
They get their own water ready for soccer
        and put on their own shin guards.
They tell jokes and laugh at the ones we tell.
They (sort of) fold and put their laundry away.
They keep track of their own grades and assignments.
They pack their own lunches.
They sit in the front seat of the car.
They can watch more interesting movies.
They come to me for advice.
They solve their own disputes (most of the time.)
They are fun to hang out with.
They are growing up.

THE DOWNSIDE
They don't need me as much any more.
They sometimes choose their friends over me.
They don't tell me everything anymore.
They ALWAYS need money for something.
They are moody (sometimes.)
They are no longer satisfied with a hug and a kiss when they are               hurting or upset. 
They have fewer years left at home than the years they've spent                  living here.
They are growing up.

What a difference a year can make.