by Diane Huizenga
Member since:
February 6, 2010

My Son Spent His Own Money

August 10, 2010 11:37 PM UTC (Updated: August 10, 2010 11:39 PM UTC)
views: 0 | 17 people recommend this | comments: 78

So this evening my son and I went shopping for clothes for him before he goes away to college. He is leaving in 17 days. Sniff Sniff. I don't want him to go but I know he has to . Anyways I wanted to go with him when he went to buy clothes to spend some time with him and to take him out to dinner. Just me and my baby. It was a wonderful time. But what I found so awfully funny is how much more careful he was spending his money as opposed to my money. When he was younger and I was buying his school clothes he wanted every expensive item he could possibly find. And tonight he gravitated towards the sales racks. Oh man did I have a good laugh. And he was so proud of himself, we went to Kohl's first and they always have the best sales. He ended up spending 135 dollars at Kohl's and saved ( so it said on the receipt) 199 dollars. Oh man you would have thought he hit oil. He was so proud.

After hitting a few more stores we went to a favorite pizza place of mine and had a wonderful time talking. He started to talk about getting packed for college and of course I started to get a little weepy. He came over to my side of the table and gave me a kiss and hug and told me that he loved me and I would always be his number 1 girl. This is my youngest and he is the first to leave. I am having a real hard time with this and am hoping that I can keep it together on moving day. I will be going with him to Purdue to get him settled into his dorm. And I have already warned him I will be crying when I leave so just accept the fact that that's going to happen. We all leave our parents and I was chomping at the bit to move out of my parents house. But I never realized how bad it hurts when it's your kid doing the leaving. Something I am going to have to accept. Sniff Sniff.

Comments: 78

Amber C. Aug 11, 2010, 12:01am UTC
Aw, that's sweet. Boys don't forget their mamas. His future wife will have a lot to live up to. And I find it hilarious what you said about him spending his own money as opposed to yours. That is so true! They learn to appreciate the value of a dollar very quickly!
Diane Huizenga Aug 11, 2010, 12:33am UTC
I hope he doesn't and I am excited and happy for him. I love him so dearly and he is my baby. Thanks Amber.
Angie O. Aug 11, 2010, 12:07am UTC
He will still be your little boy no matter how far he goes and he will miss you too but think of the exciting things you will have to talk about.
Diane Huizenga Aug 11, 2010, 12:33am UTC
Yes he will Angie, thanks so much.
Matthew A. Aug 11, 2010, 12:57am UTC
Good times together. Good luck in college son of Diane!
Diane Huizenga Aug 11, 2010, 8:55am UTC
I think he will do fine Matthew, he is taking Physics, with a minor in engineering or possible a double major in Physics and chemistry.
Matthew A. Aug 11, 2010, 3:04pm UTC
OMG I love physics! I can't believe how interesting it is to study the way that things move! Lol....a very fascinating subject indeed!!!
Steph-in-NE ..... Aug 11, 2010, 1:51am UTC
yes my son been gone over 15 months and now in Afganistan for another yr I too miss him yet the weekly calls help and alot of face book check just to see his smiling face
Diane Huizenga Aug 11, 2010, 8:56am UTC
My girlfriends son is doing his 2nd tour of duty in Iraq, she is a nervous wreck. I hope you son stays safe. Thanks Steph-in-NE.
Elizabeth S. Aug 11, 2010, 2:14am UTC
Knowing that you set such a good example for him, teaching him to shop lot. Teaching him it's okay to tell his mother sweet things is a great job.
Diane Huizenga Aug 11, 2010, 8:57am UTC
I am thankful he is so loving. He is a great kid. Thanks Elizabeth.
Audrey A. Aug 11, 2010, 12:52pm UTC
Aww you're going to make me cry because now I'm thinking of my little one leaving (which won't happen for another 17 years, but its still the thought lol).
Diane Huizenga Aug 11, 2010, 2:03pm UTC
Yup start getting ready Audrey it will be here in the blink of an eye. Thanks.
Heidi S. Aug 11, 2010, 2:22pm UTC
He sounds like a great kid! It is so hard when they leave - two of mine are on their own now, two still at home...
Diane Huizenga Aug 11, 2010, 4:47pm UTC
This is my first to leave and I am not prepared thanks Heidi.
Kevin (''The SiteWizard'') V. Aug 11, 2010, 4:39pm UTC


"Oh man you would have thought he hit oil. He was so proud."

Ha ha ha ...I can certainly relate to that! It sounds like a wonderful, memorable time.
Diane Huizenga Aug 11, 2010, 4:47pm UTC
It was thanks Kevin.
Marilyn (PaintsOnSlate) S. Aug 11, 2010, 5:59pm UTC
Your post made me tear up - I remember those days and it is just the beginning of a wonderful relationship with your son. Enjoy it!
Diane Huizenga Aug 11, 2010, 6:14pm UTC
I intend to, but I am going to miss him horribly something I have to deal with, thanks Digital Diva.
Alison H. Aug 11, 2010, 7:31pm UTC
Congratulations to you both! It's a new phase for both of you.....

(((Hugs!)))
Diane Huizenga Aug 12, 2010, 8:39am UTC
Thanks Alison, it is a new phase, he is grown, not my little boy anymore, even though that's how I see him. My boy to be protected, because that's what I do.
Janet "Jax" B. Aug 11, 2010, 11:46pm UTC
Oh, I know the feeling very well. We leave for Alma College and Michigan in just 12 days. I can't believe Pher's going off to college. It's going to be so hard leaving him almost 1000 miles away from us.

I spend a lot of time with him, especially right now......it's going to be hard not having him around. Pher is the same way with money....he also bought a bunch of stuff at Kohl's and saved a ton (oh, there's a $10 off a $20 coupon right now). LOL
Diane Huizenga Aug 12, 2010, 8:42am UTC
Yes my son got a 20 dollar coupon going to spend it in the next few days as it's only good for 1 week. My son is going to Purdue, it's only 40 miles away, but he is still going to live on campus because of the winter weather. I know I am being a baby, I can still run up there any time I want to take him to lunch, and all that, but still won't see his beautiful baby blue eyes every day. I feel for you Janet I would be a basket case if he were 1000 miles away. Hang in there girl. Thanks so much.
Diane Huizenga Aug 12, 2010, 8:48am UTC
What is you son taking in college? My son is going to Purdue University. He is going to be majoring in Physics, with a minor in engineering or a double major in Chemistry.
Janet "Jax" B. Aug 12, 2010, 2:02pm UTC
Christopher wants to be pre-med, so he'll probably be a chemistry major or a chemistry and biology double major (like me!). Alma has a cadavar lab, which was one big plus for the college.
Heather E. Aug 12, 2010, 8:12am UTC
Now you will begin to see the payoff of the hard lessons and easy lessons that he has learned at home. Shopping was the first of many. You will miss him, but you will be so proud.
Diane Huizenga Aug 12, 2010, 8:45am UTC
I am proud of him, he is a wonderful human being, so kind, witty, incredibly smart, but it's so tough to watch them grow up and move away. Again it's only 40 miles away so it's not really all that bad, but he won't be here everyday and it might as well be 1000 miles. Thanks Heather.
Risa G. Aug 13, 2010, 12:10pm UTC
Sounds like you have a wonderful child there. I am sure he will call you every week from college. I had to call in once a week. Or else...

It is amazing how they are so careful when the money is theirs. My son isn't at thatnage yet and still spends our money like crazy.
Diane Huizenga Aug 14, 2010, 10:22am UTC
He is a great kid, I am so proud of him, thanks Risa.
Stephanie Ann Aug 14, 2010, 11:31am UTC
That's so sweet! He's growing up! You should be so proud! It's so sad to see them leave though. FF
Diane Huizenga Aug 14, 2010, 11:01pm UTC
Thanks Stephanie I am proud of him but am going to miss seeing him every day.
Adelaide M. Aug 14, 2010, 9:53pm UTC
Thanks for posting to Point Taken.

Good luck to both of you, it will be an adjustment, but it will be good. ;)
Diane Huizenga Aug 14, 2010, 11:02pm UTC
I know it will I just have to get used to the idea, thanks Adelaide.
Ms Lee P. Aug 14, 2010, 10:29pm UTC
They do grow up don't they. I cried when my youngest one started kindergarten because I was losing my baby. Now I'm sad because one of his children is leaving for college ... LOL ... yep, they grow up.
Diane Huizenga Aug 14, 2010, 11:02pm UTC
Yup they do sadly enough, thanks Lee
William Dotani Aug 15, 2010, 1:58am UTC
A day I hope you and he will always cherish. I sincerely wish him well. My son is in Japan doing his studies.
Diane Huizenga Aug 15, 2010, 9:19am UTC
Thanks William
Darin Waugh Aug 16, 2010, 3:35am UTC
Sounds like he's off to a great start!
Diane Huizenga Aug 16, 2010, 10:03am UTC
He is and I'm very proud of him, it's my problem to get over and I know I will in time, it's just to soon yet. Thanks Darin.
Jane Vee Aug 17, 2010, 8:36am UTC
Obviously, you raised him well. He is a sweet kid and able to be a "thrifty" shopper. His reaction says that he will save money and you will not have to worry.
Diane Huizenga Aug 18, 2010, 5:39am UTC
I hope not he did tell me he loves to save and he has always been like that. Thanks Jane.
Kay M Aug 17, 2010, 1:17pm UTC
It's so hard to let them go. When my youngest went off to college I dealt with that empty nest syndrome. But over time you and your son will be developing a new kind of relationship and you'll enjoy seeing him as an adult as much as you did seeing him as a child. My son and I have a lot of fun when we get together.
Diane Huizenga Aug 18, 2010, 5:42am UTC
My oldest is still home, he struggled his whole life with school, he is 19 and working but just told me last night he might want to take some classes and I told him I would pay for whatever he wants to do. So my youngest is leaving first. Thankfully college is only 40 miles away so I can see him when I want. He is an exceptional kid, getting a Chancelor's Scholarship to Purdue University full ride academic scholarship. He is leaving in 9 days.
Diane Huizenga Aug 18, 2010, 5:42am UTC
OOOppps thanks Kay.
Nurse Nancy S. Aug 17, 2010, 11:06pm UTC
They all grow up and leave the nest. Sad as it is!!!
Diane Huizenga Aug 18, 2010, 5:43am UTC
Yup we all did it to our parents, it's just so hard when it's your kid. I never realized until my kid is preparing to leave just how much it hurts. Thanks Nancy
Tina Coruth Aug 18, 2010, 3:32pm UTC
Your son is a very sweet young man. It's just as you said, we were chomping at the bit to go out on our own, but now that we are parents, we know how sad it is watching them go.
Diane Huizenga Aug 21, 2010, 2:09pm UTC
It's awful, something I hope to get over, he is a wonderful kid my joy, thanks Tina.
Marsha C. Aug 18, 2010, 5:00pm UTC
it is funny how they can spend your money like crazy but be careful with theirs ......wait, that doesn't work for all kids!!
Diane Huizenga Aug 21, 2010, 2:12pm UTC
No just most kids lol, thanks Marsha.
Felicia G. Aug 18, 2010, 5:47pm UTC
I hope everything goes well for as you help your son to get settled in. My daughter moves out on Saturday. But, she's only five minutes away. My son is a bit farther. He's an hour away. I haven't seen him for several months due to my car breaking down. jThey drive you crazy when they are there. But, you miss them like crazy when they're gone. Visiting from Fancy's Friends. :-)
Diane Huizenga Aug 21, 2010, 2:13pm UTC
So very true, thanks Felicia.
Christine Zibas Aug 21, 2010, 2:08pm UTC
I still remember how excited I was to go to college. It will be hard to see your son go, but just imagine all the wonderful experiences he will have.
Diane Huizenga Aug 21, 2010, 2:14pm UTC
Yes he will, he is very very intelligent a full ride academic scholarship and many opportunities for him the next 4 years. Thanks Christine.
Kelly M. Aug 22, 2010, 3:27pm UTC
Sounds like a great day - it is funny how different they are with their own money!
Diane Huizenga Aug 22, 2010, 3:29pm UTC
Yes I was watching him closely because I knew he was going to do what he did. Thanks Kelly.
Rae M. Aug 23, 2010, 10:03am UTC
I know how hard this must be. It sounds like he is a really good kid though.
Diane Huizenga Aug 23, 2010, 10:39am UTC
He is a good kid, never been in any kind of trouble, I am going to miss seeing him every day but he needs to go. Thanks Rae.
Annmarie B. Aug 23, 2010, 10:54am UTC
Diane, that is how I feel about my son. He is a good kid and now he has started College in another state. I cry so much. I miss him so much. I know what you are going through. Hang in there.
Diane Huizenga Aug 23, 2010, 6:32pm UTC
Thankfully he is in another state but only 40 miles away so I can see him pretty much when I want, but he's not home and that's the difference. You hang in there as well. Thanks Annmarie.
Connie C. Aug 23, 2010, 11:05pm UTC
Oh it is so hard when they leave for college. I cried when both out daughters left for college. Now they are both married and I still miss them!
Diane Huizenga Aug 26, 2010, 7:24pm UTC
I know you do Connie he is leaving tomorrow morning, I'm going with him to help him move in.
Jane H. Aug 31, 2010, 6:31pm UTC
awww.. You have an awesome son!!! FF
Diane Huizenga Sep 3, 2010, 11:28am UTC
I think so thanks Jane.
Jenn P. Sep 1, 2010, 12:04pm UTC
awe
Diane Huizenga Sep 3, 2010, 11:28am UTC
Thanks Jenn.
Shirley B. Dec 1, 2010, 6:10pm UTC
that reminds me of my newly married son... he is a whole lot more careful with his own money too!
Diane Huizenga Dec 2, 2010, 12:36am UTC
Yup I think when they earn it they realize how much harder it is to earn it than spend it, so they become more careful when it's theirs. Thanks Shirley.
regina guthrey Dec 2, 2010, 12:43am UTC
That is so wonderful he spent his money. But on the other hand it is sad for you to let him go.

My babies are in the 3 rd and 7 th grade. It hurts sometimes just to think i have to leave them there.

Best wishes to your son and college.
Diane Huizenga Dec 2, 2010, 12:47am UTC
Thanks regina, he has been away since August but comes home every couple of weeks for the weekend. He is doing great in college straight A's so far.

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