I'm really glad I didn't post any details because it was a HUGE miscommunication between me and my mom, as we still are working on communication, and the problem we had was via text which is in itself can be misleading and confusing and hard to understand the intentions. I ruined my parents initial coming home. I had an emotional day on top of the miscommunication, and I was very rude to my parents when they came home rather than showering them with hugs and kisses and "I missed you so much!". My mom's feelings were very hurt and she didn't understand why I was so upset, so she sent my dad to talk to me. After I had a talk with my dad, I felt SO horrible and awful that we had this miscommunication and ruined their coming home and I went out to my mom crying and I told her how much I missed her and that I was very sincerely sorry, and she accepted my apology and we hugged and shared a good laugh, and then she was very eager to share the exciting details of her vacation and I was very attentive and shared in the excitement and now we are all on good terms again.

And some more good news...while having a talk with my dad, I told him about this thread and how I had hoped that after they got settled in we could talk about taking on more responsibility, and my dad told me that one of the things he told my brother on vacation was how much more responsible I have become and he told my brother about all the responsibilities I've been taking care of and how much I help out at home and he acknowledged that I have been very responsible with bills and money and jobs and that we can talk more about what I can do to be more independent once I am settled into my new job. AND I even mentioned the dog! I told my dad, "I completely respect mom's wishes about waiting for a dog, but I just want to let you know that when the time comes, I would like your consideration in letting me be responsible for the dog." So now my parents are aware of my interest of becoming independent (and the dog! )and that we will have a sit-down discussion when we are all ready to talk.