Last week, SO complained he never had time to see SS by himself. So we arranged that today, they would both go to a car show with a friend of SO, and I would get the house to myself.
Then SO tells me he wants SS to bring a friend, so he wasn't just annoying them
Then last night, at SO's friend's party, informs me that SS and his friend dont want to go to the car show, so they will be staying home. SS's friend stayed with us overnight, and SS is staying at his friends house tonight.

Normally, I would just back down. But last night -no. I said I had plans, and I expected everyone to be out of the house. I must have had just the right kind of voice, because SO agreed. Usually, he just argues me down.

SS continued to whine, and negotiate, and tried to say he and his friend would "leave early to his friends" and "go out" if they were allowed to stay home,

SO had both boys out the house at the same time he left. I couldn't believe it.

So - finally, a victory. Mind you, so far this weekend SS has brought home a terrible school report, stolen food, acted like a little baby at a party, whined about having a shower, and complained and complained and complained.

But, I'm getting the whole house, to myself, for a day. First time in about three years. Victory!