Sunday, July 26, 2009

10 days of freedom and silence!

That's right! All three of my boys are in summer camp for two weeks from 9 am until 3 pm. Now don't get me wrong. I love my boys madly. But I do crave a peacefulness that does not often exist in a house with 3 boys ranging from 5 yrs-10 yrs old.

Someone is always running, jumping or bouncing something. Someone is always needing a snack, a drink, or a bandaid. Someone always has to pee when I'm washing my face or poop when I'm in the shower. If I'm on the phone, Collin absolutely has to practice his viola at that exact moment. Or Jack decides that he absolutely hates everyone and has to scream that through the house as his brothers absolutely have to follow him to torture him. Or Thomas absolutely has to have a snuggle that consists of him climbing on my head and blowing raspberries in my face. Nope, not an ounce of peace and quiet can be squeezed out of this household.

I have to admit that as much as I was looking forward to camp, I was also worried about how smoothly it would go. Thomas had only been to a half day soccer camp last year. Even then, I had to stay for half of it or he would cry. I was also having some separation anxiety about leaving my last baby for a full day. My baby!!

But all went surprisingly well. We got the kids dressed. Made their lunches and snack. Made sure they had their bathing suits and towels. We slathered them with sunblock and made it out the door in plenty of time. We got to the camp. Chris and I signed the boys in . Brought them to their groups. Met their counselors. Gave them kisses, and off we went with no tears, not even mine!

When we hit the sidewalk, I had this sudden feeling of absolute bliss! I was going home. Chris was going to work, and I was going to be all alone, in a silent house. Silence for 6 hours. Well, it wasn't completely silent. There was a gentle warm rain pitter pattering on the butterfly bush outside of my wide open windows. There was a slight breeze drifting the subtle flower scent into the house.

I didn't clean. I didn't think about cleaning. I didn't feel bad about cleaning. I sat and listened to the rain. I read my book. I watched the birds out at the bird feeder. I took a bath. And most importantly, I dozed by the open window. Heaven!!

3 o'clock rolled around and I realised I missed my boys! I couldn't wait to pick up my little angels. They were all thrilled to see me. Thomas insisted on extra snuggles when we got home, which was great! I needed them too. They didn't fight on the way home. They were tired out and watched a movie until dinner. Ate dinner and off to bed they went.

That of course only covered the first day. I'll leave you on that good note and won't meander into the last 4 days of a less than perfect experience. But let's face it, one perfect day is better than none!!

2 comments:

Carolyn R. Parsons said...

A part of their grown and a part of ours is the ability to let them leave eventually so that we can miss them and appreciate them.

It is difficult for women to find peace in the home isn't it? We have to claim it and work for it sometimes...but oh, is it ever appreciated when it comes!

Enjoy your peace!
Breeze

Catherine said...

Thanks, mama! :)