When you have three kids, it’s a constant juggling act.
This one needs to go there at this time and that one needs to be there at that time, and don’t forget that this one has something at the same time, but a totally different place.
You wonder if you could clone yourself or at least have someone invent one of those teleportation tubes so you could get everyone where they need to be on time.
It’s rare to have a child-free moment. If they’re all at practices or games… you’re there with them.
During the school year, they might be gone all day, but you have other things to do and you’re keeping an eye on the clock.
Sometimes one or two will be off with a friend, but it usually doesn’t work out that all three are at the same time. Plus, you still have a timetable.
Though my kids are approaching that age where they could all be left home alone, three usually means someone is going to fight one of his brothers. So a babysitter is needed.
Spontaneity isn’t a word in your vocabulary.
And then comes camp, sweet camp.
Two of my boys are bunking together this week.
Suddenly:
Sleeping in.
Not having to make plans or have a schedule.
Deciding to do something at the last minute.
Being the one who can say “any time works for me!” and meaning it.
Naps.
Not needing a babysitter.
Being out and not constantly doing a head count.
Hearing “Mooooom!” and knowing it’s not you.
And it’s weird.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice.
It’s a break.
I’m having fun and relaxing.
Plus, the boys are all off having exciting adventures, so it’s not like they are bored while I’m having a fun week.
But I enjoy this time, knowing they’re coming back.
Watching the camp website for glimpses of my boys, getting pictures texted to me of what they’re doing.
I miss them.
I’m glad we sent them off this week because they’re been talking about it for months.
And this little break from our normal routine/chaos has been pretty great, but it doesn’t have me longing for our pre-kids days when this was life all the time.
Because I signed up for this mothering thing and I love my kids. Two more days and they’ll be home- and I’ll be ready.
Though: will I send them to camp again next summer? Oh, hell yeah!
I have friends who do a staycation and the kids go to the grandparents for a week. I think it must be wonderful to have your house to yourself for a bit and be able to go somewhere you want on a whim. I always think the house is too quiet without the kids but a little break would definitely be nice. Enjoy the time!
The quiet is nice. It’s completely weird, but nice.
Nailed it.
I remember going off to camp, myself — it was only ever a week, every summer, but my parents were always ecstatic at drop-off. And then at pickup. Methinks, yeah, the summer grates on EVERYONE . . . but, once the separation is there, you start missing one another.
And naps . . . wow. I can’t tell you the last time I napped. I’m happy for you, there 🙂