Jul 10 2009
Breaking Out The Box
About this time of year, every year, my mom would say to her seven rowdy children, “I’m going to pack you in a box and ship you to grandma’s house.”
I don’t have seven, and my three aren’t that rowdy. . . but some days it’s tempting. My parents planned a different alternative. They’ve invited my children and my sister’s children to cousin camp on their farm.
Thanks, Mom. You’ve let me out of the box for an entire week.
Little did I know, then, how boxed in she felt playing entertainer to all our demands, or worse, referee to our contention.
So, Paul and I get to live outside the box for the next week. I’m breaking out of the child-friendly meals to try some of those impractical recipes he marked in bon appétit. We’re breaking out of the bedtime routine and may stay up later than the sun sets on a summer night in Minnesota. And, I’m taking a break offline—from blogging and tweeting—to read and write other important words without all the noise.
I imagine when it’s over we will welcome the structure of our familiar box, but right now, here’s to happy packing for them and unpacking for me.
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Does she have room for 4 more????? We are getting pretty summer stir crazy around here. Being restricted with a newborn makes for a really boring summer for the older ones! Lucky for your three. We can’t wait to see you all.
Enjoy your week out of the box, and even more you may just appreciate the noise when you return to the box.
Have fun! What a great opportunity for all of you. But you will never get use to it, and will ache to have them back home again, is my guess.
Tina,
Maybe I can take them off your hands when we visit and go do something fun with them.
Karie and Jill,
I’m sure you’re right. We always wish for something to change until we realize it is what really fills our life. Maybe this is why we haven’t been on vacations away from them in more than ten years.
What a treat! ENJOY!!
Refreshing and inspiring post about living outside the box. I’ll meet you there!!
I’m glad for you for this chance too, but mostly I’m glad because dinner was great! Thanks
A cousin camp! How fun! And how fun for you and your husband, as well!
Do you think that after a week of loud grandchildren, your mother will make good on her threat of old, and send your children back to you in a box? =)
We sent the girls to Brazil for summer visits a couple of times but haven’t been able to for the last several years. I think its good for all of them (the grandparents/family, us and the kids). It’s good that your parents don’t live in another country so you can get them there on a regular basis! It will be good to visit with all of you next week!