No Rest for the Camper!

Amanda on January 18th, 2010

When Jeff leaves for camp or a conference and I stay home with three kids, and glad to be able to do it really. But I can’t help but feel a little jealous that he’s going to sleep through the night, not have to change a diaper, or deal with nap times, tantrums and bottles for a few days.
(Not to mention the weeks where the stomach flu has visited, or lice, or concussions, stitches, and a few hospital visits while he is gone).
When he comes home tired he has to fake it. No way do I want to welcome him home with a nap or a special rest time. “Back to the real world Buddy!”

Although I know that we all benefit when I do welcome him home to rest and relax :) . Because then, after his rest I get to rest (for a bit). Now, I realize his job isn’t the equivalent to taking a mini vacation. Trust me, I understand and have been to camp with High School students (and that’s why I don’t go anymore). It’s stressful and those crazies don’t like to fall asleep til 3am! He works hard and I work hard as well when he is away. It is a shame that there is no rest for the camper, me or him. We work hard to come home to work hard. And even the rare occasions when I say, “Take a load off, go take a 5 hour nap and be alone for awhile.” The kids seem to never let that happen! “Daddy play with me!” “Daddy watch me!” “Daddy look what I learned.” “Daddy, look what Mommy let me do, that you said no to…”  Life doesn’t stop when your worn out. No rest for the camper……Oh someday. I’m looking forward to that “someday” nap.

Discuss (4)

Jessica at 2:01pm January 20

Girl, not sleeping through the night, yet? Oh, honey, I’m sorry! I have a 7 month old and a toddler and understand, but I do get to sleep for a few hours each night. Hang in there, my dear. My hubby just returned from Bible quizzing on Friday night and then a 30 Hour Famine Sunday night and Monday. Needless to say he hadn’t slept (or eaten well) so he came home and crashed. Meanwhile, I remained the single mommy whle the daddy was passed out in the bedroom. It’s so stinkin’ hard. Know you’re not alone!

Sarah at 2:53pm January 28

i know exactly how you feel…my husband isn’t a youth “pastor” yet, but has been serving in youth ministry pretty much since we got married and whenever he goes on those camps i’m almost relieved i can’t go…at times i feel left out when he comes home with all these awesome stories of how the kids experienced God and how much fun they had, but i love my kids and wouldn’t change anything and i dont want to miss a second of their babyhood (i know that’s not a word but it should be :) ).