the fabulous friisome

ozzie left for 5 nights of summer camp this afternoon so as you would expect, i am thinking of him.

i have always wanted to avoid being one of those moms that can't wait for summer/spring/winter break to be over. moreover, i have tried to resisted the urge to completely fall apart at every milestone that my children reach. it is humbling privilege and a definite challenge to parent.

So while it makes me sad that my first baby is in all actuality no longer a baby and will continue on his path... gaining speed rapidly, i would be lying if i told you there wasn't a part of me that was looking forward to a little break {emphasis on "little"}. you see, while he is off singing, playing, eating and sleeping at camp, he is no longer doing those things at home [duh, right]. it makes sense to me that once you have one child, you might as well have 4, or more. as my moms says, one child takes 24 hours so two children can't possible take anymore of your time, [just more of your money]. more challenging then the work of being a parent is the requirement to live with another imperfect human being. but i find myself missing those aspects of ozzie's presence and personality that challenge me the most. he is sensitive, moody, loves to argue with his brother and sounds like a heard of elephants going down the stairs during nap time.

yet he has a role in our family and our household feels empty and incomplete with just four. it would be like trying to make cookies without sugar, an ingredient you don't want to leave out. i characteristics that i adore about him... he astounds me with his perception and compassion for others. he is honest and creative and thoughtful and i don't think his mind ever rests [unless the boob tube is on of course]. he is particular, but always willing to negotiate and i can go on about his ability to tell the truth and handle situations most adults would freak out about. he is thoughtful and as unselfish as an 8 year old can be and that is just scratching the surface .

while he is away i have been praying for his little spirit and thanking God that he made ozzie for "such a time as this". that he has a plan and a purpose and will use our child to minister, heal, and conquer despite his {and all of our} imperfections. and finally that God would lead us in teaching ozzie to have courage, faith, ambition that is NOT discouraged and how to BE a leader.

what an honor it is to be his mommy.