Boy Scout Camp 2011 and what it means to me.

I've often said I couldn't wait for this week to come. The time when ALL the males in my house would be off on their summer adventure(s).  I dreamed of the peace and relaxation that would come with not being the one in charge.  Not having to plan out daily menus, organize household chores, make sure all the laundry was caught up and keep peace on the home front.  So this first week of July 2011 has finally arrived and with it a truly empty nest. 
The oldest son has been gone all summer as it is, up in Montana stretching his wings of independence even further than I realized would happen so soon.   Daughter has had this weekend booked for a visit with her boyfriend in Texas and husband and the two remaining boys are off at Boy Scout Camp in Oklahoma.  That leaves myself and the two dogs home alone.  Alone.
Initially the quiet was welcomed, calming and peaceful.  Even the dogs seemed to agree, eyeing my every move as if it disturbed their rest.  I ate when I wanted, what I wanted, where I wanted and it was good.  I numbed myself with hours of reality television, senseless computer games and reading til all hours of the night.  Truly a good day.
Then day two arrived, again quiet.  Too quiet?  I think so.  Is it possible to miss the quibblings of two boys that normally drives me crazy?  Even the occasional rambling rumblings from the husband as he roams the house on yet another work conference call?  The dogs keep "looking" at me as if to say "where is everybody", I'm sure thats what they're saying.  This truly is not natural.  This house that has housed a family of 6 people seems to sound hollow with me at the center of its heart. I am convinced that all the clocks are running slower too, time is not moving like it normally would.
Seriously, I think it is an eye opening moment in my life, what I always dreamed would be truly heavenly, suddenly seems not so great.  I've known I love my family and have said it often.  But realizing that when family isn't here, home isn't really home.  So this week I will work on getting through this week. I will ignore the empty bedrooms, quiet family room and closed empty office.  I'll find plenty of busy work to make the days go by, try not to look at the clock to often and mark off the days on the calendar.  I'll even work up a convincing case of indignation when the stinky campers come home with the mess that they usually bring home.  But know that deep inside I will be so happy that at least part of this family is back together again.