Music to My Ears

Caleb and Carson have spent the past ten days visiting grandparents and attending VBS at each of their churches. We drove to Kerrville last Friday to attend a family wedding as well as pick up the boys and take them to Dublin to start the second VBS. As we made the drive to Dublin, Carson wanted to listen to the VBS music cd and he sang every song- word for word! He loves music and it is one of his passions- in fact, not a day goes by that he doesn't sing or "play" his own music. He cracks us up with some of his original songs! They are often about doing his chores, playing with his brothers, and just his life in general, but they all come from a natural, genuine talent. Hearing him sing and share his heart is music to my ears....

However, I have realized that music takes many forms. When Caleb shares his creative, original stories or tells one of his corny jokes; it, too, is music to my ears. When Kendall coos, "talks" or laughs I hear a symphony in my heart. I cherish each of their "songs" equally....I guess music can come in many different forms.....

Procrastinating.....

Recently, one of my Facebook friends posted as her status, "Why can't I get all this stuff done? Oh, that's right, I procrastinate!" That made me laugh out loud!! Sometimes I can identify with that statement. I think I tend to wait and then I work like a mad woman getting everything done. Actually, I have improved as I have had more children because I need to plan ahead out of necessity now. For example, when we have company coming to stay with us, I used to wait until the day they would arrive; and then I would work like crazy cleaning all day to make sure that the house was spotless and ready for company. Now, when company is coming, I start cleaning and preparing all the week before because cleaning the entire house in one day is not an option with three kids to care for.

Over the past ten days, both of our oldest boys have been visiting grandparents in order to attend their churches' VBS programs. So, you would think that I would have accomplished a great deal while they were gone- reorganizing closets, cleaning out clothes, scrubbing floors, cleaning the inch of dust off my ceiling fans, or finally getting to those baseboards....... yeah, right! All I have done is spend time with Kendall- just savoring every smile, laugh and coo as well as resting; that's right resting! I think parenting can be one of the most exhausting things anyone can do and I have really been able to recharge my "parenting batteries". So, I may be procrastinating by not doing all these other jobs, but I have created wonderful memories with Kendall that cannot be replaced. Maybe it isn't procrastination after all; maybe it is just proper priorities!!

My Kind of "Hunting"

You can call me a bargain hunter, deal finder or frugal,

but the truth is...... I am cheap! That's right, cheap.

I love the search for a good deal and I feel so victorious when I find exactly what I wanted, but at a great price. Part of my habit stems from necessity. As a stay at home mother, we often need to watch our budget and be wise with our purchases. So, I often research whatever I am looking to purchase extensively online trying to find the best deal possible. Now, however, it has become an addiction- I mean why would anyone WANT to pay more than necessary????

Honestly, I think it is like Reagan's love of hunting. I "hunt" the good deals and when I find them, I want to share it with the world- I haven't displayed my receipts on the living room wall next to Reagan's deer mount, but my hunting is just as valuable!

Recently, I needed to make a quick run to our local Walmart to pick up a few items. When I walked out of the store I had spent $18.94, BUT I had purchased: a pair of jeans for Carson, a pair of jeans for Caleb, a shirt, 24 pack of Dr. Peppers, aspirin, and hair coloring (Did you notice my new darker shade, hmm?). All for only $18.94!!!!

Victory was mine!!!

Okay, so I am addicted! At least my "hunting" is saving us money.....

yep, I am cheap, but there are worse things!

Wordless Wednesday

"Bed Time"

Well, before I knew it last week flew by and I never had a chance to update our family blog! We had a great week, however, and were blessed to be able to attend two graduation parties for two special people in our world. I know each of them will be a great success in whatever they choose to do. As parents, we look at each of these two families and hope to be as successful in parenting as they have been. They each have been faithful in seeking after the Father for daily guidance in how to train and raise up their children and it encourages me to make sure that I am doing the same for our family.

This morning was a special, rare morning when our whole household sleeps in- including Kendall! One positive to Reagan's work schedule is that we are able to have mornings together. This morning was special because all three boys came and joined us on our bed to talk and laugh together. This is a tradition that started with Caleb when, on certain mornings, he would come and join us on our bed to talk and share with each other. The conversation doesn't have to be anything serious or major, but it can go in that direction as well.
So, this morning Reagan brought Kendall to bed first because he didn't seem to want to eat and, yet, he wanted someone to "talk" and play with him. Then, Caleb arrived followed soon after by Carson. This morning we sang several classic 80's songs that the boys had learned from a cd that we acquired in a kids' meal from Wendys. Too bad our neighbors were at work as they missed quite a concert! We often just goof off and play around with each other, but it is always just about being together. Sometimes we will just laugh and visit for over an hour.... I cherish every moment of that time. It means so much to me that they want to spend that time with us - no television, no video games- just our family, together.
I love my boys and I love the moments that we share during our "bed- time"..... we just may need to get a King size bed before long!

An Incredible Journey

Yesterday was a very big day around here as Caleb Wilson Boles turned ten years old yesterday. We hit double digits!?!? How did time go by so fast??? All day yesterday I waited for that moment to hit me- you know the moment -when the reality of my "baby" growing up suddenly hits me and I become a basket of tears. It didn't come. Then, today as I was looking for some pictures for this blog, it hit me.

So, humor this mom and take a quick journey back through the events of ten years ago with me...

I was a nervous wreck the morning of May 31, 2000 just knowing that in a few hours my total world was going to change. My pregnancy had been relatively uneventful and I couldn't wait to meet the little man growing inside my big belly... and I mean BIG BELLY! I was huge!

Sadly, my labor would turn out to be a little more exciting. I was induced due to swelling and being past my due date and as soon as my doctor broke my water I was calling for an epidural! Unfortunately, the anesthesiologist that worked in Labor and Delivery, at the small hospital where we delivered, was on vacation and his "sub" was not interested in helping a pregnant woman in labor. So, he never came and I did not get the benefit of a pain free delivery. Thankfully, God granted me mercy and I went from a 6 to a 10 within thirty minutes!

As I began pushing, a fire alarm went off throughout the hospital, and both the nurses who were assisting the doctor looked at each other in confusion and one ran out of the room to check on the alarm. At this point, I informed the remaining nurse that I would not stop pushing- even if I had to leave the building because of the alarm.... he could come in the parking lot, right? Finally, the other nurse returned having heard that the alarm was a drill- PTL!!! Then, as I continued pushing, the doctor realized that Caleb was coming out with his arm up beside his head- So I was trying to push out a head, hand and shoulder all at once. This is not good as it can be very concerning for the baby, but I was able to deliver him and he was just fine. Reagan (who had been an incredible support throughout the delivery) and I cried as we heard Caleb's first cries and knew that he was finally here.

Later, that night as I cuddled him close, I told him to be patient with me as I was a "new mommy", but that I would be the best mother to him that I could be. The past ten years haven't been perfect, but I feel incredibly blessed to have such a good kid as my son- especially one who has such a passion for the Lord. Truthfully, I learned how to be a parent with Caleb and each year he gives me more opportunities for growing and improving as we face different challenges from year to year. I hope to share some of these lessons tomorrow.....

Thanks, Caleb, for starting me on a most incredible journey- I love you!

(Side note: Can you believe how similar Caleb and Kendall look as babies???)