The Precious Things

I saw a video someone posted on Facebook of an 8 month old baby, who received a Cochlear implant, being able to hear for the first time, and I've posted it below.  

His precious, innocent reaction was priceless and beautiful. 

My kids are out of state right now for the next two weeks spending time with their grandparents up north.  This is their first trip away from mommy & daddy.  I would have gone with them, but the baby still requires a lot and I knew it would be a hard road trip.  I just wanted the kids to enjoy their summer and to have some special time with grandma & grandpa, being spoiled. 

The first day they were gone, it felt like a mini-vacation.  Chase & I hung out and I watched three movies and grabbed sushi for dinner.  I only did one load of laundry that day and touched nothing more.  But when day two rolled around, it was a little too quiet for comfort.   It's so amazing how kids can make you want to pull your hair out and run from your house screaming like a mob of zombies are chasing you, but when they're gone for a while, you miss having them around.   A few mom's have commented on how wonderful this break must be for me and how I must be enjoying every minute of it, but the truth is, I miss my kids!  I've been a full-time mom for the last 8 years.  I've been blessed with the ability to stay home with my babies and raise them up, so I'm assuming why it's difficult to go throughout my day without them here.   Although my 7 month old keeps me busy on his persistent schedule, I've been so accustomed to doing things a certain way with my big boys, that having them around has left me feeling bored and lonely.   I miss the fighting noise, and the energy they bring to our home.  I miss their hugs and their excitement over little things.  I miss hearing my front door open and slam from them running in and out.... *sigh*

I actually feel like it's been somewhat of a blessing in disguise because it's given me a break AND more perspective.  Perspective of what my future holds, when my kids grow up and are all-the-more independent.  When they might not *want* to do things as a family because they'd rather go out with their friends, or when the time comes that they eventually move out and go away to college.  I know that those years are still far off, but the last 8 years have gone by so fast, that I'm anticipating the next 8 to do the same.   I'm grateful that I can stop and realize that times passes by so quickly, and the biggest calling and job at this time is to love my kids with all my heart, and to cherish and guide them as they grow. 

I'm also homeschooling this school year {first time EVERRRRR!}, and this makes me even more so excited so have this time with them.  It won't last forever. 

Here's the link that brought tears of joy to my eyes. 

Baby Boy Hears His Mom's Voice for the 1st Time