The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Mother

As I mentioned before October is full of events that keep the Boyen Bunch quite busy. We've had something to do every week and every weekend.  From the little ones showing off their art talent, to the big ones showing off their musical talents, there has been lots of reasons to be a proud mama. My last post, This Moment, shared a precious moment caught on film by a fellow parent, a dad in fact, on the field trip to the pumpkin patch with Lorelei.  A moment literally frozen in time, thankfully.  Here are some more moments captured this month... First fire of the fall. A concert at O'Connor for Bailey. Lorelei's field trip to the pumpkin patch. Jonas the artist...selected for the local art show. Lorelei the artist, also selected for the art show.  A quick trip to the pumpkin patch with cousin Brieley. Savannah's first concert with orchestra. Bailey's quintet, The Roamin Gladiators.  Like his costume...he's a Germ...

{this moment} A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.   http://www.soulemama.com/          

I'm in a funk.  I can't explain it (or maybe I can).  I should have nothing to complain about. Honestly, it's not often that I do complain. I'm a sunny-side kind of gal, cause you know, "Happy girls shine brighter."  (one of my favorite quotes, but I'm not sure by who). I have more blessings in my life than many, many people could ever hope or pray for.  I have 4 incredible kids, truly gifted and talented, yet they can still drive me crazy and push me to a point of MEAN mommy. They aren't perfect.  They fight, yell, whine and man, the tantrums from the girls!! Geesh! (OK I probably can be included in that this week...I may have had a tantrum or two myself!)  My stress/grouchiness level is at it's peak. I have a love/hate relationship with the month of October.  I should really place the blame on the calendar.  Sure, fall weather rolls in and out come my favorite fall decorations.  The house feels so warm and cozy....

Music has been a part of my life since probably birth.  I know that's the case with my children...in fact sooner with them.  I remember putting headphones around my very pregnant belly for the first time with Bailey.  I blasted Yanni and classical tunes, not knowing whether it would work or not.  I sang to each of my kids as newborns and played music in their nursery every nap time and bedtime. They watched and listened to Baby Einstein videos, DVDs and CDs.  They were exposed!!  No doubt about it.  I have been a musician since the ripe old age of 5, piano and voice were (OK, are!), my specialties.  I got a scholarship for piano, I wrote my Master thesis on the effects of music in the classroom...you get the picture.  I wanted my children to be moved by music like I am.  John too, was surrounded by music since a very young age...his mother always playing piano, accordion and singing.  And although he didn't master a single instrumen...