Life as a Leach

Dear Caleb, 13! A teenager!!!  Wowsers!!!  How the heck did you get so old??  (I'm not old though, mind you.  Just you.  Don't forget that!)  It seems like just yesterday you were the little guy with an amazing vocabulary!    Now you are a much bigger guy with an even more amazing vocabulary! This has been a good year for you, Buddy.  You have done a lot of growing up and are figuring out who you are in this world.  Your life is filled with music and theater, which makes you so happy! Your schedule is just as full as anyone who plays a sport!  I love watching you up on the stage because I know how much you love theater. Listening to your sing your songs as Horton puts a huge smile on my face.  I can't wait to see the finished product! You are SUCH a smart kid--sometimes too smart for your own good!  Ha!  You absolutely love getting lost in a book and have so much knowledge about so many subjects! Your ...

Dear Caleb, 11!  Wow!!  How in the world can I have an 11 year old?!?  This has been a big year of growth and experiences for you.  I love watching you mature into the young man God created you to be. This last year, you have really come into your own.  You joined the Musical Theater Club and earned a speaking and singing part in The Little Mermaid.   I was so proud of you up there on that stage!   This year, you are playing Lefeu in Beauty and the Beast  and are doing such a great job.  It is fun to watch you develop as an actor and singer.  You absolutely love to sing and can often be heard belting show tunes from the basement.  In fact, as I type this, you are singing "Defy Gravity" from Wicked ! You're also doing a great job playing the trumpet and were chosen to be part of the All-County band this year.  You are following in your dad's footsteps!  Who knows--maybe you'll join the marching...

Dear Caleb Boy, I can't believe you are 8!  I still remember your birth like it was yesterday.  I was so scared, and nervous, and excited, and anxious...all wrapped up in one!  You took forever to make your appearance, but I remember the first time those sweet little eyes looked up at me.  All of the stress from the day melted away, and the reality of I am a mom!  set in.  You made me a momma!  I am so proud of the little man you are becoming.  You are a kind, compassionate, quirky guy who loves God,  Star Wars (perhaps it would be better described as an obsession!),  dancing,  and your family.   You're still quite a hugger, which I love, and you promise me that you will never be too old to give me a hug and a kiss goodbye!  I'm gonna hold you to it!   Our life isn't easy at times and I don't pretend that Abby's frequent hospitalizations aren't hard on you.  Bu...