Today was one of those typical days. Nothing really special or important happened. I went about my day as I usually do. Laundry, running kids here and there, playing Candyland 3 times, sweeping floors, doing dishes, chopping potatoes for stew. I even branched out and took all 3 kids with me to the gym and the store afterwards. That was an adventure, as it usually is. 3 donuts and an ice cream later and the kids were happy campers.
As I was cleaning up from the day, an incredible feeling came over me. That feeling of a wonderfully crazy normal life. Forgive me if I indulge on this aspect for a moment. During the 7 months that Bree was sick was, in a word, agonizing. Going to the hospital, watching my daughter experience chemotherapy, taking care of her sick body and getting her better then having to go back and do it over and over and over again. I look back and think, "how did I do that?" I have said it so many times that it feels great to just be together with my kids and my husband, a complete family. But tonight, it really hit home with me.
These little moments that we experience with our kids are so precious. Tonight the kids and I bounced a bouncy ball all over the house and it was the best game ever. It was like I was a superstar to them. I really don't want this to come across like I am this great mom or whatever, because trust me, I'm not. I usually try to just get through the day with my kids. And most of the time, I'm watching the clock, counting down the minutes until it's bedtime! Today was an exception I guess. My point is that I want to look back 20 years from now and feel like I experienced my kids. My parents are constantly telling me that they grow so fast and most of the time, I just shrug it off. But today I guess you could say those words sunk in.
So here's to the little things (and big things too, see below!):
As for my little ones, Caleb lost his front tooth. We think he swallowed this one because we couldn't find it anywhere! Oh well, the tooth fairy can still visit right? He is still mighty handsome in my opinion. I just love toothless grins! What do ya think? 
Gunner is growing up on me too quickly. When he thinks I'm not watching him, he is the sweetest brother to both Caleb and Bree. That might've sounded bad, he's a good boy most of the time, but he IS a mischevious 4 year old! He is a good example for his siblings and that always gives me warm fuzzies. :) He is quick to forgive (even me when I'm not the nicest mom in the world) and lately is always asking for a hug. That may change when he's a teenager so I better soak it up while I got him, right?
My little miss Breezy has started walking. She's so proud of herself and Justin and I are so thrilled with how great she is doing. She cracks us up with her independence. She puts a HUGE smile on our faces!
One last update, and for those that might be wondering, her first set of scans (MRI & bone scan) will be on August 28th. Please keep her in your prayers that day. Love to all!
18 comments:
Hey Kari! Such a small world... Brennan Bates is my cousin. So fun to see you on Rachael's blog. I still keep in touch with Chelsey. I heard about your daughter... I am SO glad to know she is doing better! I will definitely keep you guys in my thoughts. Hope you are doing great!
What a fun Post!! And yes it sounded like a Crazy "Normal" day!! Plus going to the gym @ 5 am makes it even crazier! :)
sounds like a great day! and how fun to have that light bulb moment. you have set such a great example to me and i'm soooo thankful to have you for a friend. you are a great mom! and your kids love you to death!
I know exactly what you mean about appreciating the normal daily moments. I only have one child, but occasionally I get a glimpse into how special he really is and how lucky I am to spend all day with him! Thanks for reminding us what really matters most!
Kari, I am so glad that things are crazy normal for you!! How great is it to realize how blessed we are. I think you are an awesome mom and a great example. Great post!
I'm excited that you got to experience the "normal crazy life" and thank you so much for posting about it and reminding me to be greatful also for my "normal crazy life". Having a 10 year old has made me start to realize how fast life does pass us by, when did he get so big?
Cameron and Anna made me play the video of Bree 3 times. They loved it. Had a case of the giggles while they cheered her on. The kids are all adorable and I'm so glad you get to experience them at home!
Happy tears for you Kari. I'm so glad things are the way they are. I know what you mean--I don't think you can really appreciate your kids until you experience something like this. I know I didn't--I just had no idea.
Yeah for a grateful heart in having a 'normal' life!
So happy for you! I love that toothless grin! My Noah lost a tooth two weeks ago and it was no where to be found. He could give a hoot about the tooth fairy. LOL
I always love to hear your insight on things. We will be praying for Bree. Love those toothless grins!
I LOVED reading that!!
Oh what a lovely post Kari. I've followed your story since I first saw it on Summer's blog and I've left a comment or 2 on here - but not at every post. But I had to say to you that my heart lifted reading this. I remember looking at your picture when you first found out about Bree's condition and I don't think I ever saw such fear in anyone's eyes as I saw in yours in that photo. So I think you deserve every bit of your 'normal' and I was so happy to read that - it made me smile.
And the other thing that made me smile was your handsome little boy and his gummy grin - how precious. You have 3 beautiful children and I can see how proud you are of them all. I hope that all goes well for you on 28th and I just know that there will be a lot of poeple holding you all in their thoughts and prayers that day. Hugs and best wishes, Dawny xxxx
Reading this post was a delight, as well as inspiring. So grateful that you can experience tons of these crazy normal days. It was fun to read about Caleb's tooth, Gunner's tenderness, and Bree's triumphant walking. We'll pray that the 28th goes perfectly well for her and you!
you deserve to have a taste of "normal" it makes the rest of us realize how fortunate we are when the day to day things are normal....thanks for the post! And toothless grins are darling...my 7 year old just lost his frist front tooth....:)
Can't believe how big they are getting! YEA for Breezy!!! Be sure to let us know what happens on Aug 28th!
my Caleb likes to see pictures & read about your Caleb. AND, the exact same thing happened to my Caleb's 1st tooth. I think he must have swallowed it while eating his toast!
have i told you that Riley Bricker is in our ward. her mom (Lisa) says she remembers you & Caleb from when they lived in Gilbert.
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