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Carpe Diem {Monday is “Mom”-day}

I hardly know where to begin.  Last Friday was one of those days.  It started at 6 a.m. and didn’t stop until after 11 p.m.  17 hours of constant motion, effort and emotion.  I’m still tired.
For weeks I had known I wanted to do something fun to celebrate the last day of school for my kids.  Their last day of school only lasted 1 1/2 hours and they’d be home by 9:30, so I thought I’d do a little celebration breakfast after school.  I had been working on a menu and what I might use to decorate.  Then, the Saturday before school got out, we got the call that our sweet neighbor friend Nate, who was just 10 years old, had suddenly passed away.  And his funeral would be Friday, the last day of school.
I was torn, do I go ahead with my plans, or  put them off for another time?
If I have learned one thing from Nate’s sudden death, it’s that you never know how much time you have left on this Earth.  And I plan to make the most of what I do have.  So, even though I knew it would be pushing it, I went ahead with our party plans.

The kids were surprised and thrilled.  Friday also happened to be National Doughnut Day, so we went with that as our theme.  Doughnut muffins, pull apart bread and full sized doughnuts.  Fresh fruit, berry muffins and juice rounded out the menu.

As usual, I had too much food.
Then I got all the kids shipped off to various places so I could go help with the funeral.
It was beautiful and devastating all at the same time.  That so many people would come to honor one ten-year-old boy speaks volumes as to the strength and power of his spirit.  We were blessed to know him and privileged to participate in his services.
As I listened to all the things his family did with him, I realized that they didn’t let his special needs hold them back.  And it made me realize that all the excuses I use for why we can’t/don’t do things with our children are just that- excuses.
I am determined, this summer and beyond, to not just survive, but to embrace and enjoy each and every moment I am given with these four precious people.  Because time is fleeting.  And even if we avoid tragedy- one day, these moments with small children will be gone.  And I’m not going to miss them.

Because it’s not every day you get to watch your two-year-old learn that roller coasters are much more fun when you ride with your arms in the air.
XOXO,
Amy
Linked up to Hookin Up with HoH #52

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  • Crafty Girls
    June 6, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    Oh Amy, I thought about you all weekend and wonderd when the funeral was going to be. Nate has taught even those he never met! The story has touched me the same as it has you, I just want to play with the kids. Life is just to stressful to be consumed by it!

    Awesome Post! You're and Awesome Mom! Our kids are out Thursday, maybe you can come do that set up at my house! 🙂

    Oh, by the way, do you want the other clamshell purse frame? That way you can feel my pain of Mod Podge!

    Have a great week!
    Irene

  • Crafty Girls
    June 6, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    Oh ya, your kitchen looks great when it is clean! 🙂

  • Amy @ Increasingly Domestic
    June 7, 2011 at 12:21 am

    Wow. Everything is so cute!

    I love that you went ahead with the little celebration and are using this tragedy to inspire yourself and others to enjoy life to the fullest.

    I am praying for your neighbors.

  • Gwen @ Gwenny Penny
    June 8, 2011 at 3:50 am

    Your end of the school year celebration looks beautiful, Amy. Nice presentation 🙂 The kids must have been so excited to come home to that.

    I agree with Irene, your sharing Nate's story has taught and affected people he never met. Thank you for that.

  • Andi @ Jane of all crafts
    June 9, 2011 at 2:31 am

    I teared up reading this, first for Nate;s parents, family, and friends. Second for what you said about time being fleeting. I feel like they are growing up so fast and at times I am missing it because I am caught up in things that "need" to be done. I am determined to be present and savor every moment I am blessed to have with them. Thanks Amy. And the end of school celebration looked yummy!

  • * Taci *
    June 14, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    Days like these will be forever printed in your children's hearts!
    You are an A+++ mom!

    (((Praying)))

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