It finally came. The dreadful "S" word. Snow.
The kids woke up Monday, looked outside and had opposite reactions.
Kami..."Yay! SNOW!"
Jayse..."OH No...."
I am sure Jayse doesn't remember snow from last year. So, he was a bit hesitant to it. He quickly changed his mind when I took him to play in it. We had the first snow day from school and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They were shivering and chattering their teeth but still didn't want to go inside. I had fun with them both home. But by Tuesday, I was over the 2 foot drifts already! My day home with the kiddos was fun, but I am not a snow fan, like them.
All bundled up.
Look, Mom. Isn't it great?
TA-DA!
I don't know about this...
Ok, maybe this is kind of cool!
#snowselfie
Last night, there was a DS parent (usually means Moms) night. I had forgot about it. After working, freezing all day and getting crabbie kids fed and in pj's, I was tired and crabby too. I didn't have a desire to go, but had replied yes. And lately, there was only 1 or 2 other moms attending, so I didn't want to stand my friend up and let her be alone. So I bucked up and went.
And I am so happy I did.
Here comes the Aha.
We have been in a 'good' mode for awhile now. Thank God. Kamalee has been healthy, for the most part. Nothing major. No surgeries or big appointments in the near future. And the behavior has been...typical. Nothing too overwhelming/stressful. (Last year at this time, I didn't think I would make it to this year.) The diet has helped tremendously. And she is growing up. I don't have a baby anymore. She is doing well in school. Not quite up to typical standards with school, but very well, none-the-less. I am content and happy. And so is she. That's basically all that matters.
But, sometimes, it's hard to see that. When it's good, you still want more. And you want the 'typical'. Jayse is starting to pass Kamalee in some skills. To see your 21 month old pass your 6 year old in skills is a tough, bitter pill to swallow. While I am so excited to see Jayse learn and WANT to learn everything, it is amazing. But so new. And hard to see how much Kami struggles with this on a daily level.
But, then God stops you in your tracks, and puts all of it into perspective.
Last night, I met 2 new moms, that I haven't met here, yet. One is new to Minnesota, too. She has a 3 year old with DS. But she also has PKU. A rare eating disorder and she can not eat ANY protein. So...no eggs, meat, peanut butter, beans, etc. They have to weigh all of her food and try to meet a goal each day. I will be satisfied keeping Kamalee away from artificial dyes. Yes, it is a pain. BUT...it is better than that alternative.
Then...I met another Mom, with twins. One has DS. But that is the less and better of all of her diagnoses. She was born at 34 weeks gestation. She had/has heart issues. Her eyes were damaged at birth. She has lung problems. Feeding issues. And so much more. I only got a quick run down...
But they basically lost her at one point. She was on a ventilator, etc. She currently has a nurse with her at all times. She is on a feeding tube and was only allowed fats for the first time this summer. She will need eye surgery. And currently has to apply a cream every 30 minutes. She is very sheltered because the smallest cold could lead to respiratory infections. Which requires 2 hour treatments each day.
There is so much more. And this all means, they stay put. No leaving the house, none-the-less leaving town to see family, etc.
And yet this mom was happy!
She seemed overwhelmed and stressed. But still happy.
Bless her.
I left there feeling so happy with all our 'little' struggles with Kami. And so thankful that we only have the little struggles. God has put us here, on purpose. And I haven't quite figured it out yet. But am happy where we are.
And on the ride home, I heard this song:
Sanctus Real - Lay it Down
The lyrics:
I know you have your problems
‘Cause everybody's got ‘em
If you get lost in your sorrows
Then you could hit rock bottom
But if you smile in face of trivial things
And you learn to pray when you wanna complain
Stand up straight when the Earth is shaking
And just breathing when you feel afraid
Oh, don't you know
Those problems you're worried about
They can't keep you from living now
When you shake ‘em off and lay ‘em down, down, down
At the cross where your freedom's found
Oh You can stand up no matter what
March on when times are tough
Be strong and don't give up
All you need now
Is to shake ‘em off and lay ‘em down
At the cross where your freedom's found
‘Cause everybody's got ‘em
If you get lost in your sorrows
Then you could hit rock bottom
But if you smile in face of trivial things
And you learn to pray when you wanna complain
Stand up straight when the Earth is shaking
And just breathing when you feel afraid
Oh, don't you know
Those problems you're worried about
They can't keep you from living now
When you shake ‘em off and lay ‘em down, down, down
At the cross where your freedom's found
Oh You can stand up no matter what
March on when times are tough
Be strong and don't give up
All you need now
Is to shake ‘em off and lay ‘em down
At the cross where your freedom's found
We all have our seasons
When we get caught up in our feelings
And I know there's a time for laughter and a time for pain
A time for doubt and a time for faith
But when you believe you can find the strength
So get back up on your feet
Lay it down, lay it down
Why you holding on so tight
Oh, the freedom you will find
When you let go God will take over the fight
Oh, just surrender
And feel what it's like to be free again
