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Friday, April 27, 2012

Remember To Live.

I am coming up on the 3 year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. (Some time soon, I may do a post about it.) I had surgery, followed by 6 months of chemotherapy. It was a HUGE life changer, to say the least.
That's me at USC Norris Cancer Hospital in Los Angeles. This was after my surgery. I am sparing you a "real" look, and sharing just a glimpse instead.

It's interesting that even though I have been through so much, and I know how suddenly life can change, I can still get caught up in the day to day craziness of life, without realizing that I am failing to stop, and take time to enjoy all of it! So as I come up on this milestone anniversary, I am taking some time to reflect, and take stock of my life now. I am so grateful for my good health. I will re-focus, and make adjustments, where my life is out of balance.

You see, lately I've been feeling a little overwhelmed, over taxed, and over scheduled. I need to get off the gerbil wheel, and make sure that I take some time to stop and really LIVE.

I realized today, that I have alluded to this feeling of things getting a little crazy in at least two of my recent posts. Yesterday I had BIG plans to "finish" one of my projects, so I could cross it off my to do list, and also so that I could post about it. 

Now, as much as I LOVE blogging, and I DO love blogging, it comes with some added pressure to "produce". 

Today was western day at my son's pre-school. My husband was home as well. Normally, I take advantage of that, and let Daddy take the little guy to school. (Daddy is gone a lot, so it's nice to let him have the time with the little guy, and it gives me a small break.) ....But, this morning, wearing his cowboy gear, he looked soooo cute, so I decided to ride along, and just soak in the moments. Our son is five, and it's going so fast! 
 He brought his horse, "Jingles." 
 Mr W and I agree that we won't show current pics of his face on the blog. Bummer.
 But I am allowed to use the blurry ones.

We adopted our son internationally, and I also may post about that at some point. Or not. I haven't decided yet. 
It has FLOWN by. I know that all parents feel this way. He's our only child, so I am really hyper aware of just how quickly it's going, and that these are the moments that I will always cherish.
 It was close to Father's Day, so I think that is what the sign is all about.
We took Mr W's (and my former) employer, to pick up our son, and bring him home.
 My first glimpse of our sweet boy.
Asleep on day one.
 After a nice warm bath.
I can't believe how small he was, and how fast it's all gone!

Today I am going to work on my projects for a while, and then I am going to the gym. For me.
We hare having some friends over tonight, and I am going to try not to be too spastic about getting the house perfectly cleaned like I normally would. After all, there will be three boys age 5 and under, playing and making their huge boy mess. Any crumbs on the floor will be lost in a sea of toys in a matter of mere minutes.

So, as a note to myself...Remember to live. Today. Everyday. Be present. Smile. Laugh. Love.
Have a great weekend!
xo
-Lisa
Linking to the following...
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12 comments:

  1. I am a mom to 4 small children and with a full time job outside the house, I am constantly spiraling out of control. I have to reel myself in quite a bit. Thanks for reeling me in this time. Enjoy your time. It truly is precious.

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    1. I can imagine that it must get pretty crazy! It's good to stop and reflect on how lucky we are, and what really makes life worthwhile.
      xo-Lisa

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  2. You are so inspirational.

    I love this post. You spoke your heart.

    It reminds me of my favorite song, "I hope you dance." What a sweet boy you have and I know you are an incredible mom.

    Thanks for sharing your heart today :)

    blessings,
    karianne

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    1. Thanks, Karianne! I love that song too! It always makes me teary. I'm an easy mark. ;-)
      xo-Lisa

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  3. What a great post. Nice learning these things about you. Yes, take time to enjoy life and your cute son. He will grow up so fast.

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    1. Yes, it sure does go fast. I'm glad you liked hearing some of my story. It's a bit nerve wracking for me to hit publish with the personal stuff.
      xo-Lisa

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  4. Wow! I have felt this way lately too! My oldest is graduating from college in 2 weeks and my youngest is 7. I've been trying to LIVE in the moment, to be present, slow down a bit and yes that means no blog post in 2 weeks... oh well. One person can only do so much.
    It sounds like you have your priorities straight!
    Your son, blurry or not is precious! What a blessing! Thank you for sharing!

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    1. I knew I wasn't the only one! Just do what you can do! The blog will be there when you are ready.
      xo-Lisa

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  5. Lisa, this is such a wonderful post. I love the honesty, the real life, the true story in it. So many wonderful life blessings that we need to be sure we absorb them while we can. Thank you so much for sharing part of your story today. :)
    Karah

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the nice feedback, Karah! I do get nervous when I share the more personal stuff. I have debated doing a cancer journey post, but it's such an emotional thing to look back on. When I was in the midst of it, I just tried to stay strong and focused on getting through it. But, looking back and re-living it from the safety of the other side is much more emotional than I woud have thought.
      Not to mention the adoption of our son, and what an unbelievable gift he has been to us! It's hard to decide what to keep private, and what to share.
      xo-Lisa
      xo-Lisa

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  6. What a great reminder! Here is a story for you ~ my friend lost her home to fire a few years ago. Something that she said in the first days post fire was "I just vacuumed. What a waste, I could have used that time for something fun".

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    1. Yes! I am a bit of a neat freak to the point of it stealing time that would be better served celebrating life and having FUN!

      Thanks for the story. It's a great reminder!
      xo-Lisa

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I love reading all of your thoughtful comments!