My daughter keeps asking me for breakfast in bed. I have no idea where this idea of hers comes from since none of us eat breakfast in bed. I can only think about the mess it will make, and wonder what can a kid even eat in bed that isn’t going to be sticky or drippy?
Just as I am mulling over the messy possibilities, I read the email from my dear friend telling me she has Stage IV breast cancer. Out of the blue. Just like that. No warning. My heart stops mid read and I fall to my couch like someone just punched me in the gut. My friend is so full of energy and enthusiasm. She is the definition of living life unconditionally. I have learned a lot of lessons from her about how to enjoy life- how to truly savor a moment. That’s when I realize my kids deserve breakfast in bed. I don’t want there to be a day we don’t celebrate the moment, or the pure luxury of today. I just want to start our day off with love, and excitement for the possibilities of where the day might lead us.
I immediately run to the store to buy their favorite chocolate chip muffins and a carnation flower in their favorite color. As I serve each of them their breakfast (and special flower) in bed I am so swept up in the thought of their excitement, I hear myself sing-song saying, “Happy I Love You Day!” Their eyes open wide and their smiles even wider. It is such a special moment to get caught up in their joy. The crumbs did not matter. Just their chocolaty grins and sheer delight of eating breakfast in bed.
Their jubilation prompts us to ignore our chores and skip making the beds. Today is our adventure! The kids decide where we go. First, a family fun day carnival. They play every game at least 20 times, get their faces painted and we take a family photo at the photo booth. We win a gift certificate to a local pizzeria and decide that is our next stop! It is heart warming to hear my kids rehash their favorite parts of their adventure so far. They decide our next stop is the animal adoption clinic they spot on our way home. It is amazing to see my girls love of the moment bubble over and spill into each next adventure.
We end our day snuggling in mommy and daddy’s bed watching a movie. The happy side effect is the kids aren’t whining as much, they aren’t arguing and they even decide to do everything together. That means camping out in their room and sleeping side by side. (They haven’t slept so close since they were babies). Watching them live so fully in the moment makes my heart skip a beat. I’ll always remember this day, and this special lesson from my beautiful friend! #HeadonHeartStrong
Have you ever shared a spontaneous day with your family or loved ones? Let’s hear what you did for fun!
The Whatever Mom is a full time wife and twin mama living on coffee and wine. She enjoys the pure rush of cleaning the potty between loads of laundry. It is her dream that moms everywhere accept and embrace the Whatever Mom philosophy which can be found here.
Find more from Roxanne at Hudson Valley Parent and at Masshole Mommy
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend; I hope all goes well. I love this message. We get so caught up in our mom brains that we forget to just live a little. Thanks for this reminder.
Great idea! I remember as a kid, my sister and I got to take turns deciding where we would eat for dinner on Friday nights, even when we were really little. Getting to make a decision was really awesome to us!
It’s always sad to get news that reminds us how short and precious life really is. What a fun way to be spontaneous with Happy I love you Day! Lots of fun memories made that day, I’m sure!
Aw that is adorable it looks like you had so much fun and it is nice to end with a cuddle.http://www.fadedspring.co.uk
Woah, this was moving. I hope your friend is okay. Life is short and it is so difficult to remember that with all the to do lists. We try and do spontaneous things but my kids resist surprises. I think I will try this one day!
Breakfast in bed feels like you are breaking some rules…they might be all for that. 😉
I’m so sorry about your friend, I hope she survives cancer. We have to live our lives to the fullest.
This made me cry. We definitely need to enjoy every waking moment with our loved ones. I am praying for your friend. God Bless!
Thank you!!
I took all of yesterday off and just enjoyed family time…all day! And it felt so good because you just don’t know how many of these moments you’ll have to treasure
My girls would love breakfast in bed! Sorry about your friend. Cancer sucks!
I am so sorry about your friend! I love that you gave the kiddos breakfast in bed!