Something entirely lovely happened last weekend, just when I wasn’t expecting it at all.
It wasn’t much– a pleasant but inconsequential event, I think, in most peoples lives, just as it used to be in mine.
We went out as a family.
If you’re waiting for more, you’ll be disappointed, because that’s it, all there is to it. The three of us– my Chop, my Bump and I, we went to a big lively expensive kids concert on the weekend. No product placement in this post– but it was probably the kind of concert with ears. If you know what I mean.
The reason it was so lovely, such a big deal for me? Well. This is the first time it’s happened. The first time the three of us– just my two children and myself– have been anywhere all by ourselves and not felt like a part of us was missing.
It felt like a family, complete.
We’ve been places and done things during the last twelve months or so that I know my children have adored, where they’ve had fun and been excited and see cool stuff and ate too much sugar and been spoiled rotten and all those good kind of things. But it’s never felt quite right– which is understandable, but unpleasant none the less.
But last weekend, I didn’t call in someone for support, a spare pair of hands to help me distract, manipulate and manhandle my two tiny people. Nor did I sit, distracted, running a litany in my head of “The last time we did this…”, or “He should be here watching this…” or even “If Tony were here, he’d say this…”.
I didn’t even once blink back tears, or sneak into the bathroom to cry.
I just enjoyed it. All of it. The kid wrangling, the off key singing coming from the back seat, my sons excitement, my daughter’s edible cuteness. We had a good time, all three of us.
I know, it doesn’t sound like much. But it’s a very, very big deal.
{ 41 comments… read them below or add one }
I am also incredibly happy for you! I've been reading your blog for the past year and it's so good to know that things are getting better. I know it's up and down but this really is a big deal and it made me tear up to read it. I hope many more days like this one will come more frequently for you.
I am so happy for you
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That is so awesome! What a gorgeous picture!
It is a big deal, and it's wonderful! How fantastic that you're able to see it for the great thing it is and appreciate it so much.
Huge deal
So great. Here's hoping there are more of these moments – way to go, Mama 
Yey x
That's a huge deal glad you had a lovely creating memories
Xxxx
♥ Is SO a big deal!
Awesome! I'm happy to read that you felt whole while out. What a great little post. xo Kristen
What a beautiful event for you all! I don't think any time you spend with your gorgeous kids should be considered anything LESS than a big deal. That's gold right there.
Emma.
Gosh girl, its a very very big deal!!Am so happy to read this post. Love and hugs to your little family, and may you have many, many more happy times together!!
Blessings!
That is a great big deal. Not only is it good for your heart, but it's good for you kids.
Thankyou Lori. I'm glad I got to read this. It helps.
The perfect outing. Enjoy the memories from that outing! It wasn't mundane, but an extremely important moment in time. xx
Well done, you!
That was a heart warming post, dear Lori. May there be many more 'family identity moments'.
Mrs. C.
Ditto what Eden said.
FMIDK
xxx
Great STuff!!!
Yay you. It IS a freaking big deal. So happy you enjoyed yourself with your children. xxx
That's a huge fucking deal. Massive.
XXXXX
Aw, I had a happy cry for you.
xo
Hi Lori, I have only recently followed your blog so I don't know much about your past, however it sound like you had a great time out with your kids. Good for you!
Nicky Singh
Awesomeness. Just pure awesomeness. Well done Lori.
Tis a very big deal – and am so very happy for you xx
You need a like button. I like this post. A lot.
That's a HUGE deal
Also, I think Maria is one of your biggest fans.
Very cool
Very cool
Smiling like a dork here, Lori!! Love it xxxx
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It sounds wonderful, Lori.Here's to more outings like that. It is definitely a big deal!
That's a massive deal! I'm so happy for the three of you xx
Yay! This post made my day to read!
You have a photobomber!
This makes me happy in pants =D
This makes me so incredibly happy Lori!
That is one brilliant big deal.
Absolutely brilliant.
xx
Reading this makes me so happy! XXOO
That is just beautiful and a really, really big deal.
Yes i agree, a huge deal! xxx
Yes i agree, a huge deal! xxx
heart-smiling, here.
x