Simple Pleasures

This past week here at the Nutt House we enjoyed the simple pleasures that make everyday life so rewarding.  While getting ready for bed one night Brent was able to feel Kaden kick for the first time!  I’ve enjoyed his little movements, but it makes it even more special when Brent is able to feel his little boy kicking away. 

Kara and I were able to start the week off with story time at the library.  This is something I’ve been wanting to do since we moved here, since up to recently nap time and story time were almost identical in timing, we hadn’t been able to make it.  Story time was so great though!  It was a story time for baby walkers – so all the kids were Kara sized!  We sang songs, read a book, and the kids got to play with toys.  I mean, what could be more fulfilling to a 16 month old to do in the course of an hour?  Watching Kara soak in the environment, different people, and activities was entertaining for me.  Due to the holiday yesterday (Martin Luther King Day) the library was closed, so we are counting down until next Monday when we’ll be back for more story time.

It was bittersweet for me last week as I said good-bye to the last of Kara’s old clothes.  Some were sold off, some given to family, and some donated, with just a couple special pieces being kept.  As I reflect on why it’s so bittersweet for me I think it’s because even though they didn’t fit, having all of her old clothes from the time she was born let me live under an illusion that Kara is still my baby and isn’t growing into the ever so active toddler that she has become.  While I am watching one beautiful young girl grow from the stages of being a baby, it is with joy that I am preparing for the addition of another to our Nutt House.

Kara talks more and more each day, as she said “egg” for the first time while we were eating breakfast last week it just hit me as one of those simple pleasures in life how amazing it is to watch someone speak a word for the first time. 

Brent has a routine with Kara where he puts her to bed at night.  He has her tell me good-night, then takes her into bed and signs “I’m a Child of God” to her in English then again in Cambodian as he lays her down for the night.  I’ve heard this happen night after night, yet, it never ceases to amaze me how beautiful these few moments that daddy and daughter spend together each night truly are.

The Nutt House was fortunate enough to attend the baptism of one of Brent’s cousin’s daughters last week.  The special spirit that I felt while at the baptism is something I strive to never take for granted and I find myself so grateful to have the gift of the Holy Ghost in my life. 

After the baptism we were lucky enough to get to spend the evening with Al and Julianne.  Now that we live within 5 miles of each other it seems strange to have a full week go by that we do not see each other, yet that is what had happened.  So, an evening of catching up and sharing in each other’s company was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.

Brent’s mom came and stayed with us over the weekend as she was in town for a volleyball tournament.  As part of her visit we ventured out to Brent’s grandparent’s house for dinner Sunday evening.  My heart was warmed as I watched Kara interact with her Grammy and great-grandparents.  That daughter of mine teaches me so much about pure love each and every day.  I hope I never stop learning from her.

Kara playing with her Great-Grandpa McIntire

Kara and Grammy enjoying Kara's Quiet LDS Book

Though none of what I wrote about is amazing or big and exciting, it was a week of simple events that truly bring joy to life.  It’s a phone call to my parents, feeling the spirit at church, watching Kara learn and grow, a few stolen moments cuddled in the arms of Brent at the end of the day, feeling Kaden move around inside me, appreciating the wonderful home and yard we are blessed to have.  These are the simple pleasures in life that I enjoyed this past week and make life so miraculous to this member of the Nutt House.