Bubble Gum

Every now and then, amidst the crazy, insane, out of control tumblings of raising children, a mother gets to witness little moments of greatness. They are often tiny things that are insignificant to everyone else, but feel rather like a life-line to her. Those little things she clings to that help her remember that all the craziness and insanity is worth it, and that perhaps her children are learning some good things after all.
My little moment happened with bubble gum tonight. While Steve and Spencer were at the Priesthood session of Conference, the rest of the kids and I ran to Walmart to grab a few things. Tyler decided to bring along a little money of his own so he could buy himself a pack of hot, cinnamon gum. Realizing that Sydney wouldn't want hot, cinnamon gum, Tyler decided to buy her a gumball from one of those big machines that you put the quarter in and the gumball runs down the track and comes out the bottom. Sydney was very excited. Tyler, feeling that a pack of gum wasn't enough perhaps, put in another quarter, out came the gumball and he popped it into his own mouth. Then he looked at Sam and asked, "Do you want one Sam?" To which Sam, of course replied, "Yes!" Out came the gumball, Sam said, "Thanks Tyler," and Tyler, ruffling his "little" brother's hair said, "You're welcome!" It was that little ruffle of the hair that made me smile. Maybe it's a sad commentary on our family life that this little moment could be such a big deal to me, but man, I loved witnessing that brotherly kindness. It was one of those "Pass It On" moments that makes everyone around you happy. Even Carter, who didn't even get a gumball (due to choking hazards and all) felt the joy and gave Tyler a big hug and said, "Thank you, Tyler!" and sang the "Dubble Dum" song all the way home.
Anyway, since a good post needs a few pictures, here is our documentation of the Bubble Gum Moment. The boys are trying to blow bubbles, thus the funny looks on their faces, Sydney is just being a ham...