Just under a week ago I sent the following text to my friend over at Sassy Times:
This is what this space has been all about. At least for me, that is. Perspective. Through the years I have done my best to cultivate an attitude of thankfulness. What I have found is that thankfulness is as much of a discipline as brushing my teeth or eating healthy. I’m not saying that I always succeed or I don’t have my “glass half empty” days, but ultimately when all is said and done there is so much for which I’m grateful that the scales tip easily in one direction.
With that in mind, I’m focusing on the full part of my glass. Right now, I’m thankful for. . .
1. Picnics
Now that the warmer weather is upon us, we begin our picnic season. I’m already planning some new spots for our summer picnics and I am excited! I don’t know what it is but, eating lunch while sitting cross-legged on a blanket just seems to make everything taste better.
The change in the scenery brings out the extra chatter from my little ones and I just eat it up. We sit, we chat, and we play for hours. Time flies by and stands still at the same time and we do what I most love to do. We make memories.
No explanation needed.
3. Humility
The other day I was fixing the kids lunch and Charlie wanted an apple. When I asked him if he wanted me to slice it for him and said yes but not the usual way. He went on to explain that if I cut the apple in half the seeds make a star. Of course, being his older, wiser, mother I knew what I was doing. As Charlie watched me take the knife to the apple from the top to the bottom he shouted NO!! You have to cut the other way. I told him that I knew what I was doing because, you know, I’m older and wiser. He urged me to do it the other way and I finally relented but explained that you will eat it even if there is no star.
Guess what?
He was right. I knew it would happen. . . he will probably be smarter than me. . . but at six?
It’s good to be humbled every once in a while.
I’m thankful.
4. Crinkle Eye Smile
This has made the “thankful list” before. Honestly, it could make every one. He’s looking at Meadow here. . . I love that when he looks at them. . . any of the three of them. . . this is how he smiles.
I am thankful.
5. Our Village
It takes a village. . . yes, yes it does. We have so many in our village from Miss Nancy to dear friends and from my family to teachers and more. . . But right smack in the center of our village are these two. . .
My in-laws. They are wonderful.
I am thankful.
6. Free
Speaking of my in-laws. If you have been visiting here for any length of time you may or may not know that my Father-in-law has been battling cancer for several years.
I think it’s time for an update. . .
He is now cancer FREE!
We are thankful.
7. Giggles
Tiny baby giggles. One of the sweetest sounds you will ever hear. They are starting. . .Tiny at first and they become heartier. All it takes is one of those tiny sweet noises to unfurl itself from her lips and everything seems to fade to the background. Yep, it’s worth it. . . all of it is worth it.
I am thankful.
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-Story People
I will always be your lifeline, friend. 😉
Little did you know, I probably needed to reach out that day too, but didn't. You were meant to show ME that day that I'm not alone either. So, thank you.
And thank you for this today. After yet another no sleep night, my glass is teetering half full. I opened every blind in our house to let the sun shine in, as a reminder that today is still beautiful…even if I'm exhausted and running on coffee (and, well, on the verge of an ugly cry. Ha.)
I'm not sure how I ever found your blog, but I'm happy I did. 😉
That's supposed to say 'half empty'…maybe the blinds open thing IS working? 😉
Oh Summer…so happy that your father-in-law is cancer free! And so happy that this space has helped you to find comfort and friends…we are all here for you!! 🙂
Love your positive thoughts…that's what I've enjoyed every time I come to visit your world. Thank you so much for sharing it!
okay so now I'll be that annoying mom when I say this- I can't tell you enough how fleeting time will be with your lil' ones…I ran into a lady today at Target that is due any day with her 3rd boy- the other 2 are just 4 & 2…It just makes my heart ache for those days…I just want to reverse time to when my boys were that little.
Every phase in our children's lives have it's challenges and are wonderful in their own ways…I just keep finding myself asking "where did 10 years go??" It's just such a mystery to me. Savor every delicious moment of cuddling that sweet baby!! 🙂
You are so right about being thankful! We all have so much to be thankful for. I started a list. Yes most days my glass is half full, but there are days when I just want to say "how much more God?". But we need to cherish all that we have! So thankful I had the opportunity on Sunday to snuggle with two adorable kids in church!
Crinkle eye smile:). Love it.
You warm, revive, renew, inspire, and fill my heart with so much love and thankfulness!! Thank YOU!!
Marie