Wow, this past week was busy but great! Full of birthday parties, family activities, school, extracurricular activities, and doctors appointments. As I am writing this I have to say that I am thankful I did not have anyone home sick this week. Since Christmas break I have not had the kids back in school for a full week. We have either had someone sick, recovering from surgery (tonsillectomy), or at home for a snow day. I think we are finally on the upswing!
I am loving my gratitude journal project. It really makes me take the time to stop and be thankful for ALL the things in my life, not just the big exciting things. I hope you are able to “stop and smell the roses” with me, or in the case of this week “stop and smell the humidity”…. read on : )
Pure Joy
Picture it… it’s Christmas morning, your kids run downstairs to find piles of brightly colored packages beneath the tree. As they tear into each present they squeal with delight and are filled with so much joy they could burst. It’s something straight out of the movies. Isn’t this what we all hope for…this kind of pure joy?? However, I think we usually end up with a dulled down version of this scene.
Tonight I got a little glimpse of that kind of giddy joy and it was infectious!
We finally got around to taking the kids to do indoor skydiving at iFly. We were redeeming a long overdue Christmas present from 2016. Procrastination at it’s finest people! It was so wonderful to watch the kids have a new and unique experience. But, it wasn’t the actual “flying” that I loved… although it was super cool! It was the kids PURE JOY after we left iFly. I’m telling you it was the kind of joy that, like I said before, you work really hard to achieve on Christmas morning. They were smiling, almost beaming, giddy with laughter, and singing while skipping around. Completely filled with true happiness! It made my heart so full it coulda’ burst!
I am so grateful that I was there to see my kids excitement and true joy.
Hallelujah for HUMIDITY
Call me crazy but I love a little humidity in the air. It makes me feel so good! It’s like someone took an oil can to my joints. And my lungs can absorb the air a little better. Not to mention it helps with my Super.Crusty.Winter.Skin!!!!!! The other day I bent my finger and my knuckle just split open. Gross!
On Saturday we had a gorgeous day here in KC. There was just the right amount of humidity in the air so I decided to get outside and take a nice long walk.
On my walk the air smelled so sweet. It was like the moisture had seeped into the grass, the leaves, and evergreens and they released the greatest fragrance that perfumed the air. I even walked by a yard that was gated with a wooden fence and the air was thick with the smell of fresh cut wood. Like being inside a log cabin. Glorious!
I was so grateful this week for a little humidity to elevate my mood, sweeten the air, and get my body moving (outside!).
Date Night
In the hussle and bussle of everyday life it’s easy to forget that the relationship with your husband came BEFORE your kids. It’s also easy to let too much time pass between date nights. Time to get back on track!
John and I had a wonderful date night this past weekend. Nothing extravagant, just dinner and a movie. It was an evening out together where our kids were not talking over us and we were not being pulled in 20 different directions. We were able to sit and talk and be present with each other (and watch the end of the KU game over margaritas and beers… Rock Chalk). The date was so great that John said “I want to date you every weekend”….I want to date you too, John XOXOXO
I was grateful for the night out with my hubby this week and the chance to spend time together, just the two of us.
Taking Initiative
Mondays can be hard! It’s back to routine, no more sleeping in and being lazy! We are all tired, especially the kids. Getting dressed and out the door can be a real struggle- but I guess that ‘s not just on Mondays. However, on this Monday my son, Kyle, who usually wakes up in tears and starts our mornings off real special, woke up ready to go! He found his clothes where I lay them out every day, got dressed, and didn’t whine or ask for help once. He then plopped himself down in the kitchen and asked for breakfast. And here is the real kicker….. he didn’t like the shirt I had laid out so he went and found his own shirt, without crying, and it EVEN MATCHED his outfit!!!! Ahhhhh, it’s going to be a good day.
Today I was thankful that my day started in peace and without struggle. Thank you, Kyle.
Saying Yes When You Want To Say No
Kyle will ask on a semi regular basis to go bowling. I’m not sure why because its not an activity that we ever do. I think we have been bowling 2-3 times… in his whole life! But, apparently he remembers those 2-3 times fondly. Usually when he asks I will say no but on this day I decided to say yes. Pinstripes was right down the street and during the week they have $5 bowling.
I am realizing that my free time with Kyle is precious and fading. He will go to full day kindergarten next year. I know I will look back and wish that I had spent more time playing with him instead of running errands with him.
So, we went bowling. We had the best time! He loved it! I mean like really LOVED it. He was jumping around, spinning, smiling, and clapping. I put my phone down and didn’t pick it up (only to take a few photos). It was great to be present and “play” with him.
Today I was so grateful for my ‘Yes’ and the fun it allowed me to have with Kyle.
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