It's the Little Things

Every once in a while, I stop and just soak things in.  With working full time, being a wife, and a mother, it is hard to remember to stop and smell the roses.  Today, I taught a lesson on the Death and Dying to a group of 8th and 9th graders.  The lesson went remarkably well and several students started reminiscing about their loved ones. 

I came home with a slight headache to be told that a friend of husband was on his way over.  I thought instantly to the mess in the house, the need to do laundry, the girls who would want all of my attention because I had been gone all day, etc.  This particular friend lost his wife recently.  He is now a single father to a 17 year old boy and needs these visits to stay sane and deal with life.  I was in no way upset that this friend was coming over.  Rather, I just wasn't prepared for a guest.

As I walked in the door, I realized what an amazing husband I am married to.  The laundry was on it's third load, the dishwasher was emptied and refilled, the floors had been swept, and the kids were doing great.  What an amazing gift!!!

Then, the little things started piling up.  Little L has been drinking out of a straw.  Tonight at dinner, she held the sippy cup in one hand and ate with the other hand.  It was precious.  During bath time, the girls took a bath together for the first time.  So grown to bathe together for the first time.  Husband and I stood back and just watched the two of them splashing and playing together.

Finally, we took a family walk around the neighborhood.  This time we took the dog with us.  Little L rode the entire time watching her big sister D walk the dog.  At times, the dog walked D, but D felt so grown up to be able to hold the leash and walk the dog.  You heard her telling the dog to "come on" and "stop".  There were times where she was running trying to keep the dog nearby and I had to grab the leash once when another dog came out to greet us. 

All in all, it was a great day with moments where I did stop and just watch the girls doing what they do best.  Just being themselves.