the little things

my happy of the day is usually little, rather trivial in the grand scheme of things.  But all those little things add up.  And some days, it feels like a huge accomplishment to me!

like when the girls wake up on time, are fully dressed, fed breakfast, brushed teeth and on time for the bus with no yelling or frantic dash out the door.  and on a really, really good day, I might even do something cute and creative with their hair instead of the usual quick ponytail.

or when dinner is healthy, made from scratch and delicious.  Usually I can get 2 out of 3.  but those 3 out of 3 days do happen!  and especially appreciated when all of us can sit and leisurely enjoy it together instead of racing off to classes or lessons or arguing with kids about how much to eat.

I love when I can sit with the girls during their piano practice to encourage and coach them.  Yesterday I played cards with A and E on the floor while L practiced, patiently taking my advice.  And then A and E took turns practicing with me while the other played cards with L.

I love our lazy weekend mornings when husband makes breakfast with the kids with music on and kids giggling.

I love when I get all the kids to bed on time, having read books and scriptures and shared our happy and sads and they went to bed feeling loved and appreciated.

I love having an inviting kitchen with an empty sink and clean countertop to start my morning.

I love when I find all three girls curled in one bed together reading or when I hear them playing in the toy room and get to listen to their imaginations race away together.

I love when I'm efficient and productive and get things checked off my to do list.  I love when my days played out the way I wanted them to and the time was spent constructively and purposefully.

I love walking around the grocery store with Z sitting in the cart jabbering and hanging onto every words as I describe the groceries I'm picking out and what we can make with them.

I love when we have focused homework time.  The girls take turns asking me questions and I keep moving around the table to help them.  E brings along a coloring book just so she doesn't feel left out.  We don't rush or get frustrated but work together and share an afterschool snack.

I love when the girls beg to stay up late so they can read.

And that they will do extra chores to earn a trip to the library.

I love empty laundry baskets.

I love climbing into my bed at night, with clean smooth sheets, on my super comfy mattress and cozy comforter.

This is not one of those weeks.  Husband is out of town and the kids have the flu (one at a time of course) which means the house is a wreck and I've gotten very little done.  We are all sleep deprived and have had plenty of grumpy moments. I haven't cooked all week and dropped the ball on several things I needed to do.  But I've loved the cuddles and the chick flicks and the sweet compassion they have for each other.  Being productive will have to wait, I've got babies to hold.