Friday, September 18, 2009

It's the little things...

Fall is so busy. I don't know about you, but I'm reeling from the new routine. Between school, Bible study, Kindermusik, writing, fall yard work, and all the "regular" stuff of life (laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc.) I'm feeling a little frayed at the edges. Yeeps. But I am the eternal optimist, always looking for the bright side, always willing to paste on a smile until I actually am happy. And you know what? It works for me. Don't know why, but it does.

For me, it all comes down to the little things. Details that make life worth living. I used to go to sleep at night with the thought of cereal in my head... I loved cereal, and just thinking about the Golden Grahams that awaited me at breakfast made me fall asleep with a smile on my face. Lame, I know. But hey, I can't help it if I'm nuts about the simple stuff.

Anyway, at the end of a particularly hectic week, I'm going to take a few moments to remind myself of the little things that made these past five days worth every minute.

  • Two words: I'm sorry. They're magic, don't ya know? And best of all, they work both ways--they're great to give and receive.
  • A new puppy who loves to nap on my lap. Scratch that--who loves to nap on my chest, as close to my heart as she can get.


  • Spontaneous kisses from my five-year-old.
  • "Mom, I love you to the moon and back. Oh, and you're so so so so so so beautiful." From my three-year-old.
  • New shampoo. Crazy, I know, but I love the scent of new shampoo. Mine is apple and ginseng. Yummy.


  • Sunshine. This week has been resplendent with the warm stuff. Loving it.
  • A new book. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. I'm starting it this afternoon.
  • Raisin-almond toast, a local bakery favorite. You take your run-of-the-mill raisin bread and run a thread of ooey-gooey almond paste right through the middle. Divine.


Okay, your turn. What little things made your week? I guarantee, once you start thinking about them, the list goes on and on and on... ;) BTW, as of noon tomorrow, one of you will be able to say that a fun little thing in your week was winning a book giveaway! Still haven't entered your name? Leave a comment on this post--it's not too late.

6 comments:

  1. Hi, Nicole!

    Oh my goodness, that picture is adorable! That's the best kind of sleep, when you can wave your belly at the world!

    Hmm... for me:

    -It's been a gloomy week (weather-wise), which has definitely put me in the writing mood. Woohhoo!
    -cuddling with my poodle each night
    -new candles that smell like fall
    -re-reading old loves (the Trixie Belden series)
    -a visit from the boys, otherwise known as Ben and Jerry!

    Have a great weekend!

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  2. Your posts always make me smile as your optimism does shine thru! :)

    For me this week:
    -a great talk and then a love note from my son
    -a hand made love note from my baby (ok, 7 years old isn't a baby, but she is MY baby...)
    -having a lap big enough to hold a 12 year old broken heart
    -being the one my almost 14 year old comes to for advice
    -getting to laugh as I take the kids to school in the mornings
    -laughter and lunch with friends...

    Has been a gut-wrenching week in many ways, but God is good and has shown Himself amazingly! :)
    Huggles to you this weekend, my FRIEND...
    hee hee
    Bina

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  3. Remembering the look on my Grandma's face last weekend when she recognized me and called my name right away, then asking every five minutes what I keep myself busy with in Iowa...me she remembers, the last 2 minutes, not so much. Priceless.
    the absolute glee our dog shows when he realizes he's finally going "out"
    Cicaidas (probly didn't spell that right) I love their sound.
    Hugs from my hubby--hands down, the best ever! Even after nearly 20 years.

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  4. Nicole, I just bought new shampoo today. Big Head or Big Sexy Head or something at T.J. Maxx. Hope I like it. Shampoo smell is good. I love puppy falling asleep on chest too, though my dog would crush me.

    Something that made me smile...God's teaching me something and by golly, I think I might just be learning it this time.
    ~ Wendy

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  5. What wonderful little things! For me:

    -My morning cup of coffee (I go to bed thinking about it!)
    -Thursday on the calendar--I will be visiting my sister in Ohio.
    -A pair of good fitting jeans! We all know this isn't a simple thing though...it's huge!
    -A great conversation with my husband on our front porch.

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  6. Thanks for sharing! This is so fun. :)

    Kristen - I love Trixie Belden. And the old Nancy Drews... What about The Boxcar Children? And The Littles? You make me want to dig through my childhood bookshelf.

    Bina - You're so lucky that your 12 year old will still snuggle on your lap. I have to bribe my 5 year old to do it. :(

    Miriam - I like the cicadas, too. But I think we might be the only two people in town who do!

    Wendy - I'm a stubborn learner, too. God often repeats lessons with me again and again and again... Glad you're picking up on it with a smile on your face!

    Sarah - I go to bed thinking about coffee, too... And I dream about finding a good pair of jeans. ;)

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