A Moment of Reflection

  Sorrento last weekend

The Simple Things That Make Me Happy

1. Mutual rolling of the eyes by me and my husband over something funny the kids did.

2. Walking my daughter to the bus stop in our "parco." Early morning sunrises, crisp falls breezes and the three of us (my son too) just make for a magically, innocent 15 minutes of life.

3. The hour or so in the morning before school with just my 4 year-old son. He's so sweet and tender.

4. Hearing the kids talk about "Paris" and "Germany" and "Prague" and "Sorrento" in everyday conversations.

5. Late nights chatting with my husband on the couch with glasses of wine.

6. Listening to the kids giggle over a funny book or catch a joke in a movie. Or watch them work to make each other laugh. Humor elevates life.

7. When my daughter says "Mom, I love school." (I did too!)

8. Seeing expressions of love from my son. "Mom, I love Braden, Char-wee (friends' dog), Ms. Amy, Mr. Scott (the list continues).... I love everybody!"

9. The long, sleepy hugs in the morning when the kids are still in bed, resisting the waking day, and just in need of mom's love.

10. Watching my husband walk through the door in the evenings. We all get excited, especially the children. "Daddy!!!!"

Life is good! 

Us in Puglia, E's nose still a bit swollen from his surgery.