The little things

Someone gave Marissa a gift with the above saying when she was very little. I remember thinking how true that was but I’m not sure I fully got it until I discovered that old blog. Yes, there were photos of BIG vacations, parties, Christmases, etc. but it was the images of the kids blowing bubbles, making crafts, playing dress up and making snow angels that really brought back the most fond memories. Turns out THOSE were the BIG things. They were the things that made up our life.

As the kids have gotten older our life has changed some. Between their school, sports, activities and more obligations and commitments that Chad and I have taken on, sometimes it’s harder to take time for those little things. That old blog has inspired me in that department too though and they will be a top priority again.

Yesterday was a good day for “little things”. I went to School of Economics with Chase and his class to help out. We worked in the “bank” and had a great time! Then when he got home he asked if we could go to Literacy Night at his school. Geez , I was tired from spending the day with over 100 noisy kids (teachers…kudos to you!) and almost came up with an excuse as to why we couldn’t go but I caved and am glad I did because we had a great time there too. Twice that evening Chase put his arm around me and his head on my shoulder and said “Thank you for spending the day with me today mama”. <3 I thought I was just doing little things, but they were SO big. So, one thing I'm going to have to start getting comfortable with again is carrying my camera around with me more (what you don't think about when looking at images of a cute kid in a cart with her doll in the grocery store like the ones in my old blog, is that there was a crazy person with a big camera taking that photo in the middle of the aisle) so it didn't go to School of Economics with me and wouldn't have been practical there anyway really. I do have some cruddy iphone photos for memory's sake but am also posting some other "little thing" photos. Valentine's Day is kind of a "little thing" holiday as far as kids are concerned but I like to make little things into big things with tradition. We hang a Valentine's banner and then I fill each of the kids' little mailboxes with a special treat, note or surprise every day in February. They look forward and I know in their eyes it is BIG and will be a wonderful memory someday.