Everyday Joys

We haven't been having such a nice Spring.  The other day was cold and windy but the sun was shining.  Life always seems better when the sun is shining, doesn't it?  While I was getting into my vehicle, I was reaching over to throw my gym bag on the passenger seat.  I noticed that my vehicle isn't as impeccable as it once was, before kids.  I noticed a little girl's necklace in the cup holder along with a few barrettes. Kirra's American Girl doll was sitting on the console and a few of Jaret's books were in the backseat.  And, on the back of the front seats are scuff marks from the kid's shoes.  I just sat for a moment taking it in and smiled at how happy I am with this disarray in my life.  I wouldn't have it any other way and I am so grateful for my children, and even the disarray that they bring.  This acceptance of disarray would shock some of my friends.  In fact, I remember back in high school that my Plymouth Reliant (yes, I know) was so clean and I had some friends try to put a twig in the backseat that I found and removed immediately.

Speaking of vehicles...an amazing sort of freedom comes when you can go places and not have to be getting your child in and out of the vehicle or buckling them up.  Jaret has been independent for years but Kirra has always liked the extra help of getting in and getting buckled.  However, within the last few weeks, she has decided that she can do it all on her own.  It is really quite nice letting her get in all by herself.

The other day, Kirra had Space Day at Pre-School.  She has such a wonderful teacher who is so creative with the theme days and activities she does with the kids.  They used 2L pop bottles that were converted into jet packs and paper grocery bags they decorated as helmets.  Kirra always get so excited about these special days.  For St. Patrick's Day they had a green party where they all got to pick from a bin of hats and they had a special snack.  Kirra was so amazed by the surprise juice where they had a blue dot (food colouring) in their glass and when the lemonade was poured in - SURPRISE, the juice turned green.  So grateful for such a wonderful and energetic teacher who makes each day fun for the kids.  And grateful for the great group of kids that are in Kirra's class.  She has made some strong friendships and today she had a play date with two of her friends.  She had been asking for a play date with these girls for months so I was glad we could finally make it happen.  The little princesses played so well together.  And to me, that is what made them princesses; the beauty on the inside and the friendship they showed to one another.

Jaret is growing up so quickly.  I love how interactive he is getting and the sense of humour I see beginning to come out.  Out of no where he will just say something that will totally crack me up.  We are beginning to have some really grown up type discussions and yet at the same time he is still such a boy and will always be my little boy.  I love how thoughtful and compassionate he is.  I love how he cuddles up with me to just spend time.  I love how excited he gets over telling me about what he is learning in science and math.  And he is so into reading right now - Magic Tree House and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  One way I know he is growing up is when he told me last week that he doesn't like when I wake him up in the morning with the sing song voice I use to say good morning.  Instead he would rather me just say, "Good Morning, Jaret." in a regular voice and leave it at that; say no more and just let him be.  Is this a glimpse into the teen years?  Life is good and I am blessed to be a mom.

This weekend we were going to go to Regina but our plans changed when Jaret was invited to a birthday party for his friend next door.  When Ethan delivered the invite for a MineCraft Birthday Party Jaret was so excited and when I told him we may be going away for the weekend and he would miss the party he genuinely broke down in tears.  It broke my heart.  These years go by so fast and there are only so many birthday parties so we decided to visit Regina another weekend.  He had so much fun at the birthday party and got to stay extra late.

Some good news to share from the week is that our house has a conditional offer.  The family that purchased it is such a nice family and Kirra played for an hour with their kids during the showing, making immediate friends.  The offer is conditional on their home selling by the end of April.  In the meantime, we are still able to show the house.  Also, Terry had a walk through of our new house in Calgary and it is progressing really well.  They have all the framing, plumbing, and electrical finished, even in the basement.

So grateful for the everyday joys...
-sun shining
-spring on it's way
-laughter with my kids
-hugs and kisses, and especially the kissing hand that Kirra and I always do
-a good run
-sweet, delicious strawberries
-a smile
-routine
-our church community
-a devotion that speaks to you
-a song that comes on at just the right time to uplift (and of course I sing along)
-support of friends
-my parents and their advice
-a listening ear
-a kind word
-independence and freedom
-a project finished
-a good book while enjoying a Starbucks, on my own
The list could go on and on...

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!!