5 Smiles

This has been a seriously long week so when my blogger friend, Kelly from Mrs Disciple, suggested a link up to share 5 things that make me smile, I knew I needed to participate. During times like these I have to look for the good things, the bright spots in the day, the things that make me smile. Remember that Mr. Rogers quote “…look for the helpers.”? Thankfully there have been a lot of helpers this week and for that I’m very grateful. If I didn’t look for the bright spots or the helpers my shoulders would become even more tense than they already are and my stress level would become critical. The stress of the week has nothing to do with family or anything deeply personal but it is a burden. I keep reminding myself that it could be worse. That has been a mantra for big and small situations. It could always be worse.

5 things that make me smile

1. Addison wanting to spend time with me. 

Over the last few months Addison has been a little more clingy than usual. He’s not really a hand holder (I don’t know many 10 year olds who are) but I notice him hanging on my arm. I can tell he wants or needs a physical tough, reassurance that I know he is there. We read together at night and normally after we’re done I hug him, ask him what he is thankful for and then say goodnight. Lately he has been wanting lots of hugs and tickles. I love hearing his laugh when he is gasping for breath and relishing in the attention. 

The pictures above are from earlier this summer. He wanted a mommy-Addison night. A time when it was just the two of us to do something special and spend time together. We went to Pops in Arcadia and enjoyed each other’s company with out the distraction of screens or Harry dominating my attention. 

I’m not sure if this is a gift he is giving me before he dives headlong into tweendom, giving me something to cling to during the dark years of teenage hormones, attitude and independence. Whatever it is I’ll take it.

2. Harry hugs

Everybody who meets Harry will agree that he is so easy to love. Every age has been a delight and I’m a little nervous about sending him out into the big bad world. He has such a loving soul and I pray the world handles it with care. 

Randomly throughout the day Harry will walk up to me, arms outstretched, ready for a hug. Sometimes he will whisper in my ear “I love you” or take a big sniff of my arm or hair and tell me that I smell good. He is always ready for a hug and never turns me down when I tell him I need some Harry Bear hugs. My heart melts.

3. A full garage

I come and go a lot through out the day and most of the time when I pull into the garage my car is the first one there. There are times when I pull in from errands with the boys and Dear Husband’s car is in it’s spot. He has come one earlier than usual or is home for lunch and seeing his car there makes me smile and brings joy to my heart. Seeing his car there means he is home and I’m not coming home to an empty house. Instead I’m coming home to his calming, reassuring presence and a big hug. Whenever I pull into the garage and see his car there the first thing I say to the boys before I tell them to throw their trash away, hang their coats up or pick up their toys is: “yay! Daddy’s home”

4. An empty dishwasher

You know how some people say their “love language” is physical touch, acts of service or gifts? Well, I think mine is putting the dishes away. The sound of someone else putting the clean dishes away is music to my ears. Knowing that I don’t have to perform that chore makes me smile.

5. The sound of genuine laughter

Yesterday we went to see Shaun the Sheep with some friends. I sat next to my friend and the sound of her laughter made me smile. It was so genuine and entertaining. I could also hear the man sitting two rows away give a breathless laugh during a really funny part. There was something so satisfying about hearing those hearty laughs and little kid giggles. Maybe because it really was a funny movie and we were all enjoying it rather than enduring it but sharing laughs with friends and strangers was oddly satisfying.

What makes you smile?