The little things

I haven't been very good about posting the "little" things in our life, you know the ones that make it special, enjoyable and just give you the feeling that you are incredibly blessed?
Here are some of my "little" things from today...

My hubby (who is currently working the night shift) got up after only 5 hours of sleep because I wanted to take the kids swimming but didn't want to do it alone. Not to mention I didn't want to go to the dreaded Wal-mart and get Easter goodies with the kids in tow. He is special like that. He frequently sacrifices his comfort (or in most cases, sleep) in order to please me! :)

My cute 6 year old picked up all her brothers toys and books so we could go swimming today. She is special like that, too. She helps out around the house A LOT! (I feel guilt when I think about how much!) :P She is awfully fun to take the pool. She just loves it so much, she pleads with me to "Watch me, Mom" as she tries out new tricks in the water. Sometimes I get frustrated that she wants my undivided attention so much, I mean, she IS 6! Then I remember, she was an only child for an awfully long time. When I ask her why she still wants me to baby her she tells me that I'm lucky she still likes to snuggle! :D (She's right) In addition to making up a song all about how fun her brother is (it was cute), she also showed us how brave she is by jumping not only off the diving board, but also off the HIGH DIVE. TWICE. Her Dad about had heart failure watching. She is one amazing little girl. I wish I would have brought the camera.

Our 'Resident Menace' is slowly becoming a little sweetheart himself. He is 20 months now and FU-UH-NNY! We have a hard time keeping a straight face around this kid. He does the craziest things. He has been torturing my Mom's dog all week (we are dog-sitting) and I swear he has spent as much time in the dog's bed as his own. I am constantly having to remove him from 'the situation' because I know either he or the dog are going to get hurt. He started saying "Thank you" to me today. Melts my heart to hear him learning manners. :) Just driving to town is an adventure with him. He looks out the window and gets so excited at the thing he can see. He spent the entire trip exclaiming in his LOUDEST (believe me, that is very loud), ecstatic voice... "TRUCKS" "BUS" "MOO'S" "HORSE" "CARS". Don't you wish you could enjoy those things as much as a little boy? He was also amazing at the Swimming pool today. He didn't want me to hold onto him AT ALL. (Thank goodness for 'Floaties') It was so enjoyable to see the sheer joy in his little face when he would tell me "Mom, wa-wa" (water) and then take off on his own through the water. His enthusiasm is contagious.

This week has been rough, but I think if I can keep reminding myself of those "little" things, I just might survive. I am so thankful for my wonderful family. I have the best siblings (Thanks for all the phone calls). I have the coolest Dad. I have a Mom who is beyond description in specialness (new word, write it down) to me. I have a Heavenly Father who must love me an awful lot to give me all of this. I am incredibly blessed.