Life's Simple Joys

Today has been one of those wonderful days I cherish with my son.  Nothing huge or spectacular has happened, and we didn't really have any particular plans, but there were just little joys all along the way.  Here are ten of the simple blessings I'm thankful for today.

1. Breakfast Dates with my Little Crafter

Noah and I share a love for the finer things in life, like coffeehouses, scones, and quality time.  Which is why we rather frequently go on breakfast dates to the local bakery or Starbucks.  This morning, he came in my room, woke me up, and asked to go on a date.  Um, YES!

2. Rediscovering childhood pleasures

Today, as we played at the playground at one end of our street, I noticed for the first time what a great, green hill was close by...perfect for rolling down.  Noah had never tried such a thing, so I got to introduce him to the fun.  I had him lay down, told him to tuck his arms, and gave a gentle push.  It was love at first roll.  It was priceless hearing him say, "Noah want to do some more.  And then some more.  Then some more, please Mama."  Of course, he wanted to see me do it too, so I took a few rolls myself...I'd forgotten how fun that was {and how dizzy you feel when you try to stand up!!}.  Part of me was wishing I'd thought to bring the camera, but part of me was glad I could fully experience the moment with him instead. 

3. Random Acts of Kindness

I told Noah that after lunch, we were going to the store to buy Daddy a yummy dessert.  Poor hubby can't have lactose, so my fave {ice cream} is a no-no for him, and so are a lot of other things in that category.  To compensate, {and ease the guilt I'd otherwise feel while stuffing my face with Edy's in front of him}, I try to make sure he usually has a tasty lactose free option.  I was just planning to buy him some donuts, but Noah immediately suggested, "Noah want to make Daddy cupcakes."  Sweet!  And so we bought cake mix and icing...which brings me to simple joy #4...

4. Saving money

A box of cake mix and a container of icing cost me $2.50.  That made 12 regular cupcakes and 6 of those cool jumbo muffin tops.  That's a lot of dessert servings for not a lot of cash, especially considering that the muffins and donuts I often buy him are about a buck a piece.

5. Watching a small child devour a cupcake

...and reach for another while his mouth is still full.  Enough said.

6. Spending time outdoors in beautiful weather

Besides our playground and hill rolling time, we hung out on the deck, blowing bubbles and playing with those seed pods that look like helicopters in the wind.  I taught him how to "fly" them and he was entranced.

7. Coconut Mocha Frappucinos

Need I say more?  Hubby has promised to take me to Starbucks after dinner so I can try one...I've been waiting ever so impatiently since I heard the rumor they were adding this to the menu.



8. Toddler Talk

The way Noah talks just cracks me up.  I keep meaning to get more videos of him at this age so I can play them back and remember how cute he sounded at 2 years old.  He's doing so much more independent thinking.  For example, the other day, we had told him that a little girl he knew was crying because she was really sleepy and needed her nap.  Later, when another little friend threw a tantrum, he turned to his Pop-Pop and said, "Rosie needs a nap.  At her house."  Also, we were talking about his upcoming birthday the other day.  I asked him when it was, and he said: "August.  Noah's birfday is August.  Noah go potty on his birfday.  And the baby will come out of Aunt Jess' tummy in August too."  The last part is true, although I had no idea he knew that much, and I'm really hoping the middle part is too...apparently he's decided exactly when he's going to be potty trained!  Nice of him to tell me. :)  I also love it when he "dictates" messages to his daddy for me.  Today he had me send an email that said,

"Noah is making cupcakes.  Noah is making cupcakes today with mommy.  It was MY idea to pick it at the grofery store.  Noah loves his daddy.  Daddy is eating cupcakes...Noah wants to eat a cupcake tonight...Noah wants to blow bubbles today...Right now.  Outside.  Noah's all done.  Noah loves his mommy and daddy."

9. Family

These boys light up my life.  I am so blessed.  And of course, with Mother's Day around the corner, I'm reminded how thankful I am for my mom, my grandmothers, my mother-in-law {and my daddy too!}.

10. Followers

When I logged on today, I saw that I now have 70 followers!  That blows my mind, since I just started blogging about a month and a half ago.  I'm so excited to think that our ideas are inspiring other people, and I've so enjoyed "meeting" so many fun, crafty mamas on here.  Now I'm just 5 followers away from giving away some jewelry!  I have a poll on FB to get your opinions on what I should give away...so far the bird's nest necklace is in the lead.

What about you?  What simple joys are you thankful for today?