Yesterday was June 17th. An “ordinary” summer day. No holiday or major event or giant task. Lots of little to-do’s. But woke up feeling like it was going to be a good day. So I decided that it would indeed be … a good day.
And it was. Because every day just is.
Today, I encourage you to pay closer attention to the little reasons why it’s a good day for you. And then – of course – record it. Whether in words or pictures. Whether in a journal or on a blog or telling a loved one over the phone. I believe that when we record our blessings, we’re just become that much more aware of them. And therefore … happier.
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There are a million reasons why yesterday was a good day in my little world. Here are ten.
1. Good old-fashioned hose-down. You go, Claire. Take ‘em down sister. Note #1: This was very impromptu; hence the fully-clothed boys. Note #2: I assure you I do comb my daughter’s hair.
2. Daily drawings continue. Today Porter drew a custom space boy for everyone. So grateful for such good friends in our community. Good families. Good kids. Good people.
3. I caught up on four loads of laundry. Very good indeed.
4. I got to do a little unexpected spray-painting to help a friend with a little project. For sure good! Spray-painting is always a good thing. Helping someone in a pinch is even better.
5. Crew stood up in the bath and very intentionally – with a smirk on his face – body-slammed into the water, creating a tidal wave effect that covered my bathroom floor. The little stink. But my sense of humor won over my frustration in that moment and I’m grateful. We all had a good laugh over that one. Unfortunately this encouraged Crew to want to repeat the act.
6. David had a long day at work so the kids and I packed up a few plates of O’Henrys and surprised a few friends with a “hello” and a hug and these. It’s always good to tell someone you’re thinking of them.
7. One of those recipients is a brand-new friend. Meet Brenda Reed. Adorable, right? She really is. So is her little family. She is local to me. I knew she frequents my blog and follows me on twitter. I knew she has been diligent with Project Life and I’ve seen many of her POTDs (posted on her blog). They’re terrific. I thought it would be a good day to stop by her house and meet her. With O’Henrys in hand. It was indeed a pleasure.
8. When I saw this picture of us I noticed far more wrinkles than I realized I had. Like … a lot more. Sometimes I still think I’m 25?? BUT … I’m okay with that. Because wrinkles are good. Don’t hate me for saying that. I think wrinkles represent evolution and growth and add character to our features.
9. This evening I was properly put in my place. Being humbled is always good, right? Porter wanted to spend his money on this dumb machine at WalMart. We’ve never done it here before, but I’m quite familiar with how these machines work. And so I firmly expressed it.
“Porter, let me tell you something. It’s your money, but I want you to know how strongly I feel that this machine steals people’s mon—-”
Literally right at that moment, the darn grabber thing grabbed a toy. The look on Porter’s face was pure elation. And I knew that moment was golden for him. Because kids need to know that sometimes Mom is wrong. Sometimes Mom needs to have more faith.
Oh, and he immediately gave the toy to Claire. Because he’s that kind of a big brother.
10. Claire told me she loved me more than the marshmallows in her Lucky Charms. If you knew what those marshmallows mean to my four-year-old you would understand why I wanted to melt into a puddle on the spot.
That moment alone made for an instantly good day.
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This is the stuff of life. This is the stuff we put in Project Life. This is why I care so much about Project Life.
(Fine print: Those of you who have been patiently waiting for Project Life to become available again … we’re getting close. Hopefully just a few more weeks. I’ll be sure to announce when those kits arrive at Amazon.)
Tags: before & after, brenda reed, friends, good day, kids' art, love, o'henrys, Project Life, spray paint, summer, trampoline, walmart, wrinkles
This is a very good list! These are the REAL things that make life worth it. Also, appreciate the update on Project Life – I really wanted to start using your kit to document my 39th year….my birthday is in the first week of July, so I’m crossing my fingers!
This post made me cry. Then it made me determined to be a better mom today!! Thanks for honest sharing that resonates with me daily.
The same thing happened with my daughter and the toy machine a while back. She was so certain she could get a toy with her $.50 and I told her repeatedly it would be a waste of her money. She goes up and gets a toy- first try ever. Then puts in another $.50 and grabs another…but it got caught in the chute. Crazy- but she was right in telling me she was a risk taker and believed she could do it
Great post, Becky!! Love the reminders to appreciate what our kids teach us everday. A very inspiring blog topic indeed. Thanks for sharing.
What a great way to make a good day…to find everything good about that day and write it down…I think I am going to do that everyday so that all of the good things that happen during the day are emphasized!! I love the one about Crew…that definitely sounds like him!! He sure keeps you all on your toes….love watching him at Church…he is TOO cute and wild…my kind of guy!
Wow! What a great reminder to count my blessings instead of my woes. This morning I was still letting something from 2 days ago ruin today! Thanks for reminding me that every day is good!
What an awesome post! Thanks for the reminders to appreciate the little things!
Oh, I just loved this post so much. You are so amazing, Becky! Thanks for inspiring me!
Hey Becky,
Great Post! My husband has been doing “Find The Treasures” every night with our children & it’s amazing what they come up with! I’m sure we can all find a treasure in every day! BTW I wish we we’re neighbors
But since we’re not thanks for posting the recipe for the O’Henry’s, I will definately be trying those SOON!
Thanks! LaDonna
Becky,
Thanks for making me take a moment to sit back and reflect on the little things that make our days so wonderful! I have been laid up with a broken foot for the past two weeks (only 4 more to go!) and it’s been difficult to see the good things to be grateful for. Thanks for reminding me!!
Okay so I have to comment on the machine grabber money stealer thing. My son wanted to do the same thing and I had the same conversation with him. It just steals your money and no one ever gets an animal. Wouldn’t you know the thing grabbed TWO animals!!! He will never forget it and always wants to try those dumb machines where ever we are!!! He gave one of the animals to his sister too. =)
This post made me smile … and nod in agreement. We have some very good days here that I just love to soak up. I work outside the home and try to be very aware of the little things that make up our life and have become much more focused in the last few years of soaking up that goodness. I totally get the Lucky Charms marshmallow compliment – my 5 year old daughter would relate things in the same way if she thought of it! And, I have to say that I, too, have noticed more winkles on my face recently – I just turned 41 last month – and I really like the eye wrinkles. It shows my age, sure, but it also shows how much I smile or squint to pay attention to the details! Have a great weekend!
Definitely know what it means to be loved more than those Lucky Charms marshmallows!! Your post was such a great one especially since my day yesterday was far from perfect! I went to bed ready to put the day behind me! Such great perspective! Happy Friday!
I really tried to do project life, but I’m so far behind and it’s all so overwhelming now. Any recommendations for those like me that really want to do it, but can’t get caught up? I’m thinking of doing the month review this year and then try again. Or can I start new as of July 1st? (can you start whenever, and do a year from that day). Any other options?
I just wanted to say that I walked through Hobby Lobby today thinking…how would that look spray painted?
You always do that to me–make me look for the possitive in everything! I will try to be thankful today while I’m taking care of my 6 year old that just got his tonsils out! Makes me very thankful for healthy kids. Thanks for your possitive spirit!
Thanks for the great post Becky! I too, have so much to be thankful for, but get wrapped up in the day and what I didn’t get accomplished. Nice to take a step back sometimes. Our neighbor won a stuffed animal 3 out of 5 times at Toys R Us and gave each of my son’s a stuffed animal. I absolutely could not believe she won something out of one of those machines, much less 3 times! I was in shock! Have a great day, and loving all the posts lately.
I met Brenda a few weeks ago at our neighborhood block party. She is indeed a doll! What a nice post. Especially loved the part about stinkers in the bath tub. One of those moments where you have to laugh or else you’ll cry!
LOVED LOVED LOVED this post. It was beautifully moving. The best part was the end. I have a 4 year old, 3 year old and a 9 year old and they LOVE Lucky Charms and I know how much the love those yummy marshmallows, so to hear that your daughter said that brought a tear to my eye. Thank you, I needed a reminder today.
Becky,
Thanks for the picture with the tiny wrinkles! For my birthday, last month, I got a facial massage, and the therapist pulled and pulled on all the skin around my eyes for half an hour. When I left, I had wrinkles, where there were none – ever! I’ve been crying about it for the past month, and it gave me comfort knowing that it is OK.
Totally unrelated to your post but I know u love new receipes
found this great one on the web, lucky charm treats instead of rice krispies!! Just substitute lucky charms for rice krispies. Becky they are soooooo good you’ll never go back! I have made ur o’henry and ur hugs both r a big hit. Gonna try alot more of ur reciepes this summer. Love all ur posts, ur the best, always make my night when I read them ! Noel
Hi Becky,
I was just wondering how you keep your kids entertained, and out of the kitchen (and out from underfoot) during the summer months? Do you have any routines/schedules/activities that work for you and your kids? Do you have a chore or reward system in place?
I’ve been spray painting things too! Thanks for the inspiration! I’m loving the fresh look I can give to tired-looking pieces in my home.
Hugs!
Great post, thanks for the inspiration!
I could use the little reminder of ‘what really matters’ after a too busy week at work and too many to do’s on my list!
Hi Becky,
I read your blog daily. Love it! Love your creativity, your devotion to your family and your writing style. I have gotten so many great ideas and become a lover of the Container Store since reading your blog! You’re awesome! I saw your link to Brenda Reed’s blog and noticed you both posted a comment about getting wrinkles. I think you are beautiful and do not have anything to worry about. However, after reading your comment I wanted to let you know I am a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant in Washington state. I have just begun building a fantastic team in my area and I wanted to offer you our products. Has anyone ever offered you Mary Kay before? Mary Kay is the leading brand of skin care and color cosmetics in the nation. We offer fantastic products with anti-aging effects. If you are willing, I’d love to send you some free products and hear your response. Let me know if you are interested. My website is http://www.marykay.com/katierognlin
Thanks so much. I look forward to hearing from you!
LOVE this. Have to try this idea myself!
This was just a sweet post! I love being THAT kind of mom that laughs at messes (bathroom scene) and has fun with it.
P.S. I have an 8 year old daughter… I TRY to brush her hair.. she insists she’s already done it! LOL *sigh* I just shake my head and tell her.. “Ya know.. ok, but remember you’re the one who has to listen to people comment about it.” Never happens! LOL
Hi Becky!! What color is the blue spray paint you used to help a friend in a pinch? I love it.