Toys. Jason. Father's Day, Part Two.

Project 365 * 4
Day 537

52 Kind Things

     I know I've written about this before, but since I really, really, really did not want to do this, I think it should count as a kind thing for this week. I watched Casey and Sophia while Patty and AJ went on a date this past week. It had been an exhausting day, and all I wanted to do was lay on the couch and watch a show. But there were toys everywhere. Patty hadn't had a chance to clean up before she left on her date. So, I cleaned it up for them. Honestly, it was one of those days where if I had to pick up one more toy, I felt as if I might jump off the deck. Screaming and ripping my hair out as I fell. Dramatic? Maybe. But when a person cleans up mess after mess and mess after mess, and then has about an hour of mess to clean up at the end of the day, it can start to get to you. It was hard to clean up for them. But, sometimes being kind is about doing things that are hard. Things that we absolutely do not want to do. When you do something kind when it's really hard to, maybe it means just a little bit more.

52 People I Love

     This week, I've been thinking about my friend, Jason. And how much I love him. He's the kind of friend that sticks around. Even when things get messy. He remains a loyal friend. He is always there to talk. Or to listen. He's a very good listener. And I'm very chatty, so we get along well. What I love the most about him is that no matter how much time passes, or how long it has been since we've talked, or hung out, I always know that he will still be my friend. He's a constant. And in a world filled with inconsistency, his friendship is a comfort to me. He's the kind of friend that feels like home. We don't have to be "on," when we visit with each other. We can sit in silence, and that is perfectly okay. I'm so thankful to count Jason as a dear, good friend.

   
     We celebrated Father's Day today since we were traveling last Sunday. It was an awesome family dinner. Filled with the loud, high pitched screams and screeches of our four children. Who may be part Pterodactyl. But besides all that, there is this: my Dad, Matt, and AJ. The three Fathers in our family. We are incredibly blessed to have them. They are the most incredible men and fathers I know. Thankful for them. Thankful for time with family. Even loud times spent with family are good times. Thankful for a new week coming up. A new week to fill with nothing but fun.

Bedtime.

Project 365 * 4
Day 536

   

     It was a long, stressful, hard day. So, I was very thankful to put my kids to bed tonight. I am thankful to have peace and quiet. It's hard to admit this, but sometimes, a mom just needs it to be bedtime. Thankful for late night talks on the deck with Patty. It was the perfect ending to a hard day. 

Help. Concert. Rain. Sleep.

Project 365 * 4
Day 535

Thankful for:

1. The way Adelyn and Tobin "help" me vacuum. It takes me about ten times longer when they help, but I'm in no hurry.

2. Adelyn and I went to a concert tonight to watch our cousins perform. They were awesome. Addy had so much fun. She kept saying, "it's just us gores. No, Tobin! You can't come. It's just us gores!" She was plenty upset when we had to skip out on the concert a little early because of bedtime. Music is so good for the soul.

3. The way the rain looks under the street lights.

4. A whole night of sleeping ahead of me. My bed is calling to me, and I am aching for it. 

Addy chose an Easter-y dress to wear to the concert. And she refused to take it off come bedtime. We decided it wasn't worth a tantrum. 

Looks comfy. 

The best wake up call.

Project 365 * 4
Day 534

     Thankful for the way Tobin will give me as many kisses as I ask for. Thankful for the funny way he dances. Thankful for the way Addy creeps quietly into bed with us during the night. And if I wake up she says, "I just wanted to cuddle with you." Thankful for the way Addy and Tobin go, "ahhhhhhhhhhh," when I brush their teeth. Thankful that even though it's super late, and morning will come too soon, I will have the best wake up call. Two little ones. Full of life and energy and ready for a new day of adventuring.

Sleeping Beauties.

Project 365 * 4
Day 533

   

     Thankful for peacefully sleeping children. Thankful for a quiet home. Thankful for a good day spent with my favorite people. 

When ice cream tastes best...

Project 365 * 4
Day 533

     Thankful for days spent with the people I love. Thankful for ice cream dates right before lunch. Somehow, ice cream always tastes better when it's ruining a meal, and also when it is disgustingly hot outside. Thankful that even though it's horrid outside, we are nice and cool and comfortable inside. Thankful that Patty and I are planning a summer of fun for us and the kids. Thankful for this summer. Days upon days upon days where we can do whatever we want to all day long.

Night Drive. Food. Summer.

Project 365 * 4
Day 532

     Thankful for:

-A night drive with Patty. No matter what mood I'm in, I always feel better after a night drive. Driving down dark roads while watching lightning and listening to the raunchiest music we can find is the best cure for what ails me.

-A full fridge and pantry. I went shopping tonight after the kids went to bed. We had nothing in the house from being gone on vacation. It's hard not to have any food in the house. I feel very thankful that we never have to worry about what our children will eat for the day. I'm very thankful to have all we need and more.

-Possibilities. We have all summer long to do whatever we want. It's my last summer as a stay at home mom. And I intend on making it a memorable one. Feeling excited to spend the whole summer with my babes.

     Thankful for a good day with my husband and babies. Thankful for afternoons spent at the pool. Thankful for my night drive with Patty. Thankful for food. Thankful my children will never feel the pain of hunger. Thankful for summer. Thankful for possibilities. They're endless.