My daughter was so excited when the football student section themes were decided upon...she was especially thrilled that there was an 80's night. She started asking me questions about what was in style in the 80's. Now being from a rural town in the Midwest, the style was fairly tame besides big hair.

She wasn't convinced though because she had searched 80's styles.
And she was certain that the outfit she had in mind was
definitely what was worn by everyone in the 80's including
me her dear old mom. Never mind the fact that I was born in
1980, so I was in my early childhood years and definitely not
concerned with fashion. I wore dresses that my mom had sewn,
lots of large floral print, and sweatshirts with ruffled shoulders.

However, thanks to the Internet, my 15 year old believes
that I went around in clothes like this...

So, I would just like to thank all of the search engines for helping

my daughter to believe that everyone in the 80's went around in the clothes

worn by the ladies in the workout videos. If only my life had actually

been that cool, lol!

But sadly dear daughter, I will put it in words you will understand by quoting Danny Duncan "No it's not that!"

Enjoying The Little Things

 

• School
• Work
• Church
• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Yard work
• Volunteer projects
• Kids' private sports lessons
• Kids' team sports lessons
• Daily exercise
• Errands
• Etc...

This list is all things that we do as a family on a weekly, if not daily, basis. And, honestly, this list could go on and on. However, that isn't what this post is about; rather this post is about taking time out of all of this to enjoy the little things. I'll be the first to admit that I love to rejoice in my children's successes in sports and school, but those successes fail in comparison to the overwhelming sense of pride that I feel when I see my kids enjoying the little things in life.

 

• Helping a younger sibling read or write
• Following an ant trail down the sidewalk
• Trying a catch a butterfly
• Chasing a rabbit in the yard
• Catching a snake, lizard, or spider to examine it
• Playing a back yard game of kickball
• Setting up an obstacle course in the front yard 
• Running in the rain
• Jumping in puddles
• Splashing in a sprinkler
• Climbing a tree

Happily this list also goes on and on as my kids truly do enjoy the little things in life and are constant reminders to me that I need to do the same. There are several reasons for us to take joy in the simple things, but the most important reason for us to do this is that our kids are watching what we do. If they see us running around nonstop without ever stopping to enjoy the simple things, then they will end up doing the same. I, for one, am not looking forward to the day that my kids decide they are too busy to take times for the little things, for they will only have this time as kids once. Luckily, for those of us that choose to, we are able to revert back to the simplicity of childhood every once in a while by observing and interacting with the children in our lives. Remember, that it is when we appreciate the world at its least pretentious that we are happiest.