However loud and rambunctious; however testing and trying; however pesky and willful… this boy undeniably has my heart. There isn’t a solitary day that passes that I don’t gaze into his captivating blue eyes or run my fingers through his unruly blonde hair and sigh a prayer of thanksgiving under my breath for this phenomenal gift we’ve been given. Just love him more than words could ever express.

This is the first post in a new category I’m calling “blessings.” It’s become clear to me lately that I need to make a concerted effort to be present, thankful, reflect, show gratitude and give more focus to the little things all around me that are wonderful…. no matter how seemingly insignificant or simple they may be. There are the big things of course, like my kids and my husband. Then there are the little things that surpass the obvious… the incidentals – like the inconceivable depth of Aiden’s blue eyes that melt me in an instant. Or, my husband filling my water jug each night, bringing it down to my office where I’m working, kissing my forehead and saying to me night after night, “don’t stay up too late.” Simple. Dependable. Comforting. So, here’s to blessing no. 518 and to many more yet to be unearthed.