Sometimes when life gets really complicated, I like to really try to find pleasure in the little things. It shouldn’t be a hard thing to do, but there are just times when life wants to distract you. Right now, I’m finding pleasure in these little things:
1. We switched our laundry detergent to Cheer. This is what my parents have been using and when I visit them I absolutely love the way the laundry room smells and the way the sheets smell. So now I’ve switched and I love it, too. I line-dry most of my clothes and all of Hudson’s clothes, so they really hold that clean Cheer scent! I recommend y’all give it a whiff!
2. TC took today off. One of the perks or non-perks of being self-employed is that you basically set your own schedule. Sometimes he takes off on holidays and sometimes he doesn’t. Because he took off today, Hudson got to have both of his parents at Little Gym. Which meant we have lots more pictures of Little Gym since one parent got to play while the other took pictures! It was TC’s first trip to Little Gym and I think he enjoyed it. I promised him he doesn’t have to keep going.
3. We had such a fun i-Chat with my parents this weekend. It’s always sad that we can’t spend the shorter holidays like Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Independence Day together. But thanks to the power of the internets, we can at least see each other and Hudson can show them all of his new “tricks.”
4. One of my favorite meals in the world is fried catfish, fried okra, and hush puppies. See a trend? You think I like fried things? You’re right. We ate at Hudson’s Smokehouse (no relation) tonight and I got to indulge in all of these things! And I had to log every single one of those calories on My Daily Plate.
5. I have seriously enjoyed turning off the TV every night except for Mondays (The Bachelorette and the RHONJ) and Fridays (Dateline) and just burying my head in books. So far, I’ve finished three books in the past two weeks.
6. As a family we’re finding the joy in the small things and we’ve decided not to do a big family vacation. My parents are going to come spend some time here and I’m sure we’ll be back in Dallas soon. I will be attending a wedding in another state and then going to NYC for BlogHer and those are definitely big trips. But it’s just nice to travel with your family. We’re finding ways to have fun and stay busy here and try to make the most of the summer time without letting the heat get to us.
7. Songs like “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison and “I Don’t Wanna Know”, “Second Hand News”, and “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac really make me happy! In college, one of my best friends and I used to love watching concert DVDs and “The Dance” by Fleetwood Mac was a favorite. But that’s mostly because the love story between these two always intrigues me.
Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham
8. And this is not a little thing… at all… but you should read this post and rejoice with me! Keep on praying, friends!
I hope that little things like yummy-smelling laundry detergent and a long weekend with your family are making you smile today. I’m thankful because it seems my funk has taken a turn for the better!
What are your simple pleasures right now?
Toodles, poodles!
I love this post! I too love the story of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. I went to see Fleetwood Mac in high school, and it was one of the best concerts I have ever been too! Stevie Nicks is on my top list of people I’d love to meet.
I do love enjoying small pleasures. Getting in bed at night onto crisp, clean sheets is the best :). Your comment about TC not having to take Hudson to gym class every week made me smile, because my daughter starts music class this week and I happen to have an appointment that morning. I’m sure my husband will really appreciate taking her to class with all the moms, and singing and dancing with a bunch of one year olds ;).
We use Cheer as well. Just curious…do you not use the Free and Clear for Hudson? I stoped using Dreft when she was 9 months old and decided to use the same detergent for both, however I am still using a Free and Clear detergent. I was afraid her skin couldn’t handle the scents or whatever the reason we are supposed to use Dreft for babies.
So funny you mention detergent. I bought new detergent and spent all day yesterday talking about how good it smelled and J thought I was nuts haha.
Hmmm…..simple pleasures….definitely feeling my baby girl kick…lots of times I take for granted the little miracle growing inside of me and its nice when she gives me a little kick as a reminder. I LOVE Stevie Nicks! One of my favorites is Leather and Lace…..great story about how she wrote it for Waylon and Jessi but after they split and Waylon wanted to do it himself she chose to do it with Don. Love the Little Gym pictures….I’m off to read the post you have a link to in hopes its good news about your mother.
I love good smelling detergent – it seriously makes my day!
I LOVE a good smelling detergent as well- especially when I just wash my sheets and then get in bed. It’s great!
I couldn’t agree more! The little things are usually some of the best thing in life. I’ve been watching less tv and reading more, too, and I, too, have finished two or three books in the last two weeks! And, thanks to my husband (who is a Fleetwood Mac FANATIC — we saw Stevie two summers ago), I could listen to FM anytime.
Wonderful news about your mom! And how blessed you are to have a mom whose heart is so fixed on Jesus!
I just read your mom’s post yesterday! Great news – and a reminder of the great joy I feel when my dad’s scans some back clear (he gets them every six months). I am SO GLAD that you get to experience that feeling, too!
I also have a favorite laundry smell. I love Mrs. Meyer’s Basil! I have it in the kitchen, too (dish soap and spray cleaner). I started using it all over my house (and not just in the laundry) because I think it smells so fresh and clean! And, there’s no sense in NOT surrounding yourself with the things that make you happy!
Thanks for the reminder that it really *is* the little things in life that makes it special. My husband and I are also thinking of foregoing a big vacation this year and focusing on our home and weekend trips instead. It’s not about spending a lot of money. It’s about quality time with those you love. PS – I am also super intrigued by the Nicks/Buckingham romance. I saw Fleetwood last year in concert and it was amazing!
One of my simple pleasures is coming to work in the morning and checking my favorite blogs, yours included. Although you are making me SO JEALOUS with your sweet smelling laundry. I have people with sensitive skin in the family so am stuck with boring All Free & Clear. BLAH! I have to resort to perfume to smell good. 🙁
Haha, first of all I am cracking up at “toodles poodles”. That’s funny. Those pictures from Little Gym are so cute, I bet thats such a fun time every week! Praising with your family for the wonderful news for your mom!
“Into the Mystic” was our First Dance, for my husband and I at our wedding! LOVE IT! 🙂
love the small things too and i too changed our laudry detargent to the one my mom uses : )
and hushpuppies and okra. YUM!
It is the little things! And I can’t believe how big Hudson is! For me “the little things” include a day off, sleeping more than 5 hours, and receiving note cards from friends! Hope your week is off to a great start! xo
I’ve always used the same detergent that my parents used. It’s always smelled like home to me. 🙂 My greatest little pleasure this week was a four day weekend. Love the extra time with my girl!
Love your mom’s good news. Her attitude couldn’t be more inspiring! I worked at BSU w/ your dad. I even got to come house sit while both of your parents had to be out of town. 🙂 Your brother was there so he and I hung out and went to church on a Sunday morning. Long time ago…probably 11 years or so. I enjoy your blog. My sister Lola (of Univ. South Carolina) introduced me.
Ahhh simple pleasures. Right now, it’s decorating my office. It’s looking forward to my daughter’s 6 month pictures on Thursday. And let’s not for get our little county fair that’s going on in my little town in the midwest.
What a nice post!
Right now, my simple pleasures are watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, nice walks, and chats with my friends.
I love the pictures from Little Gym! How adorable do you look! I love the picture of you and huddy! So priceless! Allison and I are going to our little gym here and trying out one of the classes! Im actually really really excited:) I hope cate loves it:) love ya my sweet friend
Love your little boy’s tshirt! I love the name Hudson….that is a name that I had on my list for my little Reid, but my husband nixed it. I have a friend that is pg with her 2nd boy, and I am trying to persuade her to use Hudson:) Can you tell me where you go the tshirt with his name?