Life's Simple Pleasures

Our family decorated our Christmas tree last evening. It was such a joy to complete this special ritual together as the Christmas music played softly in the background. As I “oohed and ahhed” as each ornament was opened, I was thankful for the little pleasures that make life so enjoyable. It seems like such a tiny thing, but opening tissue to reveal a beautiful cherished ornament or an ornament that I made in church when I seven gave me such a joy! Yes, that little ornament made from a portion of a Christmas card backed with felt and lined with ric-rac brought such a smile to my face!

It made me think of other simple pleasures that make me happy each day! A few that crossed my mind are:

• Hearing my son, Seth, giggle uncontrollably and exclaim “You’re the man” when my husband tickles him mercilessly
• Listening to Seth sing – especially silly songs like “I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”
• Fresh flowers
• Sharing a “belly laugh” with good friends
• Hot, fresh cornbread slathered with butter
• Licking the top of can of Eagle Brand Condensed Milk – this has to be one of the best tasting things in the entire world!
• Hearing my husband, Jon, call me “his Gracie” – my nickname because unfortunately I am slightly clumsy!
• Laying out by the pool on a hot summer day while listening to classic rock
• Hot chocolate piled high with marshmallows on the first chilly day of the year
• Memories of my precious mother
• My cowboy boots
• Holding babies!
• Cuddling on the couch with my furry babies, Bentley and Clarabel
• Listening to my husband sing – he has an amazing voice!!
• The feel of fresh clean sheets on a newly made bed
• Blue jeans that fit perfectly
• The smell of cinnamon
• Small town America!
• The long-horn cattle that I pass each day on my way to work!
• Balancing my checkbook perfectly on the first try (alas, this rarely happens!)
• Chilling out on Saturday morning with a fresh pot of coffee and new magazines
• The Andy Griffith Show
• Enjoying “sister time” with Anita
• Seeing the look of joy on Seth’s face when he sees what Santa brought him on Christmas morning.

What little blessings bring you joy? I hope during this hectic holiday season you take time to enjoy the simple everyday pleasures of life!

Updated: November 21, 2001 to link to the following parties:

Inspiration Fridays @ http://www.atthepicketfence.com/

(When I originally wrote this post I was just beginning to blog and

had NO idea how to link to a party!)