The Little Things

I just spent two weeks with a house full of children, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, godparents and friends.  We hosted and then were hosted.  Made trips to the Bay Area, enjoyed more cousins, friends, aunts and uncles…I think my cup runneth over about 3am this morning removing ornaments after arriving home earlier and finding “Minty” the live tree dry as a good martini.

It is always good to be home but since we were off in such a dash after Christmas day, I came home to a huge welcomed mess.   My cat slept on my head all night and I think I put on about 50K miles to the Yukon with all the visits.

But as I kissed 2012 goodbye in the midst of a Nor Cal breeze, I looked around and was so thankful for all the craziness it took me to get to that moment in welcoming 2013 with my family and friends. (Love the “Sham” “Pain” bottle- so true!)

So as I kick off the new year, I am thankful for all the nutso moments in my life, because they are filled with love, laughter and many sweet smiles to make me want to wake up and do it all over again.  We did what we did for the joy in our children’s faces as they continue to unwrap the many gifts life and God have to offer.

My friend Robin recently shared with me a study done by Erin Kurt, a teacher who asked her students the same question every year for 16 years: “What do you most like your parents to do with you?” From their responses she revealed “The Top 10 Things Kids Want From Parents.”  May it awaken you as it has me on the priorities in life.

The Top Ten Things Kids Really Want Their Parents To Do With Them:

1. Come into my bedroom at night, tuck me in and sing me a song.

Also tell me stories about when you were little.

2. Give me hugs and kisses and sit and talk with me privately.

3. Spend quality time just with me, not with my brothers and sisters around.

4.Give me nutritious food so I can grow up healthy.

5. At dinner talk about what we could do together on the weekend.

6. At night talk to me about about anything; love, school, family, etc.

7. Let me play outside a lot.

8. Cuddle under a blanket and watch our favorite TV show together.

9. Discipline me. It makes me feel like you care.

10. Leave special messages in my desk or lunch bag.

To read Erin Kurt’s full article, click here

Happy New Year- Cheers to a Big “little” Year!