1000 Things

 In the midst of the busy-ness of these three kids, it takes serious concentration to be grateful. I am working on a gratitude practice where I write 1000 things I am thankful/grateful for. Not generic things like: three healthy kids (tho I am very very grateful for that)...

 More specific and little things like: the way Ari can get Noah to smile and coo when they are lying on the floor playing. Or the way Ashlyn scoots her toosh onto your lap when she wants to read a book. 

 Or the way Ari argues with EVERYTHING and says "I just" or "I would really like to do this" instead of listening the first time. Frustrating? Yes, but significant in her personality of persistence, leadership and logical/critical thinking 

 Or when Noah is sorta gassy and he grunts and crawls up my torso trying to get the burp out. The higher he goes, the more I laugh.

 Or when Ashlyn smiles her crooked smile and says "Cheese". Her tender frizzy hair and the one curly lock in the back that seems to cascade longer than its kin.

Or Dan's hard working spirit coming in from a long day to crawl and wrestle and tackle the girls for 1 more hour before bedtime.  I love this crazy life we're living and I know it is a short season of stress that will be over soon... (at least a little tomorrow when the dishwasher will be fixed!) It is a tiring time, being home with three kids under 4 but it is where I am right now and I'm finding gratitude in the little moments.  Sure I feel lonely. Sure I feel exhausted. Yes I get so angry and irritable at the mess.  But there is so much love and the legacy we are building is unmatchable.