thankful

Last night after supper was finished, we put another log on the fire. Ella grabbed a volleyball, and asked Spencer to play catch.

They played and played, Ella giggling the whole time, as Reese looked on from the floor. She smiled and babbled as Spencer coached Ella on successful catching techniques.

It wasn't long before I was included. And so we played catch as a family, with Ella directing {"throw it to Mommy!" "throw it to Ella!"}. Soon, the encouraging cheers started with Ella saying "Good job Daddy!" and "Nice catch Mommy!" She laughed and laughed, and even (with my help) included Reese in the catching game. Soon everyone was laughing and smiling. Red-cheeked, Ella finally collasped on the ground in a fury of blankets and her trusty sidekick, Horsey.

As the games ceded, I felt overwhelming happy. Like, deep down in my heart, happy.

It made me realize this. A lot of times I get grumpy, tired, and frustrated. I think I am in way over my head. I get to feeling sorry for myself and how much work I have to do everyday.

Sad, isn't it? I know I have a good life. I just forget sometimes. My cure all solution? Burning this moment in my mind. Right at the top, so I can access that joy the second I get those yucky feelings. The look on Reese's face as she watches the fun. Ella's squeals as she throws the balls to her Daddy. Spencer's quiet laugh as he watched Ella, arms stuck straight out, in preparation for a big catch.

Simple, but I think sometimes in bad situations I feel like it's SO BAD that it erases the billion wonderful things that happen. The little hugs I get, the smiles I see, and the love I share with my family every single day.

I am truly blessed. And very thankful for having this joyful joyful life.

I bet you all have happy moments ingrained in your mind, too. I encourage you to use them to turn that frown upside down!!