Simple Pleasures

The more busy and tired I become, the more I come to appreciate life's simple pleasures. Obviously these are different for everyone, but I was thinking today about mine. First and foremost, Iain and Callum light up my life. They both hold the number one spot in my heart for very different and important reasons. My love for them grows more and more each day. Another pleasure I've mentioned before is the time I have on the weekend to make our house a home. Little by little, Iain and I do small things to add to our "show place". Earlier today, I was able to tidy up and clean the kitchen floor which now looks fabulous. Cleaning is definitely not something that Iain views as a simple pleasure. In general, I don't really think that most men do. I'm not trying to show gender bias but other than Danny Tanner from the 90's show, "Full House", I don't know many men that get enjoyment out of cleaning. I also wouldn't say that most women actually enjoy cleaning. However, I think the pleasure I get from cleaning comes from the result of our home when I am finished. I've had several wonderful role models who have always kept immaculate homes that I aim to emulate. The autumn we are having also provides me with a gorgeous view out of almost every window in our house. Leaves are everywhere having fallen in just about every shade of brown, yellow, red and orange that you can imagine. I get simple pleasure out of knowing that Iain will take care of disposal of these leaves when he cuts the grass, thus saving me from having to worry about it. One of Iain's favorite things to tease me about is my love for coupons. Why pay full price when you can get a dollar off? I look forward to the Sunday paper so that I can find and clip tiny slips of paper that will save us money. With the cost of groceries and baby supplies slightly astronomical or at least feeling that way, I enjoy finding ways to save us money. My final simple pleasure is looking forward to the holidays. I am a firm believer in three separate holidays after Halloween ends- Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. I realize that there are other traditions celebrated by others in the U.S. and around the world, but these are the three recognized in our household. I greatly anticipate the holiday season. I think that this year will be one of the most special ones yet. The addition of Callum is a major contributor to my excitement. The three of us are really looking forward to spending time with both the Sloan and Burnett families. We are so fortunate to have Iain's parents, Edna and Andrew, making the trip across the pond to visit with Callum and us. This year will be about family, friends and being thankful for everything that we have because we are blessed beyond words. On another note, after the end of a long week and frankly a long six months of campaign jargon from both sides (D & R parties), I am pleased with the election results. I know that not everyone is. However, I can truly say that I now have hope for my immediate and extended families as well as for my son's future. I also have hope for the future of the United States both home and abroad. It has been a long eight years. My dream is that across the nation we can get past our differences and unite for the common good of the country. Enjoy the simple pleasures in your life right now, whatever they may be... coupons, autumn leaves or cleaning the kitchen floor.