Story time

Little Man took a book out from the school library yesterday-The Superhero Alphabet-he's been walking around reading it, asking all of us who our favorite superhero in the book is (he likes Goo Girl and I like Power Pup as does Sonny for obvious reasons. Daddy was already in bed, so we decided he likes the team from Planet X). I haven't seen him this excited about a book in a long time and it excited me! I know he loves to read, but it seems to go in spurts. Lately we're in a spurt where we love to read again. When I went to the library on Saturday, he wanted Clifford books so by the grace of God, there was a stack on the reshelving cart. (Little Man was out in the truck with Daddy and I had to hurry)Its those little Godwinks that make life so sweet.
I am constantly amazed at how grown up this little guy is, especially in the last few weeks. He's become a chatterbox, and will talk about almost everything. I love how he talks about school and the games he plays with his friends at recess. I love hearing how he loves to learn. Even though it can be annoying sometimes, I love playing the math games with him because he really wants to learn math (and is good at it). He still gets a kick out of doing homework, but its not as willingly as it was a few months ago (I guess the novelty wore off!). We play sparkle with his stuffed animals to practice our spelling words. He makes me laugh as we play with his race cars. He can turn any game into a boxing game (cars, hangers, whatever)
Last night, before bed, he & I tidyed up. Threw out the popsicle sticks lying around the living room but he first made a star out of them. It was too cool. Picked up the cars, sorted out by Hot Wheels vs. other cars. Cleaned up the bedroom before bed. Made a game out of it, and it was sweet going to bed in a tidyed up house.
After the Little Man went to bed (and he fell asleep right away!) I watched my guilty pleasure, Hoarders on A&E. Its a bit of schadenfraude, same way Clean House and How Clean is Your Home are. It works two ways for me-one it reminds me how easy it could be to slip into that lifestyle (needing a path to get through your house, etc). Two, it inspires me to keep up with my house. I like have a clean and tidy house, but it is a daily struggle for me. I've got stuff in piles because there isn't any permenant homes for them. Its easier to just walk away from all that because I am tired at the end of the day. I work full time and by the time I get home at night, I'm spent. I try to keep a reserve of energy for my family but some days even that reserve is gone. Cleaning falls to the bottom of the list, and its not fair to the boys. But I digress...tidying up yesterday made me feel warm & fuzzy and smile.
Right now I've got laundry in the dryer (had it set up to wash overnight), have to go take my shower and get my day started. Already did my yoga which really does start my day on a positive note. Have my morning devotions to do, and then I'll be fully grounded for my day.
Today I am thankful for: my son's laugh which is infectious, a tidyed up home, a husband that works crazy hours so our son can spend afterschool time with him, a job that is more like ministry than work, a puppy dog that has taught me about unconditional love, great food to eat and a family to share it with, friends that know when I need a pick me up and grant it to me, sparkle with stuffed animals and most of all, my little man who let me realize that I could love someone so much and so entirely that I would go to the ends of the earth for them.
Great way to start the day...