Happiness is... finding it in the simple things

Today wasn't a spectacular day, nor was it awful.  It was just a typical, busy Thursday in which I found happiness in the following, simple things:

- I did not have to struggle with my five (and a half) year-old son to stay on task and get ready in a timely fashion this morning.  On the way to school, I thanked him for his good behavior.  His reply was that he is going to do that every day.  I am not holding my breath, but the eagerness with which he made his claim made me smile.

- I managed to accomplish three errands that had been nagging me on my to-do list (all before 11am).

- Gavin started standing (without holding anything) for about six seconds (much more than the split-second he's been doing!) and was very proud of himself.

- I got four loads of laundry done today (which means I can slack one day this weekend!) and by done I mean washed, dried and put away.

- John had a training day today, so instead of getting home just before the kids go to bed, he was home before we returned from picking Gracie up from school.  :-)

- Gracie had another good day at school... four in a row.  Her highlight today was riding (speed racing!) the adaptive bicycle around the playground.  She rode it yesterday, too, for 25 straight minutes.  Girlie told me that a little girl in general ed, who always shows such concern for Gracie when she is in her wheelchair out on the playground, saw her on the bike and said, "She's all better!"  So sweet! 

- John went grocery shopping.  It is a chore that he typically handles, with the exception of quick trips for a handful of items, but it always makes me happy that he does it.  I am not a fan of grocery shopping... at least not with kids in tow.

-  Preston didn't battle me too hard on homework ("It's so BORING, mama.") and it was done long before John returned from the store. 

- Everyone enjoyed fresh citrus after dinner.  (And we all missed the orange tree we had in our backyard down south.)

- All three kids had baths (the boys together, which is fun!) and, in order from youngest to oldest, were asleep by: 7:45, 8:30 and 9:00.

- My kitchen is clean (I loathe waking up to a mess in the kitchen!)

- I will be in bed (and hopefully asleep) by 10:00 for the second time this week.  (How long I am able to remain there is another matter.)