A friend has started a weekly blog meme.  This week it is the listing of ten of life’s simple pleasures.

1. baby giggles  I love to hear a baby laugh.  Sophia is not a “belly laugher,” but she is nearly always smiley, and she has a cute giggle.

2. children who love each other  Seeing my girls play together warms my heart.  Even with the nearly-five-year age difference between them, each loves to be with the other.

3. reading together  Spending time reading together as a family is nice, too.  (Well, assuming the girls have had their naps for the day. lol)  We enjoy sharing the stories.)

4. real mail  In this age of electronics, getting something in the postal mail that isn’t a bill or an advertisement is always fun!

5. hearing a small child sing “Step by Step”  This always chokes me up.  There is just “something” about hearing a tiny voice sing, “O God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You…I will seek You in the morning, and I will learn to walk in Your ways, and step by step You’ll lead me, and I will follow You all of my days.”  (See, I’m choked up just thinking about hearing Ariel sing this.)

6. success  Succeeding at something, whether it be a “big” thing like finishing a degree, or a “small” thing like keeping the house clean for two days in a row (when that has been a struggle) is gratifying.  It feels good…well, to feel good. 🙂

7. a crisp autumn or spring day  A fresh breeze on a day that’s not-too-hot and not-too-cold…now that’s a good weather day.

8. summer thundershowers  On the other hand, I also love a good thundershower on a hot summer day.

9. chocolate ice cream  Whether I’m generally in a “sweets” mood or not, I can always go for a bowl of chocolate ice cream.  This is my favorite. 🙂

10. learning something new  My husband will tell you he’s lost count of the number of times I’ve begun a sentence with, “I read something interesting…” or some variation thereof.  🙂  I love to learn new things (and often do!).