Counting on a Monday...

One of my favorite things to come about in my life recently is the little routine Lily and I fall into most weekday mornings.  It is simple yet sweet:  I clean up the kitchen while she plays.  Sounds mundane and "chore-y" but it isn't.  Her belly is full from breakfast and she is literally bursting with energy and excitement for the day unfolding before her.  We shut all of the doors to the bedrooms and bathroom which means she can roam freely throughout our entire house.  Her feet are bare, her pj's are on and there is usually some pretty adorable bed-head to boot.  We get her toy basket out and open up the blinds to welcome the morning.  I usually turn on some worship music and we get after it.  I empty the dishwasher, wipe the counters, pick up and put away clutter, fold and put away laundry, as well as make coffee and some breakfast for myself.

She runs delightedly back and forth between the kitchen, the laundry room and the front room usually chatting up a storm the whole time.  She gets out and reads almost every book on her shelf, she "helps" me fold laundry, she "helps" me empty the dishwasher, she usually climbs into several cabinets and carries shoes all over the house.  She has recently discovered my stash of reusable grocery bags and has greatly enjoyed carrying those around as well.  Her toys are transported to different locations as is her high chair.

It is easy, it is relaxing and we are both together, yet doing our own things.  I find such joy watching her and take great comfort in her nearness and sillyness.  She often tries to bring me things she finds along the way such as oven mits, remote controls, phones, kleenex and of course some of her toys.  Our house is pretty chaotic afterwards, but the counters are clean, I've enjoyed a cup of coffee, eaten my breakfast, checked my email, the dishwasher is empty, the laundry is put away, my heart is filled and the day is just beginning.  It is little daily rhythms and rituals like this that are so simple I fear forgetting them, so I'm writing about it today in hopes of always remembering and of course counting my blessings.   Here are some more glimpses...

338.  her voice talking through the monitor in the morning
339.  hide and seek giggles
340.  wind on a hot, summer day
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344. the hope that rises in my heart when there is a good chance for thunderstorms
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 348.  old-fashioned ice cream socials

 349.  sprinkles on my ice cream sundae
350.  weekday morning routines around the house with Lily

 351.  silver sandals worn on little feet

352.  the refreshment for my spirit that comes from rearranging my pretty things in new ways

 360. pink bunny slippers

Thank you, God for all of the blessings you are raining down into my life each day.  I pray that you would continue to open the eyes of my heart so that I may see and receive them....

I'm linking up with Ann Voskamp again today.  Happy Monday, Everyone!