Ahh, the simple things

As the weather starts to get warmer, and then colder, then warmer again, and then, colder (hey, it's the south. What do you expect?), I've found myself enjoying the simple things that I seem to take for granted so easily.

Like the birds. I never thought I would find myself as one who enjoys watching birds, but I flippin' love it. No joke.

A few weeks ago, we hung a blue bird house in the back yard that Paul built. His sisters got one for Christmas, and he made an extra for us. Within two days, we had a blue bird couple move in.

We are able to watch the birds from our laundry room. The back wall is full of windows, and my wonderful husband washed them inside and out for my viewing pleasure.

As I sit and watch the birds, I can't help but think about how simple life really is for the birds. We make sure they are well fed. We've supplied a bird house, and every few weeks they get a special treat: moldy bread.

And, I watch them. I watch the momma robins search for worms. I watch the sapsuckers eat the suet, and perch from tree to tree. I watch the cardinals- probably my favorites- fill the ground and the feeders. At one point in time, I watched 12 take in a hearty meal.

I watch the doves try to eat from the feeders, and watch as they give up because they are too big. They eventually sit on the ground and wait for the leftovers that get pushed out. I watch the occasional blue jay muscle it's way around, causing all the others to fly off.

I watch the squirrels figure out ways to get to the seeds. Sometimes they hang from one feeder and try to reach for the others. Some times, they munch on the feeders themselves until they can easily reach the seed.

What I've discovered is that when I take the time to slow down, and watch the simple things, I seem to enjoy life more. When I take the time to just watch Ansley, rather than worrying about "keeping the schedule," we laugh together. And I just melt.

When I look at the simple things, like how much I love Paul, the big things aren't as overwhelming. Sure, the bills still have to be paid, but I know they will be.

The simple things in life often get away from us. I've been so concerned about Ansley learning to roll over that I'm missing all the simple things she's doing. Like discovering new toys. Or finding her feet. Or carrying on a conversation with her mobile. Even if it is 3 a.m.

This post isn't funny, or witty, and I've decided that's ok. Because sometimes I mask what's really going on in an attempt to get a laugh. And then, we all miss it.

I want to take each minute and make it a moment. And, I want to document it, either by picture or words. It's not going to be easy, and they may not be posted daily, but I hope to keep this going, and I challenge you to do the same.

I'll start with a month. Then, maybe two. And I'll see where it goes. Some days, maybe I will capture that roll. Other days, it may just be something simple, like my tulips that are breaking through the winter ground.

Enjoy the simple pleasures. Like a good book and cup of hot chocolate on a snowy day in March. Or, let the babe enjoy the bath a little longer, even if it does push bedtime back. Because you may miss something, and my may not be able to get that moment back.