Beauty all around

Things that make my heart melt into a big puddle of goo:

1.  That look my dog gives me through the fence, as I drive away and leave her at home.  "I love you," I say, "I'll be back."

Cutey Lacey

2.  My children's adorable sleeping faces.  And the interesting positions they sleep in; Taesya has always been one for hanging halfway off the bed, while Keller prefers to stick his butt in the air.

Keller at the Peck reunion.

3.  Sweaters and tiny corduroy dresses at Old Navy in fall colors.  Just imaging my new little daughter all snug in comfy clothes makes me very joyful.

I bought this dress for Jovie.

My Mom borrowed my Keller for the day and I was so glad.  What does a young mother do when her youngest is missing?  She does her hair and makeup!  I actually took the time to make myself look nice and boy oh boy, I felt pretty as I dropped my son off at Pre-K.  One question, though, for all you regular make-up wearers out there: do you just learn to never touch your face during the day, or what?  I go to rub my eyes or something and then say, "Dang it, I forgot I had make-up on."  Is there some magical way to rub your eyes or scratch your face that I need to learn?  I know I sound silly, but I'm really quite a novice at the make-up thing.

I filled up my van's gas tank yesterday and I realized something quirky about myself.  For once I actually filled the tank up to Full, which sounds like the normal thing to do, I know.  But I guess I usually stop it early, because it's hot outside, or the gas is pumping slow, or I don't have that much money in my budget.  So I got back into my car and started driving to the grocery store with my childrens.  I glanced at my gas gauge and it bugged me a little.  Why?  It was on Full.  Like all the way Full.  "Why does that bug me?" I pondered.  "Am I a weirdo or something?"  

Minutes later, I decided it's a cash flow thing.  When that amount of gas is sitting in my car, I no longer have access to that money.  I can't decide to spend $20 of that on something else that I might need more.  A Full gas tank feels like I'm driving around with a car full of money, money that's stuck and I can't get.  

Sounds totally strange.  I don't drive a lot, really, as far as distance goes.  So I can make a third of a tank last a week usually.  And if I need milk or bread, I'd rather that money be in my checking account, rather than my gas tank.  I'm quirky, so sue me.

Ben is quirky, too.  He has a pillow, but he doesn't sleep on it.  I've been awake often at night and I shake my head as I see his pillow propped up against the headboard, with him flat on his stomach or back, arms spread wide at his sides.  "Why do you have a pillow?" I wonder to him.

This has been kind of longish.  Hope I didn't bore you too much.  It's been a good day.  If you want to comment and share something that makes your heart melt into a big puddle, I would love to hear.