“It isn’t the great big pleasures that count the most; it’s making a great deal out of the little ones.” ~ Jean Webster, pseudonym for Alice Jane Chandler Webster, American author
My 11-year-old daughter often reminds me to enjoy simpler things like:
- snow angels
- snuggles on the couch
- spending time with family — because her favorite thing in the world is to hang out with her older siblings, (and that includes their spouses and boyfriend)
- game nights — because usually those include her older siblings
- walks to the park
- hugs
Sometimes I think “significant” memories have to be big and grand to be memorable, like the time we took the family to Mexico for a come-one-come-all vacation. A wonderful time, to be sure. But there are at-home, every day pleasures too — and I don’t want to miss those in my search for the “great big pleasures.”
In Your Words: What simple pleasure would you make a big deal out of?
Comments 29
Some of my favorite times are when my hubby and our college daughter agree to play Scrabble with me. We all three love words and have a blast playing the game. We’re quite competitive normally, but we agreed to put that aside. Instead we help each other at times, pointing out ways to get even more points by putting a word somewhere else or helping recall those useful two-letter words. We visited our daughter this past weekend, and we got our Scrabble fix. Fun! =)
Oh, that sounds like fun, Keli.
I enjoy Scrabble too — but I fail completely at the whole “racking up the points” aspect of the game. Too much strategy for me. 🙂
We make a huge deal out of “pizza and movie night” and “game night” at our house. It’s our family time!!
Awesome pics!!
Those photos bring back a favorite memory of an Estes Park vacation.
And game night — bring it on! My family loves it too.
Fresh brewed coffee, a friend’s visit, playing anything with my grandlittles, sitting outside with my husband to watch the sunrise, scented candles, relaxing on my backyard swing…….I think the list is endless, Beth.
Lists like this are good.
Mine would include scented candles too.
And a backyard hammock that fits one (or more).
And taking walks with my husband. We call them “walkie-talkies.” Yeah, corny, I know. But so, so needed.
Time with family – any time – is my greatest pleasure. Hearing my grandsons yell, “Momo!” when I walk through their front door.
When our boys were little I got tired of the constant line of friends sleeping over, so I instituted “Brother Night.” The boys were allowed to sleep downstairs in the den, watching movies and eating popcorn. I did it to save my sanity, but now that they’ve all grown up, it’s one of the things they remember most.
Last night I laughed (deep gut laughing) on my DD’s bed with her for over an hour. We hid under the covers, laughed, hid, then laughed. It’s the stuff of life.
~ Wendy
Ah, sweet treasured time, Wendy.
Some of my favorite times are when my husband and I cuddle and just talk: about our dreams, our days, anything at all. And we love taking walks too, although those are a little less peaceful with a 50-pound puppy tugging on the leash. But still fun.
I need to remember this quote. So often I rush ahead, looking for the next big thing, event, goal. But those little ones can be the most peace-filled and pleasant.
Well, now I’m tearing up, Lindsay.
We had our walks with our silly little puppy who became a 90 pound Lab who never managed to graduate from obedience school. And well, now we’re all savoring our memories of him. Tomorrow’s going to be a tough day around here.
Oh no, Beth! I didn’t mean to make you cry. I’m so sorry about your dog–I always think of my pets as family members. I’m glad you have so many wonderful memories of him.
It’s OK, Lindsay, I was already crying . . .
Really …
savoring the little pleasures …
My favorite recent time was yesterday afternoon picking my grandkids up after school telling them about the home & 40 acres I believe will soon be ours–the treehouse, little greenhouse, swingset, small animal barns, the girl’s room the present (artist) owner painted w/ strawberry shortcake motif, the boy’s room painted w/ a neat sports car. Nothing is better than providing fun outdoor farm-learning family activities with these bright kids who love to explore, learn, and roam–almost as much as I do.
Dee,
I love how you often speak of your grandkids when you post.
🙂
Family game/movie nights, dates with my husband, cuddling on the couch after an “in-home move date,” one-on-one time with our kids, “girl time” with friends, playing in the snow with our kids. . . I’m sure my list could go on and on. 🙂 Loved the pictures and your words today!
Such great glimpses into the “little moments” of your life, Jeanne.
🙂
You’re a part of a number of those “little moments,” my friend. 🙂
🙂
Agreed.
I love the simple pleasure of a cup of coffee and conversation on a leisurely Saturday morning. Hmm, haven’t had one of those in a long time, though (the leisurely Saturday, I mean…coffee is in abundance.)
My favorite family memories are when all of us are gathered around a table, playing a game, laughing…and laughing…and laughing…
Laughter.
My favorite sound.
Truly.
And it happens so often during a game night.
:O)
Oh my word, I’d be right in there with your 11-year old!!! The simple pleasure of playing in the snow and creating snow art delights me to no end. Perhaps it’s because we don’t get snow except once every 5 years this far south. 🙂 Great pics!
Tea with a friend…a meal shared at a local B&B…an impromptu walk around the block in the sunshine…you never know when something ordinary will turn into extraordinary!
Agreed, Pat!
🙂
Oohhh, I’m a big fan of game night too. And walks. And hugs. 🙂
Hope you have a great weekend, Beth!
Hugs . . . and more hugs.
Little things that mean a lot.
We make big deals out of pizza and movies on Friday nights and breakfast on Saturday mornings. We usually remember the moments that make us laugh the most like when my husband went to pour syrup and the bottle top came off. My kids still talk about that, but rarely do I hear them talk about the beaches, other than to ask when we’re going back. LOL
Love small pleasures!
Syrup . . . Yeah, that’s a memory making moment for certain!!