Silly Savannah

My little girl will always be my little girl.  I haven't truly grasped this concept, even though I have heard my mom exclaim it for years, until now.  My Savannah is fifteen.  Wow.  She is a young woman, full of opinions, already making tough decisions, dealing with peer pressure and having had to grow up well before her time.  Referring to my post from a few days ago, at six, she already had a lot of responsibility.  She was just five and had a three year old brother, and both a one year old and new born baby sister.  That's a lot for any child, then add the dysfunction that she had to put up with for several years and that could just about put anyone over the edge.  But not her.  Not my amazing Savannah.  She is smart, funny and full of spunk.  She is a shining star and I am so proud of her.   

So, taking all this into consideration, it is and always will be my favorite sight to witness her act like a kid, to let loose and just be her goofy self.  I found these two pictures, one from Pittsburg, PA (from when we drove from New Mexico to Maine in 2005) and the other of her last summer at my in-laws in MN.  Seven years apart, but still the same silly smile.  I love you my sweet girl and I can't wait to see you in 8 days, 23 hours, 39 minutes and 5 seconds!     

The Little Happy's

Taken while running the other day.
Another "little happy" in my life.

Today as we were on our way home from soccer practice, I looked over at the girls as they joyfully munched on Mc Donald's ice cream cones.  They had enjoyed not only getting the treat, but also the unusually funny character who took our order at the drive through.  He used silly voices and made both of the girls giggle at the unique way he served us.  I realized then, that sometimes life is simply about the little happy's.

Little happy's such as having a heart to heart conversation with those who are far away, like yesterday with my sister Kathleen and then again this morning with my cousin Christi.  Both are dear to me and life sometimes gets in the way of us touching base.  Conversations, that like today, also gave me the ability to study with my daughter Savannah for her World History Final.  We discussed such things as World Wars, Social Darwinism and Enlightenment.  Her knowledge of the terms and desire to do well, really made me proud of what a smart young lady she has grown up to be.  These "phone dates" give the impression that even though we are several hundred miles away physically, our spirits are still there, snuggled right next to one another.

So wether it is an ice cream surprise or hearing the sound of a loved one's voice on the other end of the line, it's the little happy's that get us through the sometimes not-so-happy times.

Side note, an additional "little happy," was the encouragement I received yesterday when I confessed the reasoning behind my blog-a-day goal.  Thank you to all those who take the time to read my thoughts, I truly do appreciate it.