The Little Things Matter

Jake and I never really celebrate Valentine's Day. With that in mind the man has never shown up empty handed on the day. This years sweet treat was a box of chocolate cover caramel popcorn (OMG!!! BEST thing ever!), Forrero Roche's and a teddy bear. Just a thoughtful gift he must have picked up before the day because he showed up at 6:30 am after a long night of work with his gifts and that winning smile that makes my heart skip a beat.

The  reason why we never "really" celebrate Valentine's Day is that we try to show each other love and appreciation everyday. Grand gestures are always nice but its the little things that really make the difference.

On Valentines Day I was having a bad day. My fibromyalgia had decided to flare up, probably due to the cold, leaving several of my joints and muscles sore and causing some extreme fatigue. I ended up spending most of the day sleeping. Around dinner time I was up and about. He made dinner and then had to rush off to work again. After getting he kids bathed and in bed I was exhausted and was back in bed. I messaged him expressing my fatigue and warning him of the messy kitchen I dint have the energy to clean. No one likes coming home to a dirty kitchen.He of course said, "who cares, just get your rest". I figured after a good nights sleep I could tackle it in the morning.

I woke up to Jake crawling into bed around 7am. I kissed him goodnight and got up preparing to clean the kitchen...but first coffee. When I walked in the kitchen the dishes had been done and the coffee had been brewed. I was immediately touched. Its not a rare thing for Jake to do the dishes, or do his share of chores but on this occasion I knew why he had taken the time to do them.

Now they say it takes two to tango. It's all fine and dandy to do nice things for your spouse but if it goes unnoticed neither of you benefit from it.  I like doing little things for Jake. Like bringing him coffee in bed. Its a little thing but I know he appreciates it. How do I know? He tells me with a thank you, a squeeze of the hand and a smile. And that makes me feel  good.

Take the time to notice the little things and appreciate them. Its the day to day that makes a difference in your life. We want to teach our children to be good people . To do things for others and appreciate others when they do things for us. We try our very best to lead by example.