My Back Itches

Don't you hate when you've got an itch in between your shoulder blades and you can't get it?  Don't you love when you're honey notices you squirming and asks, "Can I help you with something?"

Do you get frustrated when the recycling is piling up and the garbage is overflowing and you notice it but are just so busy with life that you don't take it out?  Don't you love when you've finally finished everything else and you're just about to flop down on the couch for the night and you remember them and head to the kitchen only to see they've been taken out by your love?

Doesn't it drive you up a wall when you're washing a quick load of dishes while stirring dinner on the stove and one of your kids comes up behind you whining, "Mama...can you (fill in the blank)?"  And don't you love it when you're gritting your teeth before growling, "What?" at that innocent babe and you hear, "Come here.  Let Dada help you," from the other room?

Yeah, me too.

Sometimes, even I take those moments for granted.  But I really try to appreciate single moments, both with my kids and my husband.  I started this practice when I was pregnant with Jace and realized that it was the last time I'd ever be pregnant for the first time.  It was the only time I'd ever be pregnant without another child running around taking at least some of my attention away from the growing delight in my body.  I continued in on long, seemingly sleepless nights when he'd want to play or nurse or just look at me.  I'd look back and tell him stories, hopes, dreams, special requests (like "go to sleep now, k?") and I'd try hard not to get frustrated.  I'd remind myself that this time will pass quickly and these moments will be gone.  Jace just turned eight years old - there are still times moments I take mental snapshots of and I'm so grateful that I have albums in my head from back then too.

And at some point, not sure when exactly, I realized that Scott shouldn't be taken for granted either.  He's not perfect but he's pretty darned incredible.  We talk pretty frequently about how lucky we are to treat each other the way we do.  And what I think it really comes down to the little things.  Little things like scratching an itch, taking out the trash without being asked, or calling the kids when they're becoming a nuisance. 

The fact that we take notice of the little things we do for each other makes a world of difference in the warmth that radiates through our marriage.  It also helps carry that warmth to the depths of the ocean when he leaves me for his job.  And it helps me feel his love when I'm here alone. 

Like now.

When I have an itch. 

At first I'm totally like, "Man, I can't get...that...little...itch....ug..."

But then I hear his voice.  "Can I help you with something?"  And I smile.

I'm smiling now.  It truly is the little things.