Sweet Memories

I have been reminded once again that we too often take for granted the little things in life. I was born and raised in Illinois, and lived there until I moved to Tennessee to go to college. I lived in the same house all my life, and attended the same church. We have made several trips to visit since moving away. But last weekend we made our last trip there before moving to Brazil, and somehow, so many little things became much more special.

~ Spending a day of girl time shopping with a childhood friend
~ Listening to my mom read a story to the boys every night before bed
~ Going out for lunch with a friend I've known for as long as I can remember, and holding her precious new baby for the first time
~ Sitting at the kitchen table and chatting with my older brother
~ Braiding my niece's hair
~ Joking around with my "little" brother
~ Going out for breakfast with my Grandma
~ Watching Josiah and Jonathan wake up early to go outside with their Grandpa to feed the cows and look for eggs in the barn
~ Hugging sweet ladies from my home church

These are the memories that I hold dear to my heart.