The longest days

Sometimes a day seems much longer than it should. We had one of those today with a whirlwind out of trip to see family. We pulled out of the driveway with the kids fresh out of their pajamas and pulled back in again when it was 15 minutes past bedtime. Sometimes there's no help for it. Schedules must be broken.

But home seems like a special haven tonight.

Day breaks

There's something beautiful about the short trip. I'm a homebody by nature, and I'm perfectly content to take most of my trips curled up on the couch as I read a book. But every now and then, a day trip is in order.

It doesn't have to be elaborate. I get just as much joy out of a jaunt to the bookstore and a drop by the coffee shop. But it does wonders for my perspective.

My gifts to myself today:
1. A day trip with my kids
2. A chance to daydream on the patio with a glass of wine
3. A pedicure

What three things will you do for yourself today?

Hooray for dads!

He soothes the baby back to sleep. He groggily makes cereal for our oldest when he pads out of bed at his early riser wake up time. He changes diapers, comforts, disciplines, and gives great hugs.

Being a dad is hard work.

So today, I'm giving three gifts to my husband.

1. A chance to sleep in
2. Some time for him
3. A quiet dinner for two after the kids go to bed

What are your gifts today?