The Best Things.

You know what they say.

The best things in life aren't free.

In fact, they aren't even things.

I was reminded that on several occasions this past week.

The first time was when Emma came speeding down the hall calling "Mommy! Mommy! Come and see what I've done!" Low and behold she carefully drew a picture of the two of us together.

She was so proud.

Then at Anika's soccer game the crowd of normally rambunctious preschooler spectators were still and quiet - the entire game. One of the little girls had brought her pet; a fuzzy caterpillar. They all sat in a semi circle taking turns holding and bringing leaves and twigs for the little creature. It amazed me that is captivated their attention so long.

Lastly, it was Wayne's birthday last Friday, the same day we went to the Lego Kidsfest. The next day the kids felt bad that daddy didn't get a party or presents, so we drove to the store and bought him a cheesecake while he was at work. When we came back home the kids ran off into their rooms. Wayne came home an hour later and they finally emerged, urging us to come into the room so they could give him his present - a puppet play. The characters were made from drawings taped to pencils, the play surface was created from the top of a desk, the furniture was borrowed from the doll house, and the rest of the props were from other useful sources of their creativity.

The idea that my kids cared enough to do something when they had what most people would think of as nothing makes me proud, for they don't even know that these little things happening now are the best things in life - making memories.

And they are free.

~Melissa