Some of the Best Things $$$ Can't Buy...

I read a magazine article recently that was asking the question, "What is the best thing money can't buy?" and it really inspired me to get a list together! There are so many things everyday that are so simple, so easy and so WONDERFUL that cost absolutely NOTHING. So I've compiled my short list:

1). A supportive, helpful husband. Nothing is better than being gone and coming home and Sam has the kitchen in order, the clothes that were in the washer transferred to the dryer and the kiddos starting bath time. Such a great feeling!



2). A good photograph. To be able to capture a moment in time is a gift to me.


photo by JClare Studios

3). Actual quote from the article: "The kind of gut-busting, tears-streaming-down-your-face, bordering-on-hysteria laugther that still makes you giggle when you think of it days later." The hilarity of an inside-joke. Can't beat it!



4). Conversations between my children. Here's a recent one. And keep in mind they've been watching a lot of Survivor with Daddy:
Cortland: "Kenz... you st-wabbed me in de back."
Kenzie-Lynn: "Bubby, you don't even know what you're talking about. That means like throwing you under the bus."
Madeline: "It's either throwing you UNDER the bus or OVER. Not sure which one. That's my inspiration (she meant 'explanation') for that."



5). Listening to the rain. Watching flames in a fire.



6). My sons teeny tiny arms wrapped around my neck. He's so little and so squeezable!


photo by JClare Studios

7). FRIENDS. To be supported, uplifted and share life experiences with my girlfriends... as a woman... that's an amazing feeling!



8). My kids filling in the blanks to a story I'm reading to them before bed.


photo by JClare Studios

9). Laying on a beach. ANY beach.



10). Memories of childhood summer days. Building forts, riding bikes, swinging on swings, drinking lemonade, eating popsicles, falling asleep next to my sister with the windows open and the curtains blowing, running until I couldn't run any longer... being careFREE!

Yes... this is my cousin and I with CRIMPED hair!


11). A genuine thoughtful gesture from a stranger. It makes me feel that the world IS a great place!

12). The ending of a GREAT day- when my children are fast asleep and I know they are sleeping soundly dreaming sweet dreams.





13). With age comes a certain comfortability and security within myself. Can't explain it. Just know it's there.

14). Good manners and good decision making.

15). The comfort and security of my bed. Everything is how I want it: the mattress, the sheets, the pillows... completely relaxing! I love when we all cuddle up together on Saturday mornings.


photo by JClare Studios

16). Hearing my favorite song at an unexpected time and singing it at the top of my lungs.

17). The feeling of acceptance. Knowing someone enjoys being around me and loves me for ME.



18). Trusting someone. Knowing without a doubt I can trust someone with anything I may share with them.



19). Unconditional love.


20). Reminiscing with an old friend or family member.

College days:


21). Getting a blog comment! Woohoo! :)

22). Seeing my family's smiling faces after they eat a meal I've cooked for them.

23). Learning something new for the first time. Something that apparently other people have known FOREVER. Like I just learned what SWAK meant two years ago! I'm a dork!

24). When my hair does what I WANT it to do!

25). Receiving a REAL hug. Not a flimsy-pat-on-the-back kinda hug. A REAL hug.