It's not the Presents.....but the Presence That Really Matters

As many of you guessed, recently we reached a milestone in the house of Living and Loving.  The Sugar Bear has officially blessed this earth with her PRESENCE for four years, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the world is a better place for it.   Sugar is a complete and utter JOY, and I know not one person in her life that doesn't marvel at her easy going, and fun nature.  Her smile melts hearts, and her giggles tickle funny bones.  Blessed are those that know and love this amazing little bundle of goodness.

When folks ask me what Sugar Bear is "in to", I can only answer, "everything!"  Unlike many kids, she has no favorites, and yet she find joy in nearly anything that crosses her path.  It is only through comments from little friends that she is learning of "boy things" and "girl things".  I have tried hard to keep her options open.  I find it great that it isn't such a big deal to see a young girl enjoying trains, but find it criminal that young boys are usually not given the same freedom.  In our home, children are free to express their interests in a variety of toys, and I love that Sugar embraces this.  She is a princess loving, train driving, car pushing, music playing girl.  She also has a yearning for playing games with her mama, and I have to say I love it.  Growing up,  I certainly was a board game kind of girl.

So far, there has been little to no sign of the materialistic "give me's".  She might make a casual comment  of wanting something after seeing it on TV, or in a store, but a simple, "maybe someday!" from me, and she is satisfied.  I know this will probably change, but for now....I'm relishing that beautiful sense of contentment she carries with her through life.  

There is no lack of excitement in her heart.  She always finds a way to make every activity fun, and I thank her everyday for guiding me to always see the rainbow amongst the clouds.  I know it is cliche, but I really didn't know life could be this fabulous until Sugar Bear came along.  She authentically anticipates and expects the best life has to offer.....

...and usually isn't disappointed.  I love that she takes her time to enjoy each GIFT that her life offers her.  She doesn't tear into it, already thinking of the next.  She holds it... imagines it... slowly discovers it... and shares her experience with those around her.  There is much I can learn from her method of living.

I'm really not sure who enjoyed this passing of another year more, the one opening the PRESENTS, or the one sitting dumbfounded, by the shear blessing of her daughter's PRESENCE?  Either way.....we both felt a lot like this....

LIFE IS GOOD!