Do you celebrate the seemingly small things? I actively practice this because I often take good things for granted. See this picture? To most of you, it is just a cute picture of me and Jackson in a parking lot. This seemingly ordinary picture represents years of work and overcoming a tough week. It would be normal and easy to gloss over today, Jackson’s first day at school this year, but I am not taking this for granted.

This picture is one of my most proud mama moments. Jackson marched into school today and was happy and excited to go in. He told me this morning that “he knew what he was doing because he went to school last year.” Man, do I LOVE hearing that confidence! Before leaving for school, he walked over to me while I was eating breakfast, looked me in the eyes, and said, “I love you, Mama!” :: I’m not crying, you’re crying::

This time last year, Jackson would not leave my arms and cry hysterically before being taken into the classroom. This pattern lasted for a month before he finally went to school with caution. Now, he knows I love him, and he can confidently leave my side.

This time last week, Jackson had a high fever and was miserable as we got through a week of croup. He was not himself, and we were all out of sorts. Today, he knows he is feeling better and no longer sick.

So, this cute little picture of us in the parking lot on a rainy Monday morning represents a year of hard work, a really tough week of being sick, and so much pride for this Mama Bear and her little boy growing up so fast.

It would be easy to take this moment for granted. I almost did. Instead, I am celebrating it with as much excitement as I would for any other goal I set for myself. Celebrate it all. There is always more work, effort, and time put into these little moments than we realize. Way to go, Jackson! Mama is so proud of you 💖