There is nothing more endearing than the sound of a baby belly laugh. It is so refreshing and for whatever reason brings a feeling of comfort and calm. Those laughs make me believe there is hope and goodness in/for the next generation; and especially considering the hurt our world is in right now, we need a little hope and light at the end of our tunnel. Three cheers for buddha belly laughs around the horn!

Last weekend, while Scott and I were walking to our neighborhood grocery store, we heard the cutest little belly laughs made by a couple littles; both boys under 3yo. They were spraying each other with the water hose, on low stream so as not to totally blast the other brother into the neighbor’s fence. Anyways, whether learning that from an adult in their lives or just by trial and error, I am pleased to report that their sprays were gentle enough, preventing a punch or push or shove during or afterwards. Kudos to the Mama and Dada. It truly warmed our hearts, remembering fondly, moments of our own children playing in the side yard of our former home in America. Wow, I still remember the bathing suits they were wearing, the pictures I took back then, so many pictures. Not as many as moms these days, for sure, but memorable none the less. Below: 2011

After our nearly daily trip to the store – and not because I don’t meal plan, because I truly love to meal plan, but I prefer to pick up fresh vegetables as they are always available. Anyways, as Scott and I were returning home with our packs full, the little boys were still at it. I noticed that the Auntie was still looking on with that similar “joy” look as had been on my face. Although I am not quite sure how long they had been spraying each other before I had passed by, I do know that when we returned to that spot about 45min later. Yo, that’s a long time for belly laughs. Can you believe it? Admittedly, there have been times when I had heard those boys yell and scream at that house, but hey, you take the good times when they are to be had. Let us leave my snippet of the story on a positive note… faces filled with joy ’round the neighborhood, for sure. Many thanks for our neighbors for that moment.

In my house, a bit of the same joy.

Just six weeks ago my children entered 9th Grade. High School. Like other parents I have said to newer parents, “Enjoy every last minute because before you know it POOF they are grown adults!” I must say that with each new school year and stage of development, sometimes the feeling is POOF! and gosh, sometimes you want to speed up the clock. That feeling, my friends, it is necessary for us to resist.