Big Moon, Little Star

The universe gives us many challenges, but I think it tries to balance them with blessings- if only we can take the time to notice. Tonight as I left work I was amazed by how warm it was for January 31st. Ella B was also amazed and began running around the driveway the second we arrived home. We spent a solid hour swinging, spinning ("dizzy mommy"), racing ("ready, set, go!"), and making leaf piles.

We were having so much fun that we didn't realize it was getting dark. Soon, the sun had settled far beyond the houses and all that remained was a ribbon of pink and blue. Ella looked up and noticed the moon. I looked too and saw the first star of the night.

"Look El, a star," I said, pointing at the sky.
"Star?"
"Yeah, a star. Way up in the sky."
She looked up and reached her little arms into the air.
"Big Moon. Little Star," she said.
"That's right, buddy."

It quickly grew darker and we watched as more stars appeared.

"Notha one mommy. Notha one."

I sat down on the driveway and Ella followed suit. At some point, we found ourselves lying on the driveway, hand in hand, watching the sky fill up with sparkles. We sang "Twinkle Twinkle" a few times until the night was illuminated with more than just stars.

And there we were, Big Moon and Little Star, counting our blessings.