November 2

While I was cleaning up the family room this evening, I found this. It's a charming little illustrated book that features hand-drawn iterations of the "Paw Patrol" gang.

I have no idea when Brady actually made it, but I love it, and here's why, aside from its undeniable adorabililty degree: it's a snapshot of childhood. I know he won't love these characters forever; in fact, that phase is probably just about over, since it's a preschool show and he's a big first grader. It's a lovingly created version of something that he enjoyed during this limited, fleeting moment in time.

I know --maybe as well as anyone-- that it's important to really stop and breathe in these moments. I think it's why I'm forgetful and why my house is usually a mess and why I tend to spend mornings with friends rather than toiling away with work: I want to remember, to inhale, to really live this life. And since I'm blessed to be able to step back and really see what's around me each day --and to have the time to love people in a meaningful way-- that's just what I'm going to do: I'll focus on the moments, just like Brady focused on making this sweet little book.