mental note: draw more smiley's.

I think I have forgotten, over the years, what its like to be a child. Thank goodness I have Benson who reminds me over and over how simple and happy life can be.

It was just a few weeks ago that Benson got a birthday card from his great grandma. And inside that card was a five dollar bill. I watched benson as he opened the card, picked up the money and then set it aside, so he could get a better look at the card. I watched him as a big smile spread across his face as he studied the giant elephant holding balloons in its trunk. And I watched him as he pointed at each and every sticker that grandma had put on the envelope, like each of them were a little treasure. I couldn't help but be reminded of the massive sticker collection I had when I was younger. I had a huge notebook. Every time i got new stickers I would transfer them to their own page in the notebook. And to this day I have no idea what the purpose of a sticker collection is, but it made me happy.


We went to Costco today. Benson loves Costco. Whenever we leave the store, he is the happiest little boy in the world. I used to think his favorite part was the samples. Boy does he love the samples. I swear this kid has hawk eyes when it comes to spotting those food carts. He will point out samples, that I try to avoid. No momma's not in the mood for a sample of spicy pickles. But he insists, and it turns out that Benson really does like spicy pickles. I used to think his favorite part was the toys. I would watch his eyes light up as we made our way through the isles of big trucks and cars. I always find myself thinking, if only I had the money to buy all these toys, it would make benson so happy. I know for a fact that that life size teddy bear would make benson pass out from happiness.

But none of these are his favorite thing at Costco. His favorite thing is at the exit door. He knows whats coming. He has his receipt ready. He hands it to the check out person, and watches as they check over the items in our cart. And then they turn over the receipt and draw a smiley face for Benson. Sometimes its a quick smiley and sometimes, like today, its an elaborate smiley. But no matter what, Benson loves it. He takes the receipt and holds it like its a keepsake. He wont let it go. Even if he falls asleep on the way home, the receipt is still clutched in his hand.

Every time we leave, I am amazed at how happy this boy could be with a simple smiley face.

And I am amazed that that simple smiley face cost me 85 bucks.