A happiness moment from the Fourth of July.

Usually, I don’t give in to my kids-say-the-darndest-things impulses, but I can’t resist repeating here a remark made by the Big Girl during the Fourth of July weekend.

We were at the pool with the Big Man's parents, and she said to me, “You know what I was just thinking? ‘I’m in the pool, it’s summer, I’m nine years old, I’m wearing a very cute bathing suit, and my grandmother is asking me if I want anything to eat or drink.’” Her meaning was clearly -- life just doesn't get better than this.

This observation shows an admirable grasp of two of the four stages of happiness – savoring and expression (the other two are anticipation and reflection). Also gratitude.

I’m so proud.

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Comments

[Ann at One Bag Nation]

That's wonderful, Gretchen. I would be proud too. I think that gratitude is often overlooked for many kids in our culture. They're so used to having so much!

[Melody Platz]

On the Fourth of July, my boyfriend sat behind a four and five year old during the fireworks. He was practically vibrating with happiness as he related the overheard conversation:

5-year-old - Wow! Beautiful.

4-year-old - That firework was for you.

5-year-old - Thanks. THAT firework was for you.

4-year-old - Where do fireworks go when they're gone?

5-year-old - Oh, they go to heaven.

4-year-old -Ohhhhh!

[Joanne]

It's nice also that she recognized her happiness. An accumulation of pure moments like this make for a wonderful life in so many ways, in one's own and in recognizing happy moments in others!

[Gabrielle]

Children provide so many moments like this. These stories make me want one of my own.

[Gecko]

Wow, a nine year old realising how lucky she is? That's truely amazing, you must be bringing her up the right way! =)

[stephanie]

You're forgiven! Very, VERY cute, and how amazingly astute ....

[Jen]

What I especially like about this is that it doesn't sound like $1,000 Disney World day. In fact, it sounded like a fairly typical afternoon at the pool. How great that she was able to pinpoint and articulate her pleasure.

[Satyawadi]

I came across a video today that gives a number of world statistics that may put a lot of things in prospective for the future. It is especially important for anyone who will soon be entering the workforce. It’s all quite exciting when you think about it. For further information please visit http://simplisticthoughts.com/

[Satyawadi]

I came across a video today that gives a number of world statistics that may put a lot of things in prospective for the future. It is especially important for anyone who will soon be entering the workforce. It’s all quite exciting when you think about it. For further information please visit http://simplisticthoughts.com/

[Satyawadi]

I came across a video today that gives a number of world statistics that may put a lot of things in prospective for the future. It is especially important for anyone who will soon be entering the workforce. It’s all quite exciting when you think about it. For further information please visit http://simplisticthoughts.com/

[Satyawadi]

I came across a video today that gives a number of world statistics that may put a lot of things in prospective for the future. It is especially important for anyone who will soon be entering the workforce. It’s all quite exciting when you think about it. For further information please visit http://simplisticthoughts.com/

[Dannette]

Fantastic! Aren't Grandbabies the best?!