At this moment there is no field report on our front page, so I thought it was high time to contribute!

My husband, as are so many of ours, is the primary earner in the household. All the luxuries and basics of my life are provided by his hard work. I have made many efforts to become more appreciative of my dear husband, and to show it more.

Previously, when I found my husband's pay stub laying around, I would dutifully check it for accuracy and shred it like any other paperwork that had served its purpose. Instead, I began scooping it up and writing a thankful, cute note on it and posting it to the refrigerator. Things like "thank you for the late hours, you deserve this!" or "The puppy and kitty are so thankful to have full bowls thanks to you!" and 'sign' it with a paw print. I know I'm childish!! Sorry, not sorry.

Then when possible, I would catch him with it at the door. I would pore over it (not critically but in awe, maybe) hold it up and thank him (quite honestly) for certain expenses we had had or mention all the times he has to answer work calls after hours. This is really from the heart. Quite often I think of the junker I was driving before and how much nicer it is to ride in the car he bought me, for example.

Anyway, I think at first he wasn't taking me seriously. Maybe assuming I was being sarcastic. But then he started giving me a kiss and saying how it's worth it for you, babe. Things like that.

And yesterday! He didn't have it handy when he got home... I didn't really think about asking him for it... but this morning I found it on the fridge, rather than strewed anywhere. So even though I thought he didn't care, I suspect that it has been making him feel pretty good. TBH I would have kept on anyway because it's an exercise in cultivating my gratitude, but I also feel a swell of love and pride... over this little thing.

"The appreciative woman who learns to enjoy common pleasures around her always has a source of joy near at hand."