365 Simple Joys of 2010

365/365... 365 Simple Joys joy

365 Simple Joys.

I did it!!!!!!!!!!

I have successfully captured a year in my life as a wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Birthdays, vacations, tears, sunsets, feet, new life, naps, sickness, laughter, bokeh, snowmen, and chalk drawings. I captured every single day of 2010.

If there is anything that I have learned this year, it is this… life is too precious to let the days go by unnoticed. Every day has significance. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

Before I say good-bye to 2010 (and hello to 2011!), I would like to thank you for your support, encouragement, comments, motivation, and love this year. To my fellow 365'er friends, I have been so inspired by all of you! I feel so very honored to have met so many wonderful people throughout this year.

I am so very blessed.

Happy New Year!

365 Simple Joys joy.


Thinking of doing a 365/52 Project?? I wrote a little article on Clickin' Moms blog that may help you :) HERE.

364/365... Punky Brewster joy

She gives Punky Brewster good competition.

Punky Brewster joy.

363/365... Sweet home Chicago joy

Sweet home Chicago...

You give us reason to get together with those we love.


You give us reason to stand still and watch the world go by.


You give us reason to marvel.


You give us reason to smile from within.


You give us reason to have love the ones you are with.


You give us reason to celebrate life.


You give us so many reasons to love you... and to call you home (well... kind of :) ).


Sweet home Chicago joy.

362/365... De-Christmasing joy

As much as I love putting up the Christmas decorations, I love taking them down.

Until next year, Christmas decorations.

De-Christmasing joy.

361/365... Choo Choo joy

Our family enjoyed the day with dear friends. No matter what age... a ride on the "choo choo" to go to the "Choo Choo Restaurant" is enjoyed by all.

Choo Choo joy.

360/365... Night after Christmas joy

New sleeping bags, new pajamas, pillows, blankets, and a movie... the perfect way to spend the night after Christmas.

Night after Christmas joy.

359/365... Christmas joy

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I love the lights, the tree, the wrapping paper, the nativity, the smells, the gift giving, the excitement... it is a magical, miraculous time of the year.

As a mom, I especially love experiencing Christmas through my children's eyes.

In fact, I think I may love Christmas as a mom more than I did as a child.

Here are some moments from our Christmas 2010...


Daddy and #3 sharing a special moment.


The baby of them all was determined to eat that candy cane.


He loved playing Santa!


My mom made these pajamas for our kiddos. I love those gifts that are made with love. I also love it when my daughter experiments with lipstick.


It was extra special treat to spend some of the day with my cousin, Sky.


This one makes me smile every time.


And so does this one.


Merry Christmas to all!! I hope you had a wonderful day filled with love and memories that will last a lifetime.

Christmas joy.

358/365... Christmas Eve joy

Our family wishes you and your family faith, love, and joy this Christmas!


And a little bit of laughter as well :).

Christmas Eve joy.

357/365... Licking the beater joy

This is the best part of baking Christmas cookies.

Licking the beater joy.

356/365... Play hard, sleep hard joy

My kids had their cousin over for a sleepover last night. They stayed up late, woke up early, and played outside for 2 1/2 hours.

They should all sleep until about noon tomorrow.

Play hard, sleep hard joy.

355/365... Snowmen family joy

I can't remember the last time I made a snowman.

Today, my little man and I made an entire snowman family.

I will always remember making the snowmen on the first day of winter with my first baby.

Snowmen family joy.

354/365... Lights on the house joy

When we were driving around the neighborhoods looking at lights on Saturday night, my oldest kept saying "I wish we had lights on our house".

I know it is a short 5 days before Christmas but I put lights on our house today. My oldest was so excited to help. When we were done I asked him what he thought.

His reply... "Mom, I wish we had colored lights."

At least there are lights on the house.

Lights on the house joy.

353/365... 2nd Birthday Celebration joy

Our family and friends joined us in the celebration of our babies' 2nd birthday! How blessed their lives are with so many people who love them.

2nd Birthday Celebration joy.

352/365... Happy 2nd Birthday, Grant and Jackson joy

Two years ago, God blessed our lives with not one but TWO precious, healthy, beautiful baby boys. They truly are amazing!

Our family had a wonderful day of celebration! All of their favorites... waffles, playing with cars, reading books, lots of kisses and tickling, pizza for dinner, and driving around town to look at the pretty Christmas lights.

Grant, mommy loves you so very much! Happy 2nd Birthday, my little G man!


Jackson, mommy loves you so very much! Happy 2nd birthday, my little Jack Jack!


Happy 2nd Birthday, Grant and Jackson joy!

351/365... Sparkly snow joy

Sparkly snow makes me smile from within.

Sparkly snow joy.

350/365... War on sickness joy

My children are now medicated. The toys have been bleached. The hard surfaces have been disinfected. The sheets, blankets, and stuffed animals have been washed in the "sanitize" cycle.

This mom has had it with the sickness. I would like to have a day where I don't have used Kleenex in my pocket and dried boogers on my shirt.

War on sickness joy.

349/365... Happy Birthday, Hubby joy

The day started like any birthday should.

Birthday kisses and birthday wishes. Yummy breakfast at a restaurant...just the two of us. A little Christmas shopping.

The birthday ended like birthdays should never end. Child #1 has strep throat. Child #2 thinks he is a jungle gym. Child #3 is crying for no reason on his lap. Child #4 has non-stop boogies. No birthday dinner. New boots don't fit.

And he is still smiling... kind of. I think he deserves a birthday redo.

Happy Birthday, hubby! I know we will look back on this birthday and laugh about it sooner or later. Love you so very much!

Happy Birthday, Hubby joy.