Sunday, January 31, 2010

31/365... February joy

January has never been my favorite month. This year was no different. It was filled with sickness and sadness.

I'm ready for February.

February joy.

In other news...
Yeah for me!!! I've made it one month with this project and still going strong!

31/365

Saturday, January 30, 2010

30/365... Big box and smelly markers joy

Sometimes all it takes is a big empty box and some smelly markers to keep 'em happy.

Big empty box and smelly markers joy.

30/365

Friday, January 29, 2010

29/365... Thankful joy

A mother just knows when something is just not right with her child. It's like a sixth sense.

We made 3 trips to the doctor this week. After each visit, I wasn't completely confident that the high fevers, decreased appetite, irritable behavior, lack of energy, etc. were all due to the immunizations.

Today, my baby needed to have an IV put in to rehydrate his poor little body. It tears your heart out to see your child so sick. You just feel so helpless.

What is my "simple joy" today? I actually have several. My baby didn't need to be admitted into the hospital. He has eaten. He has played. He has smiled. He has even laughed.

And I don't think my oldest son has chicken pox like I thought he did earlier this evening.

God is so good.

Thankful joy.

29/365

Thursday, January 28, 2010

28/365... Mr. Sun joy

Good morning, Mr. Sun! How I have missed your smiling face.

Mr. Sun joy.

28/365

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

27/365... Big sink joy

My poor babies woke up with a fever again this morning. The only thing that made them calm down was the cool bath I gave them in the kitchen sink. Thank goodness that we have a large kitchen sink.

Big sink joy.

27/365

I needed to capture a moment like this today. I love reading to my children but I think I love hearing them read to each other even more.

My baby is learning to read joy.

27/365

Update on "the fever"... I think the boys are on the road to health because they have been fever free for 10-hours. One of the twins did have blood work done and that thankfully came back normal. Praying that my babies will feel better soon.

From the bottom of my heart... thank you to my mom, my mother-in-law and father-in-law, and my hubby for quickly rearranging your schedules today! It meant more than you know...

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

26/365... Cuddling sick babies joy

It breaks my heart when my children are sick. I would much rather be the sick one.

My twins got their 12-month immunizations last week. After 4 days and no sign of any side-effects, I thought they were in the clear. Day 5... high fevers for them both. My poor babies have been miserable for 4 days now. We took them to the dr. yesterday just to make sure there weren't any underlying issues. We can keep blaming the shots.

I never liked shots as a kid. I really don't like them as a mom.

My joy?? All they want to do is cuddle.

Cuddling sick babies joy.

26/365

Monday, January 25, 2010

25/365... Me joy

Some of my fellow 365 Project friends are doing a "Me Monday". I'll try it but it may end up being a "Me Monthly".

I have been inspired by a photographer friend to list some facts about me. I'll give it a whirl.

Here are 11 things about me...

1. I am so blessed with an amazing family and wonderful friends. I can't tell them enough how thankful I am for them.

2. I have 4 children who are 4-years old and younger. They are all named after presidents because I am a teacher who had to stick with a theme.

3. There is an indescribable feeling I get while I'm enjoying a good book... especially when there is a little person... or two... or four sitting on my lap enjoying it with me.

4. I have known my hubby for almost 20-years. He still gives me butterflies.

5. Photography is my passion. I think of my camera as my 5th child.

6. I hate my knees.

7. I have to make my bed every day.

8. I'll never be pregnant again and that makes me sad. I know our family is complete but I truly loved being pregnant and bringing new life into the world.

9. I love to scrapbook. I have been working on my wedding album for 4 years. I hope to finish it before our 50th wedding anniversary.

10. I'm a self-taught knitter and crocheter.

11. My husband and children are my heart in human form.

Me joy.

25/365

Sunday, January 24, 2010

24/365... Love my hubby joy

My poor hubby...

Today was just not his day.

Yet, he still smiled and laughed with our son as they made blueberry muffins together.

Love my hubby joy.

24/365

Saturday, January 23, 2010

23/365... Project Life joy

I am as passionate about scrapbooking as I am about photography. There is an indescribable feeling I get as I document the memories of my life. I know that these special keepsakes will be passed on to my children, then their children... and on and on...

I truly enjoy sharing my 365 Simple Joys blog with family, friends, and others who are also taking on this project. But, to me, there is nothing like actually touching the photographs, the hand-written journaling, the album.

Today, my Project Life scrapbooking kit created by Becky Higgins arrived! Yippee!!! This kit will be a key element in continuing and, hopefully, completing this project.

Yes, taking a photo a day, uploading it, blogging it, sharing it, and then scrapbooking it requires a lot of time. BUT my hope is that the time spent to complete this project will be just a fraction of time that it will be loved and treasured by those that I love and treasure.

Project Life joy.

23/365

One more thing... today my cousin is celebrating her birthday. We don't live close to one another. We don't talk to each other as often as we should. That doesn't mean that I don't think of her... especially on her birthday! Happy Birthday, Melissa!! I love you!!!!

Friday, January 22, 2010

22/365... Photography joy

I love sharing my love of photography with my kiddos. Although, they are a lot like me. They would rather be behind the camera.

Today my son learned how to properly hold the camera. Tomorrow's lesson will focus on cleaning and caring for your gear.

Photography joy.

22/365

Thursday, January 21, 2010

21/365... Sparkly clean kitchen joy.

I decided today that I actually feel worse if I just sit around and dwell on how sick I am. So, I cleaned my kitchen. I washed the cabinets. Scrubbed the floors on my hands and knees. I even cleaned the inside of the refrigerator.

When I was done, I went back on the couch for a few minutes to feel sick again.

Sparkly clean kitchen joy.

21/365

This little man needed a bath after enjoying his ravioli lunch. We have 4 bathrooms but only one of them has a tub. The bathroom that has a tub is being remodeled right now so we bathe the younger kiddos in the kitchen sink.

21/365

So much for my clean kitchen sink.

Clean baby joy.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

20/365... Healthy kids joy

I have a cold. A bad one. I have a horrid headache. My nose is raw from the blowing and wiping. My throat feels like I've swallowed razor blades.

My joy? My kids are healthy.

Healthy kids joy.

20/365

Happy Anniversary to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law! Lots of love to you!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

19/365... Best medicine joy

I have been trying to fight a little cold these past few days. The best medicine I have been given is a heart-melting smile from my self-dressed baby girl.

I'm feeling better already.

Best medicine joy.

19/365

Another "joy" from today is that I am so geeked up about getting into an online photography workshop! The class filled in under 5 minutes! I'm hoping with this workshop my photography skills will only improve. Yippee!!!

Monday, January 18, 2010

18/365... Corn popper joy

Corn poppers. Kids love them. Adults hate them.

By the way, I'm signing him up for America's Got Talent tomorrow. LOL!!

Corn popper joy.

18/365

Sunday, January 17, 2010

17/365... Winter morning joy

I'm not a huge fan of winter. I don't like driving on snow-covered roads. I hate being cold. The process of bundling up to go outside exhausts me.

All that aside, I do think winter is beautiful.

Winter morning joy.

17/365

Saturday, January 16, 2010

16/365... Baby boy feet joy.

I blink. They grow.

Baby boy feet joy.

16/365

Friday, January 15, 2010

15/365... Veggie pizza joy

The family and I celebrated my little brother's birthday tonight. We went out for pizza. Veggie pizza is yummy! I think it was especially good since I didn't have to make it or clean up after we were done eating it.

Hope you had a great 26th birthday, Dusty! Love you!

Veggie pizza joy.

15/365

Thursday, January 14, 2010

14/365... I Heart Faces: Hands of Love



I have decided to do a I Heart Faces challenge! The theme is "hands".

A dear friend of mine has breast cancer.

Tonight I held her hand. I cried with her as her hair was shaved off. I laughed with her when she was practicing putting on her wig and it slightly resembled the Farrah Faucet do. I marveled at how beautiful she is... with or without hair.

Her life is so blessed with a beautiful daughter, a loving husband, a caring mom, and supportive friends. In this image, she is holding her mom's hand. Sometimes you just need your mom. No matter how old you are. Especially when you are fighting cancer.

14/365

10 minutes before I left to be with my dear friend, I found this book lying on the toy room floor. My kids are too young to read this book so I have no idea why it was even out. The title of this book is true but tonight... haircuts hurt.

Fighting joy.

14/365

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

13/365... Candyland joy

I enjoyed a game of Candyland with my favorite 4-year old today. I forgot how much I enjoy that game. I love winning. Today, I loved losing more.

Candyland joy.

13/365

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

12/365... Colorful toy joy

My sweet baby girl through the opening of a tower of colorful stacking bowls. Sometimes a mommy just needs to play with toys, too.

Colorful toy joy.

12/365

Monday, January 11, 2010

11/365... Reflection joy

My kiddos have been sick with all sorts of nastiness. We have been home. A lot.

The new toys are no longer entertaining them. Apparently their own reflection is the best toy of all.

I was able to put this mirror up in my daughter's room. Smudge marks and all.

Reflection joy.

11/365

Sunday, January 10, 2010

10/365... Silent joy

I cherish the moments that my children are awake. I love every discovery, smile, and giggle.

I cherish the moments that my children are sleeping. I love the silence.

Silent joy.

10/365

Saturday, January 9, 2010

9/ 365... Peaceful joy

It's rare for me to be alone. I can hardly go to the bathroom or shower without having a little person (or two... or all four) joining me. I'm ok with that but there are times that I just need to have a little "me time".

Today I took some time for me. So I went for a drive. No music. Just me. Alone.

Peaceful joy.

Then I came back home ready to put myself on hold for a while.

9/365

Today a special little girl turned ONE! Happy Birthday to my niece, Grace!

Friday, January 8, 2010

8/365... Sunflare joy

There is something about colorful sun flare that makes me feel giddy. I didn't even notice that I was knee deep in snow to capture this. After several days of dull, gray skies, it was nice to see the sun again.

Sunflare joy.

8/365

Thursday, January 7, 2010

7/365... Funny joy

Should I be concerned that my 2-year old daughter is carrying around her pink toy gun in her baby doll's stroller? LOL!! At least I won't have to worry about her being a protective mother. In case you are wondering, we did not buy that gun for her.

Funny joy.

7/365

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

6/365... First words joy

Today this little man reached up to me and said "momma". That small word meant the world to me.

First words joy...

6/365

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

5/365... Yarn joy

Last year I taught myself how to knit and crochet. (I'm a DIY kind of gal). I LOVE yarn! I love the way it feels. I love the way it smells. I love the colors. Today my oldest two kids helped me sort and organize my yarn. It's been a while since I've picked up those knitting needles. I think when the house is quiet tonight, I just may knit something.

Yarn joy.

5/365

This post is in celebration of the best yarn ball winder I know (not to mention a very special friend). Happy Birthday, Katie!

Monday, January 4, 2010

4/365... Laundry joy

Where is the joy in THIS MUCH laundry??? I had to dig a little for that answer but it came to me quickly... God has blessed my life with 4 beautiful children and 1 fabulous hubby. I would much rather do 8 loads of laundry in one day than not have my family in my life.

Laundry joy.

4/365

I'm breaking my own rules by posting two pictures today. I couldn't resist this one. My 4-year old went back to preschool today and apparently it pooped him out. I thought it was especially sweet that his hands were folded.

Sleeping joy.

4/365 (Breaking my own rules! LOL!)

One more thing... Happy Birthday, Aunt Kay!!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

3/365... Naptime joy

Ahh... reading before nap time. It's one of my favorite times of the day. I don't know gives me more joy... having the boys on my lap while I read to them or watching the man that I love share a special moment with our children.

Naptime joy.

3/365

Saturday, January 2, 2010

2/365... Mommy-Daughter time joy

My daughter and I spent the morning together... at the dr.'s office. The poor thing has had a red spot on her eye for the past few days that has not gone away. Despite the fact that we spent most of the day at the dr.'s and Walmart waiting for her prescription, it was nice to spend that one-on-one time with her. It looks like we will be spending more time together on Monday since she has to go see an eye doctor. I hope and pray that it is nothing serious and am looking forward to spending more one-on-one time with my baby girl.

Mommy-Daughter time joy.

2/365

Friday, January 1, 2010

1/365... I love you joy

My 4-year old's expression of his love for me made it easy to decide what to post as my first "simple joy" of 2010.  I love you more than words, buddy...

I Love You joy.

1/365

365 Simple Joys

Happy 2010!  I generally don't make New Year's resolutions.  If I want to change or improve something, I usually just do it... no matter what day of the year.  On this day, January 1, 2010, I am starting a project that I believe will become very dear to my heart. 

My hope is to capture and document the "simple joys" of my every day life of 2010 as a wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.  And so... let the simple joys be abundant this year!