59/365... Precious moments joy

Because I want to remember moments like this forever.

Precious moments joy.

58/365... Free massage joy

Hubby treated himself to a massage today. He really knows how to pamper himself.

Free massage joy.

57/365... Movie night joy

My idea of a good movie night has changed a lot since I've become a mom. There are no crowds. The popcorn tastes better. The seats are more comfortable. The laughter during the funny parts is the sweetest sound. The movie always has a happy ending. The movie night always ends with a goodnight story, goodnight kisses, and goodnight prayers.

Movie night joy.

56/365... Painted sunset joy

God sure can paint a beautiful sunset.

Painted sunset joy.

55/365... Movie mess joy

I needed to reorganize the movie cabinet anyway.

Movie mess joy.

54/365... Grant Michael joy

He has two favorite blankies. His favorite spot in the house is on the first step. He loves to look at books. He loves blueberries. He is a momma's boy.

I love you so very much. I'm so proud and honored to be your momma.

Grant Michael joy.

53/365... Spring is coming joy

Winter is hanging on by a thin blade of grass.

Spring is coming joy.

52/365... Daddy's girl joy

He is wrapped around her little finger.

Daddy's girl joy.

51/365... First snow joy

Today I had some special time with my twins. I took them for a wagon ride to the park while it was snowing.

I cherished every smile when I pushed them in the swings while the snow fell on their noses. I savored the moments as I watched them admire the snowflakes that landed on their tiny mittens. I loved watching them make a million little footprints in the snow.

Today was the first time they played in the snow.

First snow joy.

50/365... First sleepover joy

My baby girl had her first sleepover tonight at Grandma's (mom's) house. She was really excited about spending special time with her Grandma, big brother, and cousin. Big brother helped her pack (since he's a pro). He told me that he would take care of her.

I know he will.

First sleepover joy.



So, without the older two, my hubby and I enjoyed a "date night" with the twins.

49/365... Barney joy

Barney isn't exactly my favorite children's show. There are times when I think he isn't so bad. Especially at 5:00 p.m. and my "on duty" light is starting to flicker.

So, this was the best shot I got today of my twins together. They turned 14 months old today. Feels like just yesterday we found out we were expecting them. Now... they are engrossed by a dorky purple dinosaur. Where does the time go?

Barney joy.

48/365... Waiting for spring joy

Hey spring! We are ready when you are.

Waiting for spring joy.

47/365... Lime joy

I've got a thing for limes.

I love their smell. I love their taste. I love their color.

I love them in water. I love them in Diet Coke. I love them in a cold beer. I love the juice over a grilled chicken breast. I even love lime (and coconut) scented lotion.

Put the lime in the coconut.

Lime joy.

46/365... Calzone joy.

My sweet baby girl loves to help me in the kitchen. Tonight we made calzones together.

They were the best calzones that I have ever had.

Calzone joy.

45/365... Valentines joy

Hubby doesn't feel like having his picture taken.

My oldest was bribed with candy.

My daughter is wearing a fire hat and trying to find a place to sit.

My twins are fighting over the telephone.

They are my Valentines. They are my heart in human form.

Valentines joy.

44/365... Regan Joy joy.

It was just the two of today. We did a little shopping. She is such a good little shopper. Every time we left a store, she would say "One more shop, mama."

I LOVE our special mommy-daughter time. I am so proud to be her mommy.

Regan Joy joy.

43/365... Olympics joy and Pioneer Woman joy.

The Olympics give me goosebumps.

Olympics joy.



Here is ANOTHER joy... one of my photos was chosen as a finalist for Pioneer Woman's Depth of Field contest. The winner will be announced on Sunday. I already feel like a winner.

Pioneer Woman joy.

42/365... Falling in LOVE with winter joy.

Has winter always been this beautiful?

Falling in LOVE with winter joy.

41/365... Safe and sound joy

Looking out my bedroom window this morning, you would never know that we had an earthquake just a few hours before. Even the delicate snowflakes from yesterday's snow stayed in place.

Thank you, Lord, for protecting us.

Safe and sound joy.

40/365... Wall art joy

My 13-month old son decided that our walls needed a little pizazz. His artistic abilities should not go unnoticed.

Thank goodness the marker was washable.

Wall art joy.

39/365... Love joy

I believe this image is the perfect representation of LOVE.

LOVE joy.



I have done this before but wanted to include it as one of my "simple joys". I also wanted to see if I could do it again. I did. I also was able to capture a flare.

38/365... Good book joy

I LOVE a good book. Before I was a mom, I had a lot more time to read. If I couldn't put a book down, I didn't.

As a mom of four, I still make time to read a good book. It just takes me a little longer to finish it.

Good book joy.

This image was inspired by a fellow photographer. It is simply two pages folded into the crease of a book. The glow around the pages just happened. I'm pretty proud of this one.

37/365... Carter John joy

My oldest son. There is no one in the world like you. I am so proud and honored to be your mommy.

I LOVE you more than words...

Carter John joy.

36/365... True love joy

I cherish our friendship. I treasure the laughter and the tears that we have shared. I appreciate every moment that you, Angie, have been in my life.

Today, just the two of us shared a very special day together. My heart overflowed with pure joy and tears filled my eyes when I saw her in the bridal gown that she will wear on the day that she will marry the man of her dreams... her true companion. Today was not her wedding day but she was glowing like it was. Actually... she has been glowing since the day they met.

Thank you, God, for blessing my dear friend's life with true love. Much love to the both of you, Angie and Roger.

True love joy.

35/365... Long lashes joy

My children look just like their daddy... with their mommy's eyelashes.

I LOVE every little bit of my babies.

Long lashes joy.

34/365... Kissing joy

It truly is the simple things in my life that give me pure joy.

Whenever my twin sons want a kiss from me, they lean their heads forward so I can give them 'mooches. They often come back for seconds... sometimes thirds. I LOVE kissing my babies.

Kissing joy.

33/365... Mom joy

Thank you, God, for blessing my life with my mom. I can only hope and pray to be even half the mom to my children that my mom is to me.

Happy Birthday, Mom! I LOVE you more than words...

Mom joy.

32/365... Sex and the City joy

Happy February!

I think of February as the month of love. So, this month I'm going to have a theme with my daily photos. The theme this month, of course, is "LOVE".

Guess what I'm going to watch when The Bachelor is over tonight? Sex and the City makes me giggle. I LOVE Sex and the City!

Sex and the City joy.