Day 28 | Joy of Love: "the future"
Some days we read together. Some days we watch a tv show together. Some days we color together. Some days we cook together.
Today, we practiced writing her name together.
This day seemed far off into the future when she was an infant. And there she was today, writing each letter of her name.
Why does the future have to come so fast?
The future joy.
Day 27 | Joy of Love: "what they say"
Him: Mom, can you help me learn how to tie my shoes.
Me: Of course I will.
Him: Learning how to tie shoes is really tricky.
Me: Teaching you how to tie shoes is even trickier.
Him: I guess we are learning together. Huh, mom?
Me: Oh how I love you, buddy.
Learning how to tie shoes joy.
Day 26 | Joy of Love : "bromance"
My sister and her family came for a quick visit this weekend. It has only been 3 weeks since they moved but I miss my sister, my niece and nephew terribly.
And my kids missed their cousins. Because cousins are the best buds ever.
Although the visit was quick, it was wonderful.
Best buds joy.
Day 25 | Joy of Love: "when you love them the most"
He can fix just about anything. He makes me smile. He knows how to figure things out. He is simple, yet complex.
I love him for so many reasons.
But I love him the most when he is giving love.
Giving love joy.
Day 24 | Joy of Love: "where"
On Thursday mornings when my older two are at school and the younger two are playing with a wonderful helper, this is where I go.
My bedroom. Laptop. Lists. Almonds. Binders. Water. Camera. 3-hole punch. Mom Agenda. More lists. Phone. Oprah.
I love Thursday mornings.
Peace and productivity joy.
Day 23 | Joy of Love: "facebook"
I have been guilty of spending countless hours on the computer. Facebook, blogs, websites, forums. All truly wonderful things. BUT they take time away from the things that matter the most... my faith, my family, myself.
When I had a few moments today, I chose to put my FACE in a BOOK instead of logging onto Facebook.
It was time well spent.
Face in a Book joy.
Disclaimer... I wasn't REALLY reading while taking this picture. Obviously. But... I did start it today and it's pretty good. I am taking baby steps to a healthier lifestyle. As of today, I'm 7 pounds lighter. And it feels good!
Day 22 | Joy of Love: "face"
No matter the mood, I will never get tired of looking at
this
adorable
face
Adorable face joy.
Day 21 | Joy of Love: "hands"
Clean hands. Happy faces.
Love it.
Clean hands joy.
Day 20 | Joy of Love: "when they're home"
When they're home, they make big messes everywhere.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Big messes joy.
Day 19 | Joy of Love: "when they're gone"
My mom and I took the oldest two to see Gnomeo and Juliet. They sat so well throughout the entire movie.
Then we went to Hobby Lobby. For the first few aisles, they loved looking at all the goodness that Hobby Lobby offers.
And then... they were gone. Done.
Attention span joy.
Day 18 | Joy of Love: "going out"
My best friend's handsome son was born 3 months early. He spent several weeks in the hospital, consistently amazing all.
And this was the first time we have met.
He is just like his mommy... beautifully perfect inside and out.
Staying in with my best friend and her miracle son was the perfect way to spend my "going out" Friday night.
Perfect staying in, going out Friday night joy
Day 17 | Joy of Love: "staying in"
The weather forecast predicted temperatures to be near 60 degrees. 75 degrees warmer than last Thursday!
I was prepared to be rebellious with today's theme. My kids and I were going to play outside all day. No "staying in".
But it was COLD. The damp, overcast COLD.
So, we stayed in. And cuddled in the "off limits" room with pillow pets.
Cold warm day joy.
Day 16 | Joy of Love: "together (self-portrait)"
I had big plans for today's self-portrait. I was going to shower, put on some make-up, and wear something other than exercise clothes.
This is about as good as it is going to get for today's theme. The kids were extra cranky. I haven't showered. Not even sure if I brushed my teeth. No makeup. Forget the hair. Still have on my frumpy exercise clothes (but I DID exercise).
Some days are like this.
It makes me extra grateful for the better days. And the days that I can shower. And brush my teeth.
Self-portrait fail joy.
Day 15 | Joy of Love: "kiss"
Truth be told, I love to smother my babies in kisses.
Smothering in kisses joy.
Day 14 | Joy of Love: "wedding band"
I am so very, very blessed.
Very, very blessed joy.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Day 13 | Joy of Love: "routines"
Exercise and making better choices in what I eat are now a consistent part of my daily routine.
And it feels really good.
Healthy routine joy.
Day 12 | Joy of Love: "eyes"
His eyes tell me exactly how he is feeling. Excited. Tired. Sad. Hungry. Surprised. Loved. Upset. Inspired.
For the past few days they have told me that he is sick.
I don't like seeing my babies with sick eyes.
Sick eyes joy.
Day 11 | Joy of Love : "dreams"
What's a boy to do when he hasn't been outside for several days because of the bitter cold temperatures and deep, deep snow but dream of spring.
Dreaming of spring joy.
Day 10 | Joy of Love: "space"
They have taken over the house. They think every room belongs to them.
Hubby and I have tried to make our bedroom "off limits". That has worked out real well as you can see.
Looks like we are going to need a bigger bed.
Their space joy.
Day 9 | Joy of Love: "passions and hobbies"
He can pronounce their names better than adults can. He absorbs every fact. He has countless shirts and pajamas. He can spend hours playing with the figurines. He talks about being a paleontologist when he grows up.
He loves dinosaurs.
He loves dinosaurs joy.
Day 8 | Joy of Love: "gift from the heart"
He gave me the best gift that I had ever received or ever will receive. He asked me to love him for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live.
I said yes. With all of my heart. Yes.
Gift from the heart joy.
Day 7 | Joy of Love : "generations"
They are our future generation.
Watch out world.
Future generation joy.
Day 6 | Joy of Love: "who they love"
They dress alike. They are starting to look alike. They absolutely adore one another.
Cousin love is the best.
Cousin love joy.
Joy of Love | Day 5: "love to hate"
He doesn't close cabinets or drawers. He works too much. He snores. He doesn't put his breakfast dishes in the dishwasher.
I could go on and on listing the little things he does that drive me crazy. Things I would love to hate. His imperfections.
It's those imperfections that make him perfect to me.
His imperfections joy.
