365 Simple Joys

214/365... I've moved joy

2011-08-02T23:33:00.000-05:00

I must admit that I have not been faithful to my Simple Joys blog. I went through a time that I just needed a little break.

BUT

I have continued to take a picture a day. Because capturing the simple joys is what it is all about.

So, I'm going to take the time and catch up. I will catch up. I will complete this project that I've started.

And I will complete the 2011 Simple Joys at my new blog home...

www.shannonjoy.com

Can't wait for you to see it!

And because I can't post without a picture...

Hopefully that made you want to see more.

I've moved joy.

146/365...Preschool and Kindergarten Graduates joy

2011-05-26T16:33:00.000-05:00

Seems like just yesterday that I took this picture of my babies.

Her first day of preschool and his first day of kindergarten.

And today was her last day of preschool and his last day of kindergarten.

It happened in a blink.

Makes me a little teary eyed.

It was a full day of "Last Day" Celebrations. We ended the day with closing Preschool program and Kindergarten Graduation.

Baby Girl has perfected looking adorable. Even if she didn't sing a word and swished her dress while on stage.

And my sweet little man graduated Kindergarten. He sang and performed his role in the class play perfectly.

And I got a little teary eyed.

OK. I was a blubbering mess.

If only I could freeze time.

So very proud of you, Carter and Regan!

Preschool and Kindergarten Graduates joy.

145/365... Happy 6th Birthday, Carter John joy

2011-05-25T16:30:00.001-05:00

Six years ago, God blessed our lives with a healthy, sweet baby boy. The years have flown by in a blink.

Carter, you have such a kind heart and a sweet soul. You are such a blessing in our lives. We thank God every single day for blessing us and trusting us to raise you, our son. We are so very grateful.

Happy 6th Birthday, Carter John!!!

Happy 6th Birthday, Carter John joy.

144/365... Giggling on a swing joy

2011-05-24T16:15:00.000-05:00

I can still hear her giggling.

Giggling on a swing joy.

143/365... Nap joy

2011-05-23T16:07:00.004-05:00

I was inspired by a fellow photographer friend, Lynne, to sneak into my boys' room while they were napping to capture my babies sleeping.

I'm so very glad that I did.

They grow far too quickly.

Nap joy.

142/365... Lazy day joy

2011-05-22T15:57:00.000-05:00

Some days are lazy. Just plain lazy.

Lazy day joy.

In other news... my thoughts and prayers go out to so many people who were affected by the tornado devastation in Missouri. Makes me extra thankful that our time in the crawlspace was for nothing more serious than some wind, thunder, and lightening.

141/365... Day of goodness joy

2011-05-21T15:52:00.000-05:00

It was a day full of goodness.

My son scored 3 goals during his soccer game.

A little nap.

We celebrated the 10 year anniversary of my cousin and her husband with family and friends.

Lots of hugging. Lots of celebrating. Lots of smiling.

I love days like this.

Day full of goodness day.

140/365... Beautiful spring day joy

2011-05-20T15:43:00.000-05:00

It was a beautiful spring day.

Finally.

Beautiful spring day joy.

139/365... My best friend and her miracle son joy

2011-05-19T15:40:00.001-05:00

My best friend and her precious, miracle son who was born 14 weeks early.

There are no words.

Only prayers of thanks and gratitude.

My best friend and her miracle son joy.

138/365... Riveting joy

2011-05-18T22:13:00.001-05:00

This was the only picture I took today. My son playing Angry Birds.

Riveting.

Riveting joy.

137/365...Little mommy joy

2011-05-17T22:03:00.000-05:00

She is going to be an amazing mommy someday.

Someday.

Far, far away someday.

Little mommy joy.

136/365... Crazy day joy

2011-05-16T22:01:00.001-05:00

It was a crazy day.

I have been having computer problems for quite a while now. HP finally sent me a replacement computer. Turns out the brand new computer is a dud. After almost 2 hours on the phone with HP, I listed the new computer on Ebay and ordered an iMac!!

When I took this picture, the new computer was on my mind so I said "Say MAC".

She just looked at me like I was crazy. After the day that I had, I kind of felt crazy.

Crazy day joy.

135/365... Blue bruise, blue toes joy

2011-05-15T21:51:00.000-05:00

I spent most of the day at the spa with my dear friends. We lounged around the pool, read, chatted, relaxed, and were pampered. With every passing moment, I felt more and more relaxed.

I came home with freshly manicured blue toenails to remind myself of our time at the spa. (Not to mention that my poor feet desperately needed some attention.).

After showing off my cute blue toes to my family who were not all that impressed, my oldest wanted to play baseball with me. We took turns pitching and hitting. He is getting better and stronger with his skills.

In fact, he is becoming so good that I now have a blue bruise above my eye to match my blue toes.

Just another day in paradise.

Blue toes, blue bruise joy.

134/365... They are up joy

2011-05-14T21:42:00.000-05:00

Nap time is over.

They are up joy.

133/365... Non-pictured picture joy

2011-05-13T21:40:00.000-05:00

I'm always envisioning the perfect capture. I have a picture in my head before I take the picture.

Often times, the picture captured never is what I pictured.

It is better.

Non-pictured picture joy.

132/365... Well deserved nap joy

2011-05-12T21:35:00.000-05:00

I love living so close to my mom. She is an amazing help with my babies. She often keeps me sane when I feel as though I would go insane.

She deserved this nap.

Well deserved nap joy.

131/365... Twin speak joy

2011-05-11T21:31:00.000-05:00

I love having twins. But there are times that I LOVE having twins.

There is something so amazing about just sitting back and listening to them speak their own language to each other. I often have no idea what they are saying.

But they do.

Twin speak joy.

130/365... Squeaky clean windows joy

2011-05-10T21:22:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful spring day! Finally!!

A perfect day for cleaning the windows and putting on the screens.

She made sure they were squeaky clean.

Squeaky clean windows joy.

129/365... Driving tractor joy

2011-05-09T21:17:00.000-05:00

"Mommy, I'm going to drive Grandpa's tractor when I get big."

I whole-heartedly believe her.

Driving tractor joy.

128/365... Happy Mother's Day joy

2011-05-08T21:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day!

Because of these four precious children, I am a mother.

Because of my mom, I hope and pray to be half the mom she has been to me.

Our family had a wonderful time at Milwaukee Zoo! Trips like these get easier and more enjoyable as the kids get a little older. Spending the day with my family and my mom was the best Mother's Day gift I could have received.

Happy Mother's Day joy.

127/365... True winner joy

2011-05-07T20:49:00.001-05:00

Determination. Dedication. Hard work. Self-discipline. Supported. Loved. Inspired. Remembered.

True winners don't need a shiny trophy to know that they have won.

Congratulation to my sister-in-law, Diane! I'm so very proud of you!

True winner joy.

Enjoy this video of highlights from the competition...Kevin Noble Fitness Competition 2011.

126/365... Smile for the camera joy

2011-05-06T22:15:00.000-05:00

Maybe it was because he had his favorite breakfast this morning. Maybe it was because he had a good nap. Maybe it was because he played outside most of the day.

Whatever it was, he actually looked at the camera and smiled. On command.

And I was smiling right back at him.

Smile for the camera joy.

125/365... Savoring every second joy

2011-05-05T21:13:00.000-05:00

My baby will be SIX soon. SIX! Seriously, SIX? How and when did that happen??

He is growing before my eyes and changing by the second. Time is certainly not standing still.

And I don't want it to. I want time to carry on as God has intended it to. I look forward to continuing to watch him grow and change into the man he is to become.

And I will savor every second.

But. I do wish time would go a little slower so I could savor every second a little longer.

Savoring every second joy.

124/365... All by myself joy

2011-05-04T21:37:00.002-05:00

"All By Myself" is not a song I sing too often but this morning I did. And I was.

I knew I was by myself but it still surprised me a little when I looked in the rearview mirror and saw 4 empty car seats.

I used to HAVE to listen to the radio when I was alone in the car. Not anymore. I drove in complete silence to spend the morning "all by myself".

It was just what I needed.

All by myself joy.

123/365... Wilbur the Boxelder Bug joy

2011-05-03T21:34:00.002-05:00

When I first caught glimpse of this little critter in our kitchen, my first reaction was to grab a paper towel and kill it.

But I didn't.

It quickly became our "pet". The kids named it Wilbur. Wilbur spent the entire day circling the island in our kitchen. Always going the same way.

Whenever the kids went in the kitchen, they were careful not to step on Wilbur.

This story does not have a happy ending. Poor Wilbur died an untimely death of natural causes. We gave him a proper burial as we sent him to be with the fish and toilet paper.

Wilbur's life was short but I'm fairly certain we will always remember him.

Wilbur the Boxelder Bug joy.

122/365... Smart kid joy

2011-05-02T21:31:00.001-05:00

He's a smart kid. And I'm not just saying that because he is my kid. He grasps new concepts quickly and is confident in his abilities.
(Suddenly I feel as though I am writing a comment for a report card.)

He takes after his mommy.

Smart kid joy.

121/365... Welcome May joy

2011-05-01T21:28:00.000-05:00

We welcome you with open arms, May! Your warmth and glowing personality have been missed.

Welcome May joy.

120/365... Fancy Nancy joy

2011-04-30T21:15:00.000-05:00

The day we had been waiting for was here! "Fancy Nancy Party" day! Just for us girls.

I put on lotion. She put on lotion. I put on makeup and then put makeup on her. I put on perfume. She put on perfume. I curled my hair and then curled her hair. I put on my fancy dress. She put on her fancy dress that her grandma made just for her. I put on my fancy shoes. She put on her fancy shoes.

It was just us girls. Fancy girls.

The party was so cute and well thought out by the staff at Barnes and Noble. Each little girl was dressed in their fanciest clothes. We had tea and a cookie while learning some words in French, did a craft, read a Fancy Nancy book, and dressed up with boas, crowns, and sunglasses. We savored every second.

My baby girl wants to go to a Fancy Nancy party every week. And so do I.

Fancy Nancy joy.

119/365... Curious George dress joy

2011-04-29T21:07:00.000-05:00

My babies are so very blessed to have her for a grandma. She makes special playdates with them, takes them to movies, has sleepovers, reads to them, plays with them, kisses and hugs them, and makes them sews them ADORABLE clothes.

My daughter adores Curious George. When my mom saw this fabric, she knew exactly what she was going to do with it. She was going to make her granddaughter a dress with a matching bag.

The instant my baby girl tried it on, she just beamed. Partly because it was a dress with Curious George on it but mostly because her grandma made that dress just for her.

My babies are so blessed to have her for their grandma.

And I am so blessed to have her for my mom.

Curious George dress joy.

118/365... Go shopping joy

2011-04-28T20:55:00.000-05:00

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, it is just the three of us. I usually ask them what they would like to together. On most days, it is "play outside" and "ride trucks". Today it was "go shopping".

Not kidding.

How can I argue with that?

So, we went shopping. And they were perfectly well-behaved boys.

They made their mommy proud.

Go shopping joy.

117/365... Little domesticated one joy

2011-04-27T20:42:00.000-05:00

I don't even have to ask. She just does.

She is my little domesticated one.

Little domesticated one joy.

In other news... Happy Birthday to my best friend, Christy!!! How blessed my life has been to have you as my dear, dear friend for 28 years!!! I love you so very much!!!

116/365... That number joy

2011-04-26T20:31:00.001-05:00

Never mind the chubba bubba toes and the horrific paint job. Look at that number! I have worked HARD for that number. Better food choices, portion control, exercise, and lots of prayer have brought me to this number.

And to be honest... I don't NEED to see that number to know that my hard work and determination to live a healthy lifestyle is paying off. I feel better than I have felt in a very long time.

I owe it all to God.

That number joy.

I also need to add that I tried to take a picture from this angle with my slr camera. Not a chance am I adding 3 pounds to that number!

And yet another add-on... my point and shoot weighs 8 ounces! LOL!!

115/365... Egg hunting pros joy

2011-04-25T20:20:00.000-05:00

For a little playdate fun, we had a post-Easter egg hunt. The 6 of them found over 100 eggs in less than 3 minutes.

They are Easter egg hunting pros.

Egg hunting pros joy.

114/365... Easter Celebration joy

2011-04-24T17:33:00.003-05:00

He is risen!

And our family celebrated Jesus' resurrection all day long!

After a jellybean and chocolate buffet, the kids helped make Resurrection Rolls.
Every part of the recipe symbolized the death and resurrection of Jesus. What a wonderful learning activity for my babies.

Our babies were little angels during the Easter Sunday church service. Two of them slept like angels.

And, of course, no Easter would be complete without a picture of the four of them. Kind of gives you the warm fuzzies, doesn't it?

After a wonderful meal, it was time for the Easter Egg Hunt.

How I loved watching the different strategies and reaction to finding those colorful eggs filled with goodies.

This little man by-passed all of the eggs and headed straight for the slide.

He found the not-so-colorful little balls in the yard more appealing.

She took the egg hunt very seriously. And once her basket was full, she helped her younger brothers and cousin find some eggs.

My oldest is getting to the age where he'd rather find the eggs with money inside.

And my sweet, goofy niece... she will have a good time no matter what she is doing.

And just because I love this one!

Happy Easter to all!

Easter Celebration joy.

113/365... Not-so-smart soccer mom joy

2011-04-23T21:56:00.000-05:00

I will no longer laugh at the soccer moms who bundle up in winter coats, hats, blankets, mittens, scarves, long underwear, and boots to watch their children play soccer. For they are smart.

It was cold and the wind had a bite to it. I wore thin yoga pants, a light fleece coat, and a ball cap to watch my son play soccer. For I was not-so-smart.

Even my daughter knew to wear her winter coat.

I will now follow the lead of the soccer moms and my 3-year old.

Not-so-smart soccer mom joy.

112/365...Coloring Easter eggs joy

2011-04-22T21:39:00.000-05:00

I have no idea what I was thinking when I boiled 4 dozen eggs for Easter egg coloring. No one wanted to give up their color. 1 dozen pink, 1 dozen blue, 1 dozen orange, and 1 dozen yellow eggs. Some with coloring. Some with words. Some with stickers. Some with cracks.

All beautiful.

Coloring Easter eggs joy.

111/365... New treadmill joy

2011-04-21T21:27:00.001-05:00

My brand new treadmill has arrived!

So many hands were involved in making sure this mommy was a happy mommy. Neighbor hands. Hubby hands. Little hands. Mommy hands.

And by the end of the night, it was assembled... with my running shoes right by it's side... ready for day one of the couch to 5k program.

My new treadmill joy.

In other news... please help me convince my hubby to repaint our bedroom. I was delusional and pregnant when I picked out this baby poo color.

110/365... Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day joy

2011-04-20T21:25:00.000-05:00

It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad morning. Foul moods and yuck weather. Not a good combination.

Nothing that a little trip to the library can't fix.

A bag full of books and children's videos made for a wonderful, quiet, peaceful, happy-go-lucky afternoon.

Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day joy.

109/365... Beautiful for Jesus joy.

2011-04-19T21:22:00.001-05:00

My baby girl's face lit up when she saw her new Easter shoes. She said, "Mommy, I am going to be beautiful for Jesus."

You already are, my sweet baby girl.

Beautiful for Jesus joy.

108/365... Beautiful spring day joy

2011-04-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

Waking up to snow on the ground in the middle of April was not the perfect way to start the day. Looking at my poor wilting flower covered in frozen rain made me sad. Watching my kiddos' faces fall when they saw the snow and not sun broke my heart.

I found myself asking God, "Where is spring?".

He answered rather quickly.

By the day's end, the sun was shining. The snow had melted. The tulips were standing tall. The kids were playing outside.

It was a beautiful spring day.

Beautiful spring day joy.

107/365... Jesus time, Nap time, Family time joy

2011-04-17T19:49:00.000-05:00

All Sundays should be like today.

I took all four children to church by myself so hubby could relax. He was exhausted from his training and visit to the ER. Our babies were so well behaved during the service.

The older two went to their Grandma and Grandpa's house to play while the younger two, hubby and I relaxed. I took a two hour nap. I can't remember the last time I took a two hour nap.

We then went to my mom's for a WONDERFUL meal and good ol' family time. Watching my babies ride bikes around their Grandma's house brings back memories of riding bikes around my Grandma and Bumpa's house.

Jesus time. Nap time. Family time. All Sundays should be like this Sunday.

Jesus time, nap time, family time joy.

106/365... My hero joy

2011-04-16T19:32:00.001-05:00

He was ready for his day-long fire training.

Although it was cold and rainy, he was fired up to fight fire.

It's amazing how quickly things can happen.

Near the end of a long training day, he was lighting a road flare when it popped in his face. The chemicals instantly went into his eyes. After flushing out his eyes, they were still burning.

A trip to the ER was necessary. He endured 15 minutes of pure misery while they flushed his eyes. My heart went out to him as I slowly watched the saline go down through the tubes, right into his eyes. When it was all done, he stuck his tongue out at me. I don't remember doing that to him after no less than 15 hours of labor with each pregnancy. Humph!

He was lucky. Very lucky. Some swelling. Minor scratches that will quickly heal.

It could have been so much worse.

God is so very, very good.

My hero joy.

105/365... Colorful cabinet joy

2011-04-15T12:58:00.000-05:00

Before I know it, this cabinet will not be as colorful.

And I will miss it.

Colorful cabinet joy.

104/365... Grant and mommy time joy

2011-04-14T14:22:00.002-05:00

I love spending one-on-one time with my babies.

This morning was his turn. He helped me fold 4 loads of laundry and put the clothes away.

My favorite part of our time together was going outside to chase birds and look for bugs.

I think that was his favorite part, too.

Grant and mommy time joy.

103/365... Shiny new motorcycle joy

2011-04-13T14:24:00.001-05:00

Little brother spent this beautiful spring evening showing off his shiny new motorcycle to his big sister.

I was even lucky enough to get a ride.

Maybe I'll trade in our minivan for a Harley.

Shiny new motorcycle joy.

102/365... R is for Regan joy

2011-04-12T10:14:00.000-05:00

Maybe it is the teacher in me but I get so excited when my babies learn new things.

I'm not kidding.

I clap and dance and sing and hug and get my camera and act like a big goof.

And that puts an even bigger smile on my babies' faces.

I will never stop being my children's biggest fan. Even when the day comes when they want to hide in embarrassment.

Celebrating every single achievement is what life is all about.

R is for Regan joy.

101/365... My 35th Birthday joy

2011-04-11T09:56:00.000-05:00

I'm like a little kid when it comes to my birthday.

I count down the days. Balloons make me smile. I love presents and cards. I am thankful when others take some time to wish me a Happy Birthday. I look forward to eating my favorite meal and lighting the candles on the cake. I adore the extra hugs and kisses.

I love my birthday.

This birthday was no exception.

A kiss to start the day. An early morning balloon delivery. Great phone conversations with family who live far away and friends who live close by. A leisurely walk in the woods. A picnic lunch. Abundant sunshine when the forecast called for abundant clouds. A little cat nap. Thoughtful gifts. An overwhelming amount of love shown with texts and messages on facebook. My favorite food. A glass of wine. 13 pounds lighter than last year and healthier than I have felt in a long time. Lots of kisses to end the day.

It was a wonderful birthday.

I am so very blessed.

My birthday joy.

100/365... Thank you, Lord, joy

2011-04-10T17:17:00.000-05:00

It's a great day to be alive!

Thank you, Lord, joy.

99/365... Surprises and soccer joy.

2011-04-09T17:01:00.001-05:00

Sometimes hubby surprises me.

I love surprises!

In other news, soccer season has begun!

Guess who scored the first goal of the season? That's right! My baby!

I'm one proud momma!

Surprises and soccer joy.

98/365... Greening and growing joy

2011-04-08T16:56:00.000-05:00

It was a rainy spring morning.

Everything is greening and growing!

Greening and growing joy.

97/365... Unexpected gift joy

2011-04-07T16:49:00.000-05:00

Unexpected gifts are the best gifts.

I am so very blessed with the most thoughtful, self-less friends.

Unexpected gift joy.

96/365... Water bottle joy

2011-04-06T16:38:00.000-05:00

Water tastes even better when you drink it out of a pretty bottle.

Water bottle joy.

95/365... Needed this time joy

2011-04-05T15:11:00.001-05:00

The youngest of them all and I spent the morning together reading books, building with Legos, tickling each other, and giving lots of hugs and kisses.

It's exactly what we both needed.

Needed this time joy.

94/365... Don't rush spring joy

2011-04-04T15:04:00.000-05:00

It seems as though Spring is taking it's sweet time making it's grand arrival this year.

I suppose God figures "Why rush a good thing?"

Don't rush spring joy.

93/365... Daddy time joy

2011-04-03T14:59:00.001-05:00

Daddy was going away on a business trip for a few days. The kids were absorbing as much "Daddy Time" as they could.

And daddy was absorbing as much "Children Time" as he could.

Daddy time joy.

92/365... Determination of a two-year old joy

2011-04-02T14:52:00.002-05:00

Little man was determined to ride his "fa fa truck" the two blocks to the park and the two blocks back home.

I was certain that I would end up with him in one arm and the "fa fa truck" in the other arm at some point of our trip to the park.

Never underestimate the determination of a two year old.

Determination of a two-year old joy.

91/365... The season of childhood joy

2011-04-01T10:45:00.001-05:00

Our family spent the day in Madison, WI at the Children's Museum.

It was a cold, snowy day outside.

But is was warm by the pizza oven.

Creativity was flowing.

The light was abundant and colorful.

Minds filled with wonder and amazement.

And a quote printed on the wall of the museum...
"Childhood is the most beautiful of life's seasons." Author Unknown

It was a snowy, cold spring day outside, but it was beautiful childhood inside.

The season of childhood joy.

90/365... Flying kites joy

2011-03-31T10:02:00.000-05:00

Rough day.

Lots of crying. Lost a coat at the mall. More crying.

It's amazing how flying kites can improve everyone's mood.

Flying kites joy.

89/365... Her land joy

2011-03-30T08:48:00.000-05:00

My dear friend and her hubby recently purchased some land. One day they will build a home on that land. For now, cows reside there.

My babies loved seeing the cows and walking around the pond. I loved visualizing what this land will look like in just a few short years.

It will someday be my friend's home.

Her land joy.

88/365... Reading with meaning joy

2011-03-29T13:02:00.000-05:00

I can vividly remember the first time my husband read to our oldest when he was an infant.

It was the most boring reading of Goodnight Moon that I had ever heard. Too fast. Monotone. Horrible.

It was my teacher instinct to share with my husband what "reading with meaning" should sound like. Luckily, he was a good student and has made significant progress in the past 5 years.

And now, our babies love listening to their daddy read.

And so do I.

Reading with meaning joy.

87/365... Frost on the football joy

2011-03-28T10:28:00.003-05:00

I knew I should have further pursued going somewhere warmer for Spring Break.

Frost on the football is not Spring Break weather.

Frost on the football joy.

86/365...Made to Crave joy

2011-03-27T10:25:00.000-05:00

I first heard about Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst when I signed up to attend the Hearts at Home Conference. After reading the reviews on Amazon, I ordered it and eagerly waited for the UPS man to deliver it.

I am now in a book study that focuses on this particular book. It truly has changed my way of thinking about not only food but other choices that I make daily.

I now crave God, not food. And it feel so AMAZING!

Made to Crave joy.

85/365... TRX joy

2011-03-26T10:21:00.001-05:00

For the last few months, I have been spinning and doing yoga. I love the way that I feel after exercising.

I'm even starting to love how I feel WHILE I'm exercising.

My sister-in-law, Diane, of Underground Fitness www.undergroundfit.com/ has been telling me about what an excellent piece of exercise equipment the TRX Suspension Training system is for a while now.

So, I decided to try it out for the first time. It is definitely one of those things that it looks easier than what it actually is. You are relying on your balance, stability, and your own body weight when working with the TRX.

And I felt like the most uncoordinated person ever. BUT it was my first time using the TRX. I'm going to give it another shot.

And next time my expectations are going to be different.

TRX joy.

Disclaimer... the buff chickie in this picture is not my sister-in-law. She is the gym cheerleader :).

84/365... Wimpy mommy joy

2011-03-25T21:04:00.002-05:00

It's the first day of Spring Break for my older two kiddos. They just want to ride their bikes outside.

But this mommy is a wimp when it comes to taking my babies outside when it is less that 40 degrees outside. I don't like to be cold.

BUT I did end up taking them outside. The kids don't notice the cold. Mommy had to suck it up.

Wimpy mommy joy.

83/365... Rainforest joy

2011-03-24T21:02:00.000-05:00

I was lucky enough to travel to the rainforest with little man today.

His kindergarten class and the preschool classes have been studying the rainforest this month. Today they ended their thematic unit with a "Rainforest Cafe". They were able to sample foods from the rainforest, sang a rainforest song, and did a few rainforest activities. I was truly impressed with how much they learned. It was a wonderful time.

Of course, any time I spend with my babies is wonderful.

Rainforest joy.

In other news... I'm down 12.5 pounds and feel AWESOME!!!

82/365... Daddy's pride joy

2011-03-23T20:59:00.001-05:00

I think Daddy has magical powers when it comes to teaching our children new skills. They hang on to his every word and work hard to make him proud.

Their daddy will always be proud of them. No matter what.

Daddy's pride joy.

81/365... Yummy and healthy joy

2011-03-22T20:58:00.000-05:00

This has become my kiddos' favorite afternoon snack. A little yogurt. Some blueberries. Crushed ice. Blend.

Yummy and healthy.

Yummy and healthy joy.

80/365... Football giggles joy

2011-03-21T20:55:00.001-05:00

A few days ago, he was screaming in pain. I rushed him to the ER in a panic.

Today, we ran around the yard playing football and giggling.

I appreciate his laughter so much more now.

Football giggles joy.

In other news... Happy Spring!

79/365... Making pizza dough joy

2011-03-20T20:34:00.002-05:00

She was making pizza dough with her daddy when daddy had to leave on a fire call.

Her: Mommy, daddy left and we were making pizza.
Me: I know, honey. Do you want mommy to help you finish.
Her: No, I can do it myself. I know how what to do.

Making pizza dough joy.

In other new... HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear, dear friend Angie!!! I love you bunches!!!

78/365...Lucky joy

2011-03-19T20:30:00.000-05:00

Wedding photographer in the early afternoon. Mommy in the late afternoon.

How lucky am I?

Lucky joy.

77/365... ER visit joy

2011-03-18T21:08:00.000-05:00

Just when you think the day is going exactly to plan, you receive a phone call.

Come home quick. Carter is screaming in pain. He says his stomach hurts really bad.

He isn't the kind of kid to scream in pain.

As a mom, the mind starts spinning. And it thinks the worst.

I rushed him to the ER. By the time we got there he was feeling better.

In fact, he wanted ice cream.

The dr. gave us the results of the x-ray and blood work. Gas. I rushed my child to the ER for gas.

ER visit joy.

Disclaimer: I'm not settling on the "gas" diagnosis. He has had several tummy issues lately and I plan to have him looked at by his pediatrician.

76/365... St. Patrick's Day menu joy

2011-03-17T20:35:00.002-05:00

Green pancakes. Shamrock shakes. Corned beef and cabbage. Rainbow sherbet.

For the kids.

Green tea. Kale chips. Spinach salad. And a wee bit o' corned beef and cabbage.

For mommy.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

St. Patrick's Day menu joy.

75/365... Happy sunshiney day joy

2011-03-16T21:38:00.000-05:00

The sun was shining. The birds were chirping. The kids were riding their bikes and coloring with sidewalk chalk. I was taking pictures.

We were all happy. All day long.

It's hard to feel anything but happy when God blesses our day sunshine and warm weather.

Happy sunshiney day joy.

74/365... Jump for spring joy

2011-03-15T21:06:00.002-05:00

I actually jumped in the air and shouted "YIPPEE" when I saw these young daffodils. I really did.

Even the smallest signs of spring deserve a jump for joy.

Jump for spring joy.

73/365... Indecisive dresser joy

2011-03-14T21:32:00.000-05:00

I think it's time to help my daughter learn how to be more selective when choosing her wardrobe when she dresses herself in the morning.

Indecisive dresser joy.

72/365... I went for them joy

2011-03-13T21:20:00.001-05:00

When I made the decision to go to Hearts at Home, I didn't only go for myself.

I went for him. So I can be a better wife.

I went for each of them. So I can be a better mom.

And I went for God. So I can be a better Christian woman.

I went for them joy.

71/365... Refreshed and renewed joy

2011-03-12T22:08:00.000-06:00

The National Hearts at Home Conference will be an annual event in my planner.

When I arrived at Hearts at Home, I was running on empty. I was starting to succumb to the fact that as a mom of 4 young children, that was just how I was going to feel. Tired. Impatient. Stressed.

I walked into the conference with 4,500 other moms ready to be refueled. My heart, soul, and mind were ready.

I cried hard. I laughed hard. I listened hard. I prayed hard.

It was emotionally and physically exhausting but spiritually uplifting.

When the conference ended, I felt like a new woman. A new mom. A new wife.

And I was ready to go home to my hubby and babies. Refreshed and renewed.

Refreshed and renewed joy.

70/365... Mommy's Time Out joy.

2011-03-11T23:18:00.001-06:00

Being a mom is the most difficult job that I have ever had. It is stressful, demanding, draining, exhausting, and so on. It's a 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year job with minimal breaks. Minimal "time-outs". No time to re-fuel the mind and soul.

When I first heard about the National Hearts at Home Conference, I thought "this sounds amazing but there is just no way I can be gone for over 24-hours". When I mentioned the conference to hubby, he gave me the go ahead. God does work in mysterious ways.

As perfect timing would have it, the best mom that I have ever known and will ever know was able to come with me. My very own mom.

The first night of Hearts at Home was AWESOME! Laughter and singing praises to God while being surrounded by 4,500 moms was exactly how I needed to spend my "mommy's time out".

Then, mom and I went back to the hotel, put on our pj's, ate pistachios, and indulged in some "Mommy's Time Out".

Mommy's Time Out joy.

69/365... Preschool pickup joy

2011-03-10T21:12:00.000-06:00

She will run through mud, rain, and snow. Always a huge smile on her face and laughter in her voice.

All for me.

A huge hug. Lots of kisses. Talking about her day.

I love picking her up from preschool.

I can only hope that she will react similarly when she is in sixth grade. There's always hope, right?

But, for now, I love picking her up from preschool.

Preschool pickup joy.

68/365... Piggy bank casualty joy

2011-03-09T10:53:00.000-06:00

My oldest is now a firm believer that all piggy banks should be made out of plastic.

I would have to agree with him.

This is our third piggy bank casualty.

Piggy bank casualty joy.

67/365... Groceries joy

2011-03-08T10:50:00.000-06:00

The duty of grocery shopping is less of a chore when you have helpers.

I didn't even mind finding the bananas in the freezer 3 hours later.

Groceries joy.

66/365... Reading in bed joy

2011-03-07T10:48:00.001-06:00

Reading in bed. This is their new favorite thing to do.

They are more and more like their mommy.

Reading in bed joy.

In other news... I'm on a different, SLOWER computer while my main computer is being repaired (second time in 5 months). I'm lightly editing in LR.

In other, other news... my sweet hubby called both Dell and Apple today. I don't think he was quite convinced that Apple is the computer that I should have for my work. I now have his approval to order a mac. I'm placing my order this week!

65/365... Sexy joy

2011-03-06T21:07:00.002-06:00

I find him to be very sexy when he is elbow deep in dirty dish water.

Sexy joy.

64/365...Journal joy

2011-03-05T09:19:00.000-06:00

It was a "I have to be here, I have to be there" kind of day. In a good way.

My first stop was the Open House at my sister-in-law's new gym. To actually see all of her hard work and dreams become a reality was truly an amazing feeling.

The second stop was to attend an artist's show at a local restaurant. I was the artist. My photographs were (and still are) hanging up in a restaurant.

I still have to pinch myself.

The third stop was dinner out with my family.

Between stops I went to the book store. This journal caught my eye. It had one of my favorite verses on the cover. "For I know the plans I have for you". Jeremiah 29:11

I don't journal but wish that I had.

There is no time like the present.

Journal joy.

63/365... Breathe and pray joy

2011-03-04T09:16:00.000-06:00

This week was extra challenging. The weekend couldn't come soon enough.

When I woke up and saw that it was raining, I just wanted to lay in bed and cry. I needed the sun to shine today.

I stomped to my closet to change into my exercise outfit, grumpy face and all. I stomped to my tv, threw in my yoga dvd, and humphed my way to the yoga mat.

I was not in the mood.

Breathe. Pray.

That's all I needed to do. Breathe and pray.

In the downward dog position, God reassured me that the rain was not going to ruin my new day. I now saw the rain as a sign that warmer weather would be coming soon.

Spring.

With spring comes renewal. New flowers. New hopes. New adventures.

New.

And all I needed to do was breathe and pray.

Breathe and pray joy.

62/365... Little smile joy

2011-03-03T09:11:00.001-06:00

All it takes is a little smile. A little smile completely erases the hours of crying and whining.

Little smile joy.

61/365... Dr. Seuss joy

2011-03-02T19:59:00.001-06:00

"Front feet
Back feet
Red feet
Black feet
Left foot
Right foot
Feet
Feet
Feet
How many, many feet you meet."

From The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! You may be gone but your wonderful work will be celebrated and enjoyed by readers of all ages for many, many years to come.

Dr. Seuss joy.

60/365... Soul healing library joy

2011-03-01T19:55:00.000-06:00

Today was a rough day. The kids were fussy. I was cranky. Hubby was gone. The minutes seemed like hours.

Going to the library makes everything better. It soothes the soul.

For a little while, anyway.

Soul healing library joy.

59/365... The future joy

2011-02-28T20:51:00.002-06:00

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.

58/365... Learning how to tie shoes joy

2011-02-27T20:47:00.000-06:00

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.

57/365... Best buds joy

2011-02-26T20:46:00.000-06:00

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.

56/365... Giving love joy

2011-02-25T19:23:00.000-06:00

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.

55/365... Peace and productivity joy

2011-02-24T15:40:00.002-06:00

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.

54/365... Face in a Book joy

2011-02-23T18:09:00.000-06:00

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!

53/365... Adorable face joy

2011-02-22T09:34:00.000-06:00

Day 22 | Joy of Love: "face"

No matter the mood, I will never get tired of looking at

this

adorable

face

Adorable face joy.

52/365... Clean hands joy

2011-02-21T09:28:00.000-06:00

Day 21 | Joy of Love: "hands"

Clean hands. Happy faces.

Love it.

Clean hands joy.

51/365... Big messes joy

2011-02-20T09:27:00.000-06:00

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.

50/365... Attention span joy

2011-02-19T21:22:00.000-06:00

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.

49/365... Perfect staying in, going out Friday night joy

2011-02-18T22:18:00.001-06:00

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

48/365... Cold warm day joy

2011-02-17T20:38:00.000-06:00

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.