Day 367: Ice Cold Beauty

While "ice storm" doesn't exactly fill me with joy--

What it does to drab, dreary, dead winter trees does.

I just think it's so pretty.  And it always leaves me a little bit in awe.  Does it effect anyone else like this?

At any rate, that is today's Joyful Moment.  But getting these photos definitely was not.  I'd just returned home from waiting for Sweet P's bus for over 15 minutes.  I was seriously afraid I was going to have parts of my cheeks and nose removed for frostbite damage!  And my hand about fell off since it was gloveless and exposed to take these shots.  So, you don't get to see how really cool each blade of grass looks like after a full day of ice storm.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments that are warm and toasty!

Day 366: Easy Like A Sunday Morning

The two prior Sundays I have woken up feeling decidedly UNWELL.  Today was different.  Besides a nasty headache, I feel fine.  And the kids let me sleep in until 7:30.  And the morning just went smooth and simple.  And it was a Joyful Moment.  Because I have a tendency to stress out on Sunday mornings (getting to church on time can be ridiculously challenging since HH has meetings and I'm usually on my own).  So today, in the absence of stress, there was Joy.

And then there were roasted carrots with rosemary.

Fantastic.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments when stress is decidedly absent!

Day 365: I DID IT!

And all along, I thought that would be such an awesome thing to post for my Joyful Moment.  But, it turns out today was just a really great day.  Full of Joyful Moments.  So, I am super proud of myself for sticking with this for a year, but I kind of posted all of those thoughts yesterday.

Today's awesome Joyful Moments included:

Talking with a friend I haven't seen in years via Skype.  It was such a Joyful Moment, even if it was short-lived because we both had to go.  But I can't wait to Skype with you again!

Witnessing Sweet P playing her violin songs with a bunch of other students and seeing how amazing and competent she is.

And making excellent progress on a couple projects I have going on right now.

Really, it was a great day.  Just the way I'd want to end my year of Joyful Moments.  And for the last month or so I've been stewing over what to do next.  I came up with several ideas, but surprisingly, the only one that felt right was to keep on keeping on.  My mom shared a link with me a while ago for this site from a guy doing 1,000 Awesome Things.  That inspired me to keep going with this until I reach 1,000 Joyful Moments.  That will be a little less than two more years.  I'm excited to see where that will take me!

Wishing you all 1,000 Joyful Moments!  Thank you for following me and supporting me during the last year!!!

Day 364: Oh, How Fitting

A year ago today I was trying really hard to scrounge up one Joyful Moment each day in preparation for beginning my goal (tomorrow!!!).  And I was having a very difficult time.

If today had happened a year ago today, it would have been a terrible horrible no good very bad day.

It started at 5 A.M. when Sweet P came and woke me with a tap on my shoulder to inquire as to whether or not I remembered that she needed to bring something for the Mystery Bag (a.k.a. Show n' Tell) at school today.  And then I couldn't fall back asleep.  Instead I planted a seed of stress that blossomed into a glorious tension headache that came and went throughout the rest of the day at varying degrees of painfulness.

Then Baby B woke up early, so I had to go digging in the storage room to find his coat so he could stand outside with us while we waited for the bus in the cold.

And then he fell asleep early and he and Little M tag teamed their naps.  Usually, they both nap at the same time and it's wonderful.  Today, Baby B woke up at the exact moment that I stepped into the hallway to put Little M down for his nap (I know, I shouldn't complain about this at all because I'm extremely lucky that my almost-four-year old still naps).  And then 1 1/2 hours later when I was a few feet from their bedroom door to put Baby B back down for another nap (he's sleeping a ton because he's still very sick), Little M opened it, awake from his nap.  Can you believe the timing?

Normally, when I don't get a break for a little "Me Time", I go nuts and it really is an awful day.

But today, everything was okay.  All of these things that would usually ruin my day... just didn't.  In fact, my Joyful Moment was the extra time I got to spend with my boys.  Each of them alone.  Baby B is sick and super snuggly and every now and then I'd get him to giggle and when he's sick, there's something especially sweet about that.  And Little M and I watched a movie together.  That is so fun because I love talking with him about what's happening on screen.  He explains it all to me as we watch and it's just so cute.

And, as I composed this in my head while I was snuggling Baby B to sleep tonight, I had another Joyful Moment.  Because that is when I realized what today was and then contrasted it from a year ago.  And I don't think the difference in my attitude was any coincidence.  And I'm grateful for the opportunity to have the blog and for all it's taught me.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments and a happier day than you had a year ago!

Day 363: Freedom!

So, technically, today's Joyful Moment should have been posted three days ago.  That is when Baby B officially mastered the Sippy.  But it's brought me equal amounts of Joyful Moments in the days following. I still feel like I'm having nursing issues every now and again, but the boy absolutely refuses to drink from a bottle.  So, it makes me really nervous.

And, I'll be honest, it makes me feel a little shackled.  He is totally dependent on me and, until recently, there was no end in sight.  We'd been working on the sippy cup for at least a month and I was beginning to wonder if he would just never accept anything besides, um, me.  He'd coerce liquid out of the cup, he just wouldn't drink it.

But then all the sudden he started drinking from his sippy cup, like a pro.  And I was so happy, I might have danced the Sippy Slurp Jig.  I'm still nursing him, it's just good to know that I have options.  In case of an emergency, you know.  Or, a Girls' Weekend.  Or, whatever.

Options are good.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments full of plenty of options!

Day 362: Slip Slidin' Away

Today was nuts.  Routine check ups with the doctor ended up taking over three hours of our day!  At least we now know that Baby B was fully justified in his attitude last night.  A set of matching ear infections.  Poor little guy!

After a really stressful afternoon and evening, Sweet P and I headed off for violin lesson.  That went well and had its share of Joyful Moments, but then we stopped for a couple errands on the way home and found these:

Slippers!  For $1.23 each.  Sweet P saw them and immediately asked for them.  When I saw the price, I was pleased to be able to say, 'yes' without hesitation.  Little M's are kinda girly, but it was all they had.  And you can tell by his face that he doesn't care one bit.

And that was my Joyful Moment.  Love it!

Wishing you all Joyful Moments that warm your feet and your heart!

Day 361: The Joyful Moment I Really Want

Is all the kids in bed asleep.  Alas, Baby B is fighting it.  He's tired and sick.  And tired.  But he is just refusing to give in.  Could be because he can't breathe.  Or because of the little toothie I can see just beneath the surface of his gums.  Or because he loves me and can't bear to be separated for an entire night.

Whatever the case, I really wish he would just give in and sleep.  That would be a joyful Joyful Moment for this mama.

But he just let loose with bloody murder screaming, so I'll post quickly.

Today's Joyful Moment was making delicious cauliflower soup and yummy bread for dinner.  Super yummy and super healthy.

Wishing you all yummy, healthy Joyful Moments where everyone who should be sleeping is sleeping!

Day 360: You've Got A Friend In Me

Or, more appropriately, I've got a friend in you.

The same friend who took my kids to church yesterday called this morning and offered to take Little M for the morning.  Which meant that I got a sorely needed nap.  I am feeling much better as far as the infections go, but I don't tolerate antibiotics well.

And then, when I went to pick Little M up, she informed me that she'd bring dinner by later in the day.  Which she did.

And really, having a friend like that is truly a source for Joyful Moments, as was the case today.

Thank you, Friend.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments and friends that are awesome!

Day 359: Let Me Esplain

First, antiperspirant combined with sweat is what causes unsightly armpit stains on shirts.  Gross.  I sweat a lot, but I'm not overly smelly, so a simple deodorant is plenty sufficient.  And no more ruined shirts.  Bliss.

(Wasn't that a pleasant first paragraph?!)

Second, CVS is a pharmacy store much like Rite Aid or Walgreens.  They have their own little rewards program where the purchase of certain items yields "Extra Rewards Bucks", a printed coupon that's like store credit.  But they expire and the sales aren't always better than prices at the grocery store.  So, I'd find myself going in to buy something, anything, just because my EBs were about to expire and the sales would be on very specific items and I would invariably pick up the one flavor that wasn't included in the sale, or whatever.  And it was always stressful and frustrating.  Until last night.  And it was one extra errand because they don't carry a full line of groceries, and were usually more expensive.  Buh Bye, CVS.

On to today.  Today's Big Adventure was skipping church to go to the Urgent Care clinic.  Unfortunately busy on Sundays, FYI.  I've really had little interaction with these types of facilities, so this was news to me.  Fortunately, one of my awesome friends took Sweet P and Little M to church, so we only had Baby B to entertain while we waited for AN HOUR!  Turns out they don't serve you on a first come, first serve basis.  We didn't know that, so we went for the "fill-your-form-out-as-quickly-as-possible-to-beat-everyone-else" technique.  Turns out the "take-enough-time-to-list-your-most-serious-symptoms" technique would have been a better idea.

But, eventually, it was my turn and we learned that I am the proud host of not one, but two infections.  One of which has been plaguing me for weeks, the other is more recent, but more serious.  Which is why it warranted skipping church.  And why I conceded to taking an antibiotic.  I'm not happy about it, but it is a necessary evil.

Where was the Joyful Moment amidst all of this?  I kept my "Joyful Moment Eyes" peeled all day, knowing it might be a bit more challenging to come up with given my current state of pain and unwellness. But there were a few.  One was drinking the positively delightful smoothie my HH made to accompany dinner (and drinking it from our brand new drinking glasses--the first we've ever owned!  At least, since the set we were given at a wedding shower were STOLEN).  He made fun of me for licking the inside of the glass when it was gone, but I really wanted another glassful.  It was so delicious!

And then there was my darling Baby B.  He was Mr. Chatty and Mr. Giggles today.  Especially whenever it was time to nurse.  It was like he knew that I was dreading these moments (because I felt so rotten, I just lacked the energy to nurse today).  He would just look up at me and babble away and giggle.  And babble.  And giggle.  And giggle.  And giggle.  And babble.  And giggle.  And, you get the idea.

Thank goodness for boys that take such great care of me!

Wishing you all Joyful Moments that find you wishing for another glassful!

Day 358: The Last Hurrah

Today was the day, friends.  The day I officially cut CVS from my life.  But I had to end our relationship with a BANG!  Seriously, it was a lot like fireworks.  Inside at least.

See this?

I paid just over $4 for it.  Four Dollars.  That's about how much one of those things of deodorant normally costs, but it's the only kind I can use.  It's the only kind that they make for women (that I can find) that doesn't include an antiperspirant.  I can't use antiperspirant.  I have a bit of a sweating problem and it ruins my shirts.

I probably shouldn't share so much.  But this Joyful Moment was so joyful, I got carried away.  Seriously, I was so proud of myself.  It took three transactions, but at least I didn't have to go back and swap out anything because I'd picked up the wrong item.  That's a first for me.  Which is part of why I had to cut CVS in the first place.  If all of my shopping trips there went as smoothly as today's, I probably wouldn't be making such a drastic decision.

But I'm sticking with it.  Which is why I had to use up my one remaining Extra Rewards Buck from the third transaction before I left the store.

So, my bag actually contained all of this:

See that $9 box of chocolates?  I paid $2.

And I bought it for myself.

So, some day in the future, you can rest assured that I will be opening that up and making a Joyful Moment.  And trying not to eat them all in one sitting.  I have a bit of a chocolate problem.

Chocolate consumption isn't related to sweating, is it?

Wishing you all Joyful Moments that don't require perspiration!

Day 357: Back In The Game

I started a new workout regimen with the new year.  Except that everyone has been sick, so it hasn't exactly panned out.

But this week, I made it work.  I dragged us all out the gym every day (except we missed Tuesday, but I really needed a haircut).  And for the last three days at least, I did my intended workout.  Which means I'm really sore.  And I thought I might die in spin class.  But I didn't.  Yesterday I tried the Treadmill Class I've been wanting to try since I was pregnant.  It was tough, but again, I survived.

And I feel good.  Very sore, and a little blistered, but good.

And I got to catch up with some of my spinning friends today.  The die-hards who I only see when I actually attend spin class.  They seem to have missed me, and that's always a nice feeling.

And all of that was today's Joyful Moment.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments in getting back in the game!

Day 356: Come Home Soon

Or early.  That was the case of today.  HH arrived home about an hour earlier than usual.  What a difference an hour makes!

Usually, I feel kind of rushed all evening long.  Hurry to finish violin practice so I can start dinner.  Hurry to start dinner so we can eat it.  Hurry to finish dinner so we can clean up and get the kids in bed.  Hurry with all the bed time prep so the kids get enough rest.  Hurry hurry hurry until it's time for me to be in bed.  And then I wonder why I have a hard time falling asleep, even though I'm exhausted.

But today was different.  It helped that Sweet P put up no fuss for violin practice and just zipped through it.  Then we finished watching "Enchanted", which we started during last week's snow days.  HH came home in the middle of that and sat and snuggled with me on the couch for the remainder.  Then we headed upstairs to work on a puzzle we started last night while dinner simmered on the stove.  Dinner wasn't exactly relaxed, but it never is with Little M.  He's just all over the place.  But after dinner we did some more puzzling, then the kids and HH wrestled while I cleaned a bit and Baby B looked on with an earnest desire to participate.  But being able to go from laying down to sitting up is a prerequisite to the wrestling.  Then I joined in with the wrestling a bit to help the kids defeat Daddy (I know his weak spots--mainly, very very ticklish feet).  Then HH got the kids ready for bed while I did some more clean up and read them a couple stories.

And in between of all that, HH and I got to play with Baby B for a bit, too.  Just the three of us.  I don't mean to brag, but he is seriously one of the most adorable babies EVER!

It was all very relaxed and fun.  And somewhere in the middle I realized that I wasn't the least bit grumpy, like I frequently am by that time of day.  And so, while it was all pretty joyful, that was really my Joyful Moment.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments of spending a luscious extra hour with the one you love the most!

Day 355: Little Gourmand

Today's Joyful Moment came from watching Baby B eat.  He's gotten fairly adept at picking things up in his tiny little pincer grasp; he's still working on getting from there to the inside of his mouth.  And then keeping it there.  It's amazing how many times he'll get something inside, only to have it stay stuck to his chubby little fist when he pulls it back out.
Today he somehow got half of a smashed pea stuck on the backside of his thumb.  It was so cute watching him stare at it intently, trying to sort out the problem of getting it to his waiting mouth.  And then all of the ensuing attempts were equally cute and entertaining.  All the while his face kind of squhnched in focus and determination.

And then there was tonight, when he fell asleep in my arms and lay there, dreaming that he was still eating.  So cute to watch those little lips sucking away at absolutely nothing.

Really, watching a sleeping baby is a Joyful Moment no matter what.  It's just so sweet and precious.  As is my Baby B.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments as delicious as half of a smushed pea!

Day 354: Roller Derby

As much as I would LOVE to be a part of that (seriously, I would), I was reminded tonight of just how ill at ease I am in a pair of skates.

Sweet P's school sponsored a skate night at the local roller rink, so of course, we took advantage.  And that was my Joyful Moment tonight.  I sat with Baby B on the side and watched HH try to help the kids skate around and around and around most of the time.  Although, HH did make sure I was able to get in a few laps.  Which was when I was reminded of my lack of grace and coordination and any other skill required to move on wheels.  The kids did alright.  Sweet P especially made great progress as the night wore on.

And then they scored some free treats in one of the games they do at these types of events.  That made them pretty happy.

But the sweetest Joyful Moment was probably watching Sweet P and Little M head back out for one last lap around.  They started out holding and hands and it was just the sweetest little thing.

I love my babies.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments with all the aggression of a Roller Derby Queen!

Day 353: When The Family Gets Together After Evening Work Is Done

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we set aside every Monday night as "Family Night".  Usually, we sing songs, pray, have a simple lesson on a gospel topic (or, on sharing in the case of tonight), and then treats, and if there is time, a game.

Understandably, the kids look forward to Monday nights with great anticipation.

Understandably, Monday nights always involve quite a bit of chaos and madness.

But tonight, for a brief moment, everyone was sitting together, close, and happy.  It was just for a short while during the opening song, but it was really quite peaceful and perfect.  And that was my Joyful Moment to share with you tonight.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments that are peaceful and quite perfect!

Day 352: Mayhemful Moments

Seriously, there are way more of those moments than any other today.  It was really just one of the most bizarre days I've had in a while.

But it still had it's fair share of Joyful Moments.  One was getting invited to a play date for tomorrow.  The invitation came right at the exact moment that I realized we should invite someone over since the kids don't have school tomorrow.   And then--BOOM!--Wanna come over and watch "How To Train Your Dragon?"  Sure!  I love when life seems to read my mind like that.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments and a mind-reading Life!

Day 351: Cool, Calm, and Under Control

I had a "Girls' Day Out" today with a bunch of girl friends.  Shopping in the big city and lunch to celebrate three birthdays.  Good eats, even better chats, and some great deals at the stores ($17 for a cute pencil skirt at Banana Republic!).  It was a day full of Joyful Moments.

And then walking in the door to discover HH washing the dishes after taking care of everyone and everything (he even took the kids swimming!) all day was a huge Joyful Moment.  Until Baby B turned and saw me.  He had been sitting in his high chair content to munch on some cereal.  But then he saw my face and let me know just how he felt about me deserting him for a day (we've never been away from each other for so long!).  But finally, just before bed tonight, after nursing a few times for a really long time, he gave me lots of great smiles and let me know he was glad I was home, too.  Joyful Moment!

Wishing you all Joyful Moments with really cute pencil skirts involved!

Day 350: Business Party

Sort of an oxymoron, right?  At least that's what I told HH on the way home.  It wasn't so much of a party as it was a dinner, followed by a speech from The BossMan.

But it was a night out of the house.  Away from the kids.  And I didn't have to wash the dishes.  Plus, I got to talk to HH sans little interruptions the whole drive there and the whole drive back (30 minutes, each way!).

So, tonight was full of Joyful Moments.  And I was able to tell one of the members of his department that I appreciate her because she is nice and agreeable and HH enjoys working with her.  When he works with people he likes, he is happier.  When he is happier, well, we're all happier.  And expressing my gratitude to her for her part in this was another Joyful Moment.  Because that's how expressing gratitude works.

The End.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments that are a lot more like a Party Party than a Business Party!

Day 349: Just The Three Of Us

Today was actually a pretty Joyful day.  Impressive, given that I am in poor health today.  I guess that just means life is pretty good right now.

But the Joyful Moment I wish to share is the most recent.  We put Sweet P and Little M to bed, but Baby B is not quite ready since he took a late nap this afternoon/evening.  So, the three of us were sitting on the bed together.  Baby B is still quite the Mama's Boy.  He'll let HH hold him if I'm not around, but as soon as he sees me he's reaching out.  So, naturally, he was sitting on my lap as we sat on the bed.  But from the safety of my lap, I watched him reach out and try to engage HH (whose eyes were closed).

You all know how adorable Baby B is, so his efforts were not wasted.  So, I just sat back and watched the two of them play.  Baby B was quite interested in the drawstrings from HH's hoodie and played with those for a while, but then he moved in for HH's face.  And they had a great time playing and giggling and bonding together.  And I got to watch.  And it was my Joyful Moment.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments while witnessing male bonding between two of your favorite males!

Day 348: It Just Grows Like That

People are constantly asking me if I style his hair like this.  Or if it's static, now that it's fuzzy hat season. Sometimes I tell them that I just stick his finger in an electric outlet every morning, and then I smile and walk away.  Mostly, I tell them the truth.  That it's all natural.  That's the way we grow 'em around here.

By the way, even though it looks like he's mastering "the wink"--he's not.  He's been sick for a couple weeks and now it seems to have traveled to his eyes.  The left eye in particular.  So sad!  But I think "the wink" looks kind of cute, anyway.

This was taken right after a bath today which is important for two reasons:  1.  That is when his hair is at its mostest fluffiest condition, and 2.  That was the only time his eyes were free from green crud.

Every time I bathe him now, I fear that his hair will have grown too long to continue defying gravity.  And then it dries and it does this.  And when I saw it today, I just had to take some pictures and share my Joyful Moment with you today.

And he's laughing in this picture, not crying.  He seems to think the camera is hilarious.  Perfect.  Because I know soon enough it will be impossible to get him to smile at the camera.  And then it will be impossible to get a real smile whether at the camera, or any where else for that matter.  So, I'm just going to freeze this and keep it forever and ever.

I love my baby.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments at their mostest fluffiest condition!

Day 347: 1/11/11

So, I have an amazing family.  I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that.  That includes my aunt.  She's just one of those people that I've admired and loved for as long as I can remember.  She's always taken care of me from sending me earrings for my Junior Prom, to taking me home to her house for dinner my first weekend away at college.  I LOVE HER!

And today she is getting married.  Through some unfortunate timing, I have yet to meet her new husband, but I hear wonderful things about him.  And she radiates beauty and happiness that come from being in love.  And I am so so so happy for her!

And these thoughts brought me Joyful Moments today.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments the equivalent of wedded bliss (or at least, as close as you can get)!

Day 346: Choosing Openness...Again

Okay, so I've been struggling a lot off and on for a couple months now.  But it all really came to a head in the last couple of weeks.  And so, I closed myself off and kind of let the anger take over.  Again.  And thus begins the cycle.  Again.

So, I made up my mind yesterday, but I really put it into practice today.  I choose life.  And openness.  And, of course, joy.

And then the school called at 10:45 last night to announce that there would be no school today, due to inclement weather.  Awesome.

I did wake up while HH was getting ready for work, and then when the kids came in to find out why we weren't getting Sweet P ready for school, and then I slept until 8:30.  And that was kind of a Joyful Moment for me.  As was waking up in a good mood.  It's been a while since that happened.

Watching the kids play in the snow was another Joyful Moment.  Playing games with them, yet another.  And making dinner alongside HH was another.  We kind of had two main dishes and he prepared one while I prepared the other.  And it was downright fun.  Yes, indeed.

And then we set our individual and family goals for the year during Family Home Evening.  One of mine is to eliminate anger.  Wish me luck!

It's good to be back.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments galore when you open yourself up to them!

Day 345: Timely Giggles

Today was a very sad day.  It just was.

So, when HH got my (very) sick Baby B to giggle those adorable baby belly laugh giggles, it was exactly what I needed.  It was just so stinkin' cute!  And that was my Joyful Moment.

Quickly dashed when he burped in my face with garlic breath.  I guess that's what I get for feeding him the garlic mashed potatoes we had for dinner.  But he loved them!  And him being able to eat everything we had for dinner tonight was another Joyful Moment.  For both of us.  He loves eating like a big boy.

Wishing you all timely giggles to give you Joyful Moments!

Day 344: Our Right To Party

And we didn't even have to fight for it.

The birthday party today was a rip roarin' success.  Seriously, I don't think it could have gone any better.

It was hard to get a good picture of all of them because they were running around like little crazies, but here are most of the kids.  And they're kind of looking at the camera.

It's hard to say which was a better Joyful Moment--watching the kids have so much fun together, or sitting down on the couch to chill after it was all over!

Seriously though, I realized today just what great friends Sweet P has.  And that is a Joyful Moment realization that you really can't put a price on.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments that you can't put a price on!

Day 343: Run, Indiana, Run!

Except this time I cheated a little.

I bought Indie and the ball.  But it's what Sweet P wanted.  I made the cake and frosting, though.  And I frosted it.  Like my sweet jungle vines?  Okay, so it's not my most impressive cake ever.  But I did make the satchels...

And anticipating Sweet P's face when she sees this tomorrow is today's Joyful Moment.  Even though I feel like buying a cake topper is cheating, I know she'll be so excited when I surprise her with this.

Run, Indiana, run!

Wishing you all Joyful Moments in escaping the large boulder chasing you down!

Day 342: Untimely Giggles

Baby B seems to be on a hunger strike--again.  That seems to be one of the hazards of having an overly-entertaining older brother.  It figures that the one baby I've actually enjoyed nursing is the one baby who has given me the most struggles with it.  We're finally over all of the allergies, re-built my milk supply twice, and now he's just too busy to be interested.

So, today I banned Little M from the room while I was trying to nurse Baby B.  But then I brushed my hand against his tummy and he was positive that I was trying to tickle him.  And he giggled.  So, of course, I looked down at him and smiled.  To which he giggled again.  That made me giggle.  And, of course, that made him giggle some more.  I tried to re-engage his interest in getting some lunch, but to no avail.  As stressed and frustrated as I am with the nursing situation, his beautiful giggles were more than I could resist and it was a Joyful Moment.

Fast forward to nap time--I was trying to get both boys settled in their beds.  But Mr. Giggles persisted in finding everything hilarious.  And more giggles ensued, this time from both boys.  I tried to be stern, but with their sweet little giggles filling the air, it was wasted effort.  It was a Joyful Moment for a moment sharing in their giggles.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments in spite of yourself!

Day 341: Shrooms

I feel so rebellious with that title!

Awesome shroom Sweet P found back in New England

Have I ever mentioned that I love mushrooms?  Cooked, mainly.  Raw mushrooms are not the best.  But sauteed, stewed, baked, or grilled?  Oh, mama.

I took a platter of stuffed mushrooms to the New Year's party last weekend, and I'll be honest, all the compliments I received on them were a huge Joyful Moment.  I just wish I would have remembered to put a bit of thyme in them.  They were still delicious, but I think the thyme would have been a welcome addition.  I'll just have to make some more...

Not the best focus, but you can still tell it was a pretty funky little guy

Tonight we did not have stuffed mushrooms.  We had mushroom and barley stew.  I made up the recipe--and that was my Joyful Moment.  I like making up recipes.  It is not my favorite soup ever, but it was good.  And I felt good about serving it because it had a variety of ingredients in it specially formulated to (hopefully) help us all get over this nasty cold that keeps lingering on and on and on and on and on.

Here's to hoping!

Wishing you all Joyful Moments that restore your good health!

Day 340: Bubba Bath

Tonight was the first time the boys bathed together.  It was so cute!  They were both so excited about the arrangement--and watching them was my Joyful Moment.  I didn't keep Baby B in for very long and he was so mad when I pulled him out.

I love that my boys get along so well.  Please, let it last!

Oh, and another Joyful Moment came when I picked up Trader Joe's vacuum fried banana chips on a whim today.  I've never been a huge fan of banana chips, but HH is.  Out of curiosity about the whole "vacuum"part, I tried one.  And then I had to restrain myself from eating the whole bag.  They're fabulous!

Wishing you all Joyful Moments that promise half the fat and exponentially greater flavor!

Day 339: Counting By Tens

First off, some clarification--HH called Sweet P "lobster baby" because she turned red every time she screamed like that.

Okay, so I got to take cookies into Sweet P's Kindergarten class today.  They were supposed to be cupcakes, but it's a long story about why they didn't work out and it's starting to feel like I'll never make it to bed tonight and I really need to make it to bed tonight because the whole house is sick.  Suffice it to say, I brought cookies and everyone was happy.

And the teacher invited me to stay for a bit, so I got to watch Sweet P in action.  They were learning how to count by 10's.  I don't remember learning that in Kindergarten, but this class is.  And it was so great watching Sweet P learn and grasp new concepts.  She's amazing.

And it was a Joyful Moment.

And then I had another Joyful Moment tonight when I ran a silly errand, only to completely forget the whole point of the errand at home (a coupon that expires tonight).  I started to be bugged with myself, but then realized that I had seemed to bring quite a bit of comfort to the cashier through the conversation we shared.  And I began to think that maybe my time and effort had not been a waste after all.  And it turned into a Joyful Moment.

Plus, I figured another way to simplify my life (my main focus the last week)--I'm cutting CVS out of my life.  At least for the next little while.  It just isn't worth it.

I feel better.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments that make you feel better!

Day 338: Six

Six years of Joyful Moments from my sweet Sweet P.

This is one of my favorite pictures of her.  For so many reasons.  The gigantic funky binky.  The precious wrinkly newborn skin on her fingers (five days old).  The beautiful, soft hair.  But mostly, the attitude in that cute face with the furrowed brow and all.  We had these crazy bright lights set up in the living room for the shoot (thanks to my oh-so-talented Aunt K!) and she was SO mad about them.  So mad.  When she was mad she would just let loose with these crazy screams.  HH dubbed her "lobster baby" in the hospital.

Even memories of that bring me Joyful Moments now.  Because I'm on this side of things and I know those crazy, rough first weeks and months don't last forever.  And are full of beautiful, precious times as well.

I miss that little baby girl.  But she continues to be such a precious Joyful Moment for me.  She so sweet.  She's so thoughtful and caring.  She is an example to me in her willingness to give and to share.  She is absolutely beautiful inside and out.  She made sure to let me know how much she appreciated everything I did and gave her today for her birthday.  She wanted to give me a great big bear hug after each and every gift as she opened them.

And I'd be lying if I said that her complete joy at receiving all the perfect gifts wasn't a Joyful Moment for me as well.  What can I say?  I'm a mama.

Happy Birthday, Sweet P!  Here's to infinitely more years of Joyful Moments having you as a daughter!

Wishing you all six years worth of Joyful Moments!

Day 337: Satchel, Anyone?

I MADE THIS!

And three  others that Baby B is eating there in the photo.  And my thyroid has become phosphorescent.  Awesome.  I don't know why pictures taken from my computer have such flattering lighting.  But the satchels are actually brown.  They are supposed to look like Indiana Jones' satchel.  They're for Sweet P's birthday party next weekend.

I only have five more to go.

But it's okay, because I whipped up these babies in a little over an hour.  And the first one took the majority of that time because I am really not handy with my sewing machine at all.  And I had to change all the thread (including winding a bobbin) over from black to brown.

I'm so proud of myself.  This was totally a Joyful Moment for today.

Last year I set a goal to accomplish three sewing projects.  I did.  Plus a couple more, I think.  This year I just might set the bar a little higher.

Hooray for a great start to a new year!