What a week

So I have to apologize for not writing over the last week. I was going to do a double entry Sunday, but then the week spun out of control. It has just been a really long week, and I just never thought to write.

But...I could really see how doing this blog so many days before this week came effected how I handled the week. I handled it without getting over stressed, outright angry, etc. I handled it by being able to talk to my husband about things I needed to, deal with the things that were happening at work without letting it effect the rest of my day, and truly enjoy the good moments I had. It doesn't mean I loved the week, it does mean that I reacted to the week better than I might have before.

I enjoyed the time Bailey and I had with Kelly on Saturday last week, I loved playing an April Fools joke on our daycare provider, and her getting us back, I loved B's laugh, playing outside with the dog and so much more. Amidst lots of bad and stressful stuff last week there was joy to be had, and I never lost sight of that.

I am glad I decided to do this over Lent, and I will probably continue it beyond Lent. I may not update every day, but I will try to update at least once a week. It's a good thing to keep focused on, and it clearly helps overall perspective.

Today my joy is in sacrifice. Today is the day that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for ME! He made it for you too!! Today he was selfless, and his Father was selfless. Jesus asked for this cross to be taken from him, and his Father knew he couldn't do that or we wouldn't have what we have now...Jesus knew he couldn't run away from it because he was here to save us. Sacrifice was made today in ways that humble me. Jesus gave his life so that I can live eternally. It puts me in awe that someone who didn't know me yet could do it for me. He did it for so many that don't know him yet, and he wants to know them. It was selfless, and it was sacrifice. Because of that sacrifice I have joy.

Stream Netflix

I signed us up for Netflix about a month ago because they were going to start streaming movies through the Wii in the "spring". We have a Wii, and I figured having this option would be a great way to watch more movies and not have to go out to rent them. We also get one movie at a time mailed to us for a total of $9 a month.

So today our disk arrived that allows us to stream movies. It's awesome! Right now we are streaming Elmo's Adventures in Grouchland and B is loving it.

So my joy is in the streaming disk. I love to watch movies, and it is a nice way for Jason and I to always have something at our fingertips for quiet time together away from our computers :)

Bathtime!!

B got a bath tonight. Now that I have figured out how to put her in the bath without the world ending...it's pretty fun.

She went through a phase where she hated the bath. It came out of nowhere, she just hated it. So one day I let her stand there as I drew the bath. I splashed in it a little then put her in. Suddenly...she was having fun in the tub.

So tonight was a bath night. It's awesome because she laughs, splashes enough so we are both wet, and just in general has a blast. I had so much fun watching her play and splashing her. That bath time was most certainly the joy in my day today :)

I know...I'm late!

Yep...I know, I'm late on the entry for yesterday. But...that is why I am joyful.

I decided last night that I wouldn't be on my computer for long. Once dinner was on plates my computer was shut off for the night. I just enjoyed relaxing. Dinner was very tasty and easy, I finished it off with the last piece of chocolate cake, and I enjoyed watching Survivor with my hubby.

The joy in yesterday was closing the laptop and just fully relaxing. So yes, the post is late, but it's late because of my joy...so I'll give myself a pass on that one ;)

Fearless!!!!

So my joy today is in learning of something to come. I have been thinking about it non stop since last night.

Jason and I take Bailey with us, and we spend a week each summer volunteering for a Christian retreat camp for High School age kids. CAMPS (Christ As My Personal Savior). I went as a high school student, and have staffed many times...it's wonderful and we are so glad to do it as a family.

Each year has a different theme, and I learned the theme for this year last night....Fearless! I can't tell you how excited I am by this theme. I am literally jumping out of my skin excited for it.

In the last year or so I've become more fearless in my faith, and I have fully experienced what awesome things that has done for me. I am beyond excited to witness others learn the same lesson and be able to stand tall and strong in their faith and relationship with Christ.

I must admit, the excitement of this theme has brought me to tears at moments. I'm this inspired by it and we haven't even had our first staff meeting yet!

The hymn "Be Not Afraid" has always been one to make me cry. Not because it is a funeral song...but because it is so empowering. It is our Father's message to us that we don't need to be afraid...he is with us!!! It is an exciting song, not a sad one.

I was also excited for the theme as it relates to my favorite verse in the bible. Romans 8:31, "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" How amazing is that?!! To me it gives me the power to say BRING IT ON every day.

Fearless is an amazing way to live. It's joyful, loving, and exciting!!! So be fearless in God's love for you. He will guide you and love you in ways you could never imagine.

I like to reflect on the lyrics of a Tom Petty classic...to me it relates to being fearless in faith.

Well I won't back down
No I won't back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down

No I'll stand my ground, won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from draggin me down
gonna stand my ground... and I won't back down

Chorus:(I won't back down...)
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
(and I won't back down...)
hey I will stand my ground
and I won't back down

Well I know what's right, I got just one life
in a world that keeps on pushin me around
but I'll stand my ground...and I won't back down

cuddles, snuggles, and giggles

B didn't sleep well last night, so she was tired earlier tonight but really not wanting to go to bed.

She was very cuddly because she wanted to fight going to sleep. She would get down off the recliner, run around, then come back for a hug and a snuggle. A few times I would tickle her and she would just laugh and love it.

These times won't always happen as she grows older, so I love it when they do. The day just seems to fade away and I love those moments with her.

her laugh

It has been beautiful out for a few days now. We took that as our opportunity to go to the playground with B. She's been on the playground twice a day at school, and we have brought her Friday, Saturday and Sunday....you would think she would be over it. But she loves it!

She loves the slide, and general running around, but what she laughs the most at is the swing. She would laugh and laugh with a huge smile on her face. B just loved being pushed on the swing...don't we all.

Her laughter was the highlight of my day today. It was a nice Sunday (I love Sunday), but her laugh in the swing was just amazing. To see how much she loved it brought me so much joy, and I loved being there watching her enjoy it.

The swimming class that almost wasn't

We signed B up for a swimming class. Water babies! It's something for B and I to do on Saturday morning when Daddy has to work, and it will end just when it's time to start spending time in the pool at Grandma and Papa's.

The first class didn't go so well...she cried through most of it. I figured it was because she bumped her foot getting in the pool or the water was a little chilly. We went back today hoping for the best and a new approach to getting in..plus a longer nap and snacks before class. Well..we got dressed and went out to the pool area..she was doing fine. Until she saw the pool and started crying immediately. Grandma was there to watch and it was a surprise to both of us since she spent so much in time in the pool last summer. I worked with B to try a gradual approach into the pool...in the hopes by the time class started she would be good to go. The outlook was not good. Then something amazing happened. Bailey saw a friend from her classroom at daycare. She immediately stopped crying. Her friend Ava was in the same class!!

Ava got in the pool too, and suddenly B was ready to go. She did everything in the class all while smiling and laughing. A total 180 from when she saw the pool at the start of the day. All it took was her friend Ava.

The joy was in seeing my daughter see her friend from school, and it immediately calmed her. She was fine because her friend was with her. It shows me how friendships are important from such an early point in life. Treasure them, and love them. Friendships bring you so much joy, and ease any anxiety about the pool!! It was wonderful to see one of Bailey's friendships at work. It was a wonderful blessing today.

Playground!!!

Today the joy was in going to the playground with my little girl. I picked her up from daycare and we met the hubbs at the playground. It was awesome.

B had a fantastic time, and we had a great time with her. She LOVED the slide and kept going up and down. Watching her have so much fun was a blast for us.

So many times we are told that amazing things can be found through the eyes of a child. It's just so true. It was the highlight of my week to spend some time outside with my little girl on the playground.

TV

TV is my guilty pleasure. Not just one show...TV in general. Perhaps that's why I was a Communications major in college.

TV is just an awesome escape for me. I can zone out, relax, and get involved with the story of the shows I enjoy.

Again, a simple thing...and this time a bit of a guilty pleasure. But it's just awesome to me. Whatever your escape is, it is a blessing. We all need something that allows us to check out a little bit. Something that can relax our mind and help us settle from the day. TV does it for me...and it brings me lots of joy.

The Good Book

It's Saint Patrick's day...that in and of itself is a joyful thing. Come on...Irish music, beer, and a happy Kathleen :).

But...that's not the reason for my post today. I keep sticky notes at my desk with places to find bible verses I like. I don't reference what they are about, and my memory stinks too much to remember just by looking at the place to find them.

Today at work is annoying. There are just days like that here, and they are no fun. So I did a google search for a bible verse I have referenced on a sticky note.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (New International Version)
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Seriously!? It was so perfect to read today at work. I was finding myself annoyed, and I hate being like that. This verse was the perfect wake up call. Give thanks in all circumstances....it was like God saying, "Come on Kath...suck it up and rise above!!"

So I am making the choice to be joyful, to give thanks for all things today. He spoke to me exactly when I needed it...he's good like that ;)

A Crazy Couple Days

Oomph! I just haven't been on my computer at home enough to blog about my joy. Sunday and Monday were a bit nuts, but I'm back on track now. Woo hoo to that!

So I'll break each day down to talk about the joy I found.

Sunday: My joy was in my family that day. I visited a friend who's son is in the hospital. It is a place no child should ever be. Thankfully Jason was able to come in with me, and what a blessing that was. It was a quick visit, but hard. I was so glad to have my husband with me to talk about it after and hug each other. We both gave our little girl big hugs and kisses when we picked her up from Grandma's!

We had a nice dinner with my mother in law, and it was just a good day for family. My family brings me constant joy, and without them my world just wouldn't be as great.

Monday: My joy was in the GPS! It had rained for 3 days here, and roads were flooded. My normal way into work was going to be flooded, and it wouldn't be safe to bring my car through it. So the GPS was my joy. I was able to plug that sucker in and have it direct me a new way to work. I got to work on time, and didn't have to drive through any major puddles. It was a pretty awesome thing on a very rainy day.

That brings me to today! Today my joy is in forgiveness. Forgiveness from our God and from ourselves. I had to forgive myself for not being on point with my blogging lately. It's such a simple thing, but being something I am doing for Lent it is important. I had been thinking about what to post, but not following through. I had to forgive myself for it and get right back to it!

God forgives us for more mistakes than we even know we make. It is awesome to know that we are so loved and perfect to him in our imperfection. That in itself brings me more joy than I can even explain.

So back to it....there is joy in every day!!!

Another double day!

Last night I realized I had forgotten to write after I was all tucked in my bed...so a double entry. But..where I realized I forgot to write was a huge amount of joy. I love being in my bed. It is so darn cozy!! I get myself all tucked in, hug a pillow, and it's pure bliss. I settle my mind and my heart, and it is so relaxing. I love it!!

Today my joy was in a trip up to Burlington. I don't often get up there since we live on the south shore now. I went there for one thing, but figured I would make the most of it while it happens! I hit up the Gingerbread Construction Company and bought muffins, and had a big score at the Christian Book and Supply store. Veggie Tales movies were on a big time sale, and I bought Bailey a book called "I Love You More Than Rainbows". All in all a pretty awesome trip...and Bailey had a great nap on the way.

Joy is everywhere...it's all in where we find it :)

saving!

I get such a rush from getting a good deal. I feel so excited that I was able to get something needed and save some bucks while it happens. Today I had one of those moments.

I joined the CVS Advisory Group...if you aren't in it...join up. They send you surveys and for filling them out you get extra bucks to use in store. If you qualify for the survey you get more than if you don't, but just for seeing if you qualify for the survey they send you get some extra bucks.

So today...I had 5 extra bucks from a survey...plus I had a $4 off a $20 purchase. Woo hoo!! I went in and got things we needed in the house...and some pretty smelling night time bath soap for B. Some of the things I got were even on sale beyond my coupons....so when all was said and done I saved $13.50 in one visit!!

It just felt good to get things for the family, and save the family money all at the same time. There was a big smile on my face as I left CVS today!!

music makes it all happen

I love music. Thankfully I am able to have it on in my office.

Today I had lots to do at work, but nothing overly stressful. Mostly just paperwork that had to get done. But, I had my secret weapon to make it all go by quickly. Music!!! I put my Ipod in my Ihome (oh Apple and their love of "I"). I had tunes going all day, and it was great. It made time go faster, and it took a not so fun task and made it a lot more bearable. Gotta love my full up Ipod!!!

outside with B and the dog

Wow...I had a blast when I got home from work today.

It was really nice weather again, so when I got home with B we brought the dog out. We spent about 20 minutes outside, and it was the best part of the day. B and I threw the ball for Tessie to chase, laughed a ton, and ran all over the back yard. By the end of our time outside all three of us were worn out in a great way.

Again, such a simple thing...and it was a blast. It was a blast for more than just me. It was a blast for B, and it was a blast for Tessie. How awesome is that?!?!

an open window!

Spring is close...it's so close, I was able to open my window at work today!!!

Today was close to 60 degrees...it is so wonderful to have these first warm days. It means spring is close!! Spring is a time for renewal. New flowers, buds on trees, sheding of winter coats.

The open window just felt awesome. To feel the breeze in my office was a glorious thing. Such a simple thing. No cost, no grand gestures, just the breeze through an open window. I loved it.

missed yesterday...for a good reason :)

So I missed yesterday, but I didn't forget to think about my joy. So this will be a double entry!

Yesterday, my joy was what kept me from putting up my blog yesterday. Hubbs and I spoke recently about having one night a week where the computers aren't touched. We watch a movie, play Wii, anything but turn on the computers. It makes sure that we don't just get sucked into the technology around us when we want to unwind every night.

So last night my joy was in that night. We watched a movie together, and just enjoyed the peace of the evening. It was awesome.

My joy today was in being able to be outside!! Spring is near...while it isn't here full time yet, it's getting it's "legs". It was just beautiful, and I took advantage of it. Bailey and I had such a nice time playing outside. We used her new ball, played with the dog, and just enjoyed not being inside the house all day. It is so nice to see spring so close, and that it happened on a weekend when B and I could enjoy it so much :)

the giggle of a child

Today was another fairly uneventful day...uneventful that is other than the giggle of a child. That was a massive amount of joy for me today.

It was just a normal day for me today. It was nice, it's Friday...all good things. The part that brought me the most joy today was my daughter's laugh. She played with my husband tonight, and she just couldn't stop laughing. There was such joy in that laugh, how could I not feel it?

B has one of the greatest laughs I have ever heard. No matter when I hear it I am filled with ultimate joy. It's a wonderful moment that everyone should have...the laughter of a child is just such a beautiful and joy filled thing.

The Site I Visit Daily

I have a website that I visit every day. It is a website I love to visit, and no matter what is happening in the day it brings me joy...or just extra joy.

The website is:

www.verseoftheday.com

It is a wonderful place to go to every day. It means that every day I read God's word. I read his messages to me, and they are awesome. It is a wonderful reminder of his love and enhances my relationship with him. It keeps me focused on what is important...and all of that brings me joy.

Today's verse is one of my favorites:

"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
— Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

This verse is so joy filled to me! Don't hold back, don't be afraid...I AM WITH YOU. That is what this verse tells me. No matter what I do, my Lord is by my side cheering me on and keeping me safe. I can't imagine anything but joy in that fact.

So I encourage you to read verseoftheday.com. It is a site that is just great. It takes me just 5 minutes to read it, and it's 5 minutes that focus me on the day ahead. It reminds me of what is important and it always brings me joy.

Just a nice day

You know, nothing of note really happened today, and that in itself is my joyful moment. I had great moments with Bailey, relaxed with my husband, had a good and productive day at work.

My joy today was in the peace. I am able to end my day with a sign of contentment and peace. That is never a bad thing.

:)

It's All In The Relationship

Today at work was not overly fun. The bosses were being nit picky, and it was just frustrating. Mountains were made of mole hills, and it was a day we were all glad when the bell rang.

However, the joy in my day came in the midst of all that. My joy today was in my relationship with God. It's days like today that truly show me how valuable it is.

I don't love my job, and every day I say a prayer before walking into the office. I pray for a day where I can focus on work, patience, and to be joyful in knowing I am providing for my family. I also made sure to pray before going into a meeting I wasn't looking forward to with my bosses (that whole mountain with the mole hill thing). That time of prayer just settles me and puts me in a place where I don't let myself get angry when most of the people in my office would in the same situation.

My relationship with God gets me through tough times. They don't have to be major times, they can be nothing more than frustrating times. That is what work was today, but because of my relationship with God I am able to get through those times and not let them get me down.

I totally thought I knew

While I go through my day I pay attention to things trying to figure out what I will write about each day. Today I thought I had it all figured out. I knew that my husband was working late tonight, so when Bailey went to bed I would have 2 hours to myself. I was SO sure that was going to be my joy today...having that quiet time for myself. As a mother and wife it doesn't come often.

Well...as most things when we try to figure them out beforehand...I was wrong. Yet again..B brings the joy.

I picked up Bailey and was holding her while I spoke with her teacher. Bailey has said "Mama" many times. But...something about the way she said it today made my world stop. I was holding her, and she looked right into my eyes and said "Mama". It was the most perfect moment of my day. Just her, looking directly into my eyes and saying "Mama", made my world stop.

It was the most amazing moment ever. It totally trumped all expectations of what I thought my joy would be today. While the time by myself was wonderful, it paled in comparison to that one moment with Bailey today.

No better day than Sunday

I love Sunday. It really is my favorite day of the week. Saturday is wonderful, but there is always some aspect of running around involved in it. Sunday is the day to relax and be with my family and friends.

Today Jason had to work a couple hours :(...but Bailey and I met up with our friends the Casey's and went to the Children's Museum in Boston. We have a family membership, so we are constantly inviting friends with kids to come with us. We love going, and it allows our friends to bring their children at no cost.

The kids had such an awesome time. The most fun B had was in the water room..she splashed so much with so much joy that she even soaked me! It was a blast.

The museum was a wonderful time, but the fun had there isn't the complete story of the joy today. The joy was in being able to share and give to our friends. We bought this membership as a family and love to use it, and it brought me so much joy to share it with friends so they could have a fun family time as well.

Bailey loves sharing with people, and it's so easy to see why. To share with those we love really is a gift to ourselves. The community of people we share our lives with are important to us. To share with them is a gift to us just as it is to them.

A dinner with my husband

Tonight...my Mother In Law watched Bailey...Jason and I had dinner just the two of us. It was awesome.

It was just a couple hours, but I got to sit down with my husband and have dinner and truly focus on being with him. I miss it when having that time was so easy, so it was glorious to have it tonight.

My joy today was in having time to spend with my husband. A wonderful meal, great conversation, and time to spend paying attention to nothing but the man I love. It doesn't get much better than that.

Almost forgot!

Phew...I almost forgot to post today...but that doesn't mean I wasn't thinking about WHAT to post today as the day went on.

A lot of my joy comes from my daughter. As I am sure it does for just about every parent. Tonight before putting her to bed my husband and I played with her. She was laughing hysterically..full on belly laughs. She was just having so much fun, and so were we. I commented to my husband that her laugh was the most beautiful thing I had ever heard.

Again, the joy comes from a simple yet amazing thing. Joy doesn't have to come from spending money, it can be a simple thing that was completely free. I will never stop feeling joy when I hear my little girl laugh.

Shake what your Mama gave you

B loves to dance. I often have dance parties with her, and they are great. At 14 months old they are a blast for her...and me.

Today I had a 1/2 day from work because she was sent home from school yesterday with a fever. We had a nice afternoon, and I switched on Toddler Tunes on cable. I walked out to the living room to see her busting a move. She reached for me and we danced together and had a blast. Baby giggles abound!!

Dancing with my daughter brings me insane amounts of joy. It is such an easy and simple thing to do with her, and we both have so much fun doing it. I have a feeling that these dance parties will be a wonderful thing to have together, and will create wonderful memories for us both as she grows up. :)

Joy all around me today

Today is such an easy day for me to find the joy in. It's my birthday :)

I am well past the age where I want big parties etc to celebrate. I am just happy to enjoy a dinner with my husband tonight (he even found a sitter for B!), and think about the year that has gone by...and quite a bit has gone by in the last year. It's been a year of so many changes for me, and it's nice to sit back and be happy for what I have and what's to come.

But..even with all that..my biggest joy today is the joy I get from my friends and family around me. Facebook is a wonderful way to keep in touch with people, and get birthday wishes. I get a text to my cell when someone posts on my "wall", and so far today my phone has gotten lots of texts. My friends and family wishing me a happy birthday, a wonderful year, blessings, and hugs. It's pretty awesome to have a day in your life when the people around you wish you well and are happy you are here. It really makes my heart swell and just gives me a feeling of peace and joy.

So today my joy is in the people that love me telling me so. It's important to tell the people you love that you do in fact LOVE them. It's so easy to not do it, but it's so much better to do it. While James Taylor writes some pretty cheesy stuff (says the girl who paid to see him in concert), it's right. "Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel."

The smells of spring

So yesterday I wrote of my longing for spring...today I did something about it.

Lunch came today and I wanted something leisurely to do. So I drove to Target :) I love that store so much. I went through the clearance racks to see if I could find something for B, wandered around, and just enjoyed the break from the office.

Then I came across the air freshener section. I looked at it, and decided my office could use some pretty smells to just enhance my days. I picked a reed diffuser in the scent of willow blossom. It is supposed to last for 60 days...in 60 days it "should" be spring!! It was the perfect treat myself thing to do...and it was on sale ;)

So now my office smells like pretty flowers, and something about that just calms me. It is such a simple thing, but it brings me hope that spring is close..and it will be awesome. This little thing will bring me joy for many days (at least 60!) and make this desk I spend 8 hours a day at a little more pleasant.

So I will soak in the smell, knowing that as the oil in the diffuser goes down it just brings me closer to spring time. In the meantime I will take what I can get and smile :)

It's exhausting today

Wow...I did not go to bed at a smart time last night. Since I got to sleep in I had such a nice day...and stayed up until 11:30...on a work night! Whoops. It was great when I was younger and single. I could pull that off. But today I am a walking zombie.

It seems that this time of year can be a tough time for people to seek out their joy. We are tired, we have our bills from the holidays, and we have had enough of the dark winter weather. I don't know about anyone else, but I NEED spring to get here. I need to be able to go outside and play with B. To just take a walk at lunch alone...spring needs to get here!!

But...I am here to find the joy in today. That in itself is a blessing. On a day where I want to just be a grump because I am tired, it's cold, and the weather for the rest of the week is gross to put it politely...it's pretty awesome to have my mind be focusing on the joy I can find today. It's what makes me so happy I decided to do this blog for Lent. It is changing my perspective, even when it would be easy to just be a grump.

So my joy for today, is the cozy of my office at work. I get a lot of sunlight through the window in my office, so I shut the door and let the cozy fill me up each day. While it might not be the smartest idea when I am so tired, it really is nice. It makes a Monday a little bit better ;). Today is going to be the nicest day of the week, and by letting the sunshine in my office to wrap me in it's rays..I get to enjoy it.

So enjoy today. Through your exhaustion, through whatever troubles you have, find something to be joyful about. It will turn your day around in more ways than you could imagine. For now...I'm going to enjoy the sunshine that we have just for today :)

Ahhh...Sunday

You know, as today started I thought my joy for today was going to be that my husband let me sleep in. He took care of B this morning and I was able to sleep until 9AM!! It was amazing. After we just had a bit of a lazy Sunday. B took another nap on me, and we watched some of the Olympics. All in all it was a good day.

However, my joy for the day was two visitors we had. Jason's sister came to visit, and it was fun to sit with her for a little bit. B loved it and was a total goof, which is always fun to watch. Then after that we met my Mom for dinner. Good food and great company.

So today the joy was in the people around me. My husband letting me sleep in, visitors coming to the house, and all in all having a truly nice Sunday. It really was a good day :)

Saturday is awesome

It's Saturday...it's a great day of the week for many reasons. One of which is that I get some alone time with B. My husband has to work until 2:00 each Saturday, so once B gets up it's she and I for a while. There is something great about having some play time just us, and as she grows the things we can do together with this weekly time.

Today B was tired because she woke up earlier than she should have this morning. After some playing and a snack, she was falling asleep in her high chair. I picked her out of it, and we cuddled in the recliner. She fell asleep on me for about 45 minutes. I watched some TV, and cuddled with my sleeping daughter.

As she gets older those moments won't be as frequent, so I love them every time I get them. It was by far the highlight of my Saturday :)

The joy to come

So my joy of today...hasn't happened yet. But...I know exactly when it will :)

The moment I'm writing about today happens a lot in the week, but it most certainly deserves a blog entry. It is the moment my daughter sees me when I come to pick her up from daycare.

B goes to daycare 5 days a week, and she loves it there. We are very blessed to have found a facility that is nothing short of amazing. It is so good for her, and we know we are doing wonderful things for her by sending her there.

I pick her up between 4:45 and 5:00. No matter what she is doing, when she sees me, she stops. A huge smile comes over her face and she runs over to be picked up for a hug and a kiss. I have never felt so loved as I do in that moment each day. Sometimes she is in a big pink princess dress playing dress up, sometimes she's in a tunnel crawling around, it just doesn't matter. No matter how much fun she is having at that moment, I am more important to her.

I know it won't always be this way when she sees me, so for now I am going to soak it all in and love every second of it. She's 14 months old, and Mommy and Daddy are the light of her life..just as she is to us.

So my moment of joy is coming in a couple hours. I will see my daughter excited for nothing else than to see me. The world will stop for her, and it will for me as well. If I could truly give it justice with a description I would...the only way to really describe it is with one word. Awesome.

Warmth

Today was a pretty easy one to write about. What is most definately bringing me joy today is feelings of warmth in the little things around me. When I have moments like this it just brings me comfort and peace. I find myself settling myself with a sigh and being quite content in the moment.

The first of those moments was a warm cup of tea this morning. Yesterday I went to Target and bought a small box of tea for $1. I was getting tea at Dunks, so I did this so I could still have my morning cup. What a savings that was...16 bags of tea for less than a single cup at Dunks. I made the cup, and the warmth was just awesome. There is something about a warm cup of tea that is just amazing. It has the ability to make the world slow down for me.

The other moment I had today was when my first dance song with my husband came on my Ipod. Yesterday I was speaking with some girlfriends about our first dance songs and how we picked them. Our first dance song was "My Love I Will" by Alice Peacock. "Until the day the planets all stand still, my love I will".

We picked it after seeing a very intimate show by Alice Peacock. We were going to use another of her songs, but after hearing her tell the story of this song we knew this was it. She wrote it just days after meeting her husband. It spoke to us in so many ways and truly spoke of our love for each other in the way we wanted our song to. We loved her stuff so much that we picked another one of her songs for our last dance: If You Could Only See Your Eyes.

Three weeks before our wedding we were lucky enough to be able to go to another small show of hers (since she isn't well known most of her shows around here are small..it's amazing). I had requested "My Love I Will" through her myspace and told her how we were using it for our first dance and using "If You Could Only See Your Eyes" as our last dance. She played "My Love I Will" in the middle of her show, and it was beautiful. Then to close her show she played "If You Could Only See Your Eyes" and dedicated it to us. What an amazing moment and gift to have.

Hearing our first dance song is something that just makes the world stop. It will always bring me back to that moment where I looked into my husband's eyes and it was just us, and we were married. We had just had our wedding mass, and we were beginning to live our sacrament. That was our moment in that glorious day, and it was perfect.

2+ years later and I still look at my wedding ring set in amazement. What a gift my marriage is, what a gift my family is! In the midst of any craziness I will always have that joy and peace. It is the best kind of moment there is.

So grab a cup of your favorite soothing drink, turn on the tunes, and love the day.

:)

http://www.alicepeacock.com/

And So It Begins

Goodness...what a day to start Lent!! Today would have been the typical day I would have "needed" to go to Dunks...just for the comfort of the donut. It was a crazy morning and I would have been craving that comfort food.

B took a tumble down some of the stairs at home today, and gave herself a gash over her right eye. She seemed to be OK, but better safe than sorry..so the day started with a visit to her Dr. to get her all checked out. Clean bill of health and no stitches needed and B was on her merry way. Laughing and smiling the whole time. We are blessed to have such a happy little girl.

Work has been busy with lots of random things popping up that need attention, so attention they get.

So today what brings me joy is the fact that Lent is a time of renewal. Before giving up Dunks for Lent I would have been all about getting something from there to comfort me, but since I gave it up for Lent I refused to let myself go. I gave it up for something greater than myself, and I can't falter before day one is even over!

With all of that, my sense of joy is in that I am succeeding and the sense of renewal I have in the process. It would be so easy to cave and justify it. But I am making the choice not to, and it will be great in the long run. It's what giving up Dunks was all about for me.

Joy in the renewal ahead for me, that is my joy for today. That and no stitches or head injuries ;)

My Lenten Journey

It's Fat Tuesday...that seems to fit in so many ways!!

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, and I am really excited for Lent this year. The last year has been filled with many ups and downs, and I am viewing this Lenten season as a time of renewal for myself.

I have decided to do two things for Lent this year. The first is to give up all things Dunkin Donuts. I go there far too much, spend money I shouldn't, and eat things that my body just doesn't need. My thought is that by giving it up for Lent I will truly hold myself accountable to it, and quit the habit I have failed to quit so many times in the last year. It will be a good thing for my wallet, and my waist line.

The second thing I am doing is the reason for this blog. I wanted to keep a journal/blog for every day of Lent. I want to write down at least one thing I found joy in that day. I always try to look on the positive side of things, but some days are just bad days. We all have them! My goal for Lent is to find joy in every day, and record it. I feel that it will help me to always focus on the joy in my life and find it in places I might not have noticed before. God wants us to be joy filled, and this is just my way of truly paying attention to the joy and the gifts.

So I hope you enjoy what you read, and that maybe it will help you to find your joy in every day as well. Here is an article to look at in case you haven't found your Lenten observance yet...I hope you enjoy it.

http://www.spirituality.org/is/032/page06.asp