A Day Finished

and thankfully so.  Hard days happen and getting through them feels like a blessing.  Thankful for moments seeing friends who get it, who understand the journey.  Tomorrow is a new day!

• able to get kids where they need to be
• finding a Redbox movie we wanted to see
• short moments to sit in front of the fire

Wine Glass Filter

Lavendar and Peter Rabbit today

That is what has been running through my head all day; at least that is what it feels like.  The day had it's challenges, but fortunately I'd been able to pin point some of the issues and take care of those directly and appropriately.  Sure makes that part of life easier.  Despite feeling a bit crummy, was able to keep a level head with school and our boys.  We talked through the last bits of school that need to be finished, came up with plans, and they moved on with the plan.  Felt good to get their in put and them working on it.

During the "long day" I had mixed up water and lavendar essential oil, in a spray bottle.  Lavendar is know for it's calming effects.  At a minimum, the air smelled better and spring like.  It got me thinking of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit.  I was off to Pinterest to look her up.  Here's one lovely photo I found:

Isn't it lovely ~ a knitting mouse!

The good for today:

• hitting my step count goal
• playing around with scrap yarn
• soup
• popsiscles
• getting hard chores done
• good discussions with the boys
• clean out the fridge dinner
• being tired at a reasonable time for bed

And with that, I wish you good night!

Hard Rounds in Life

Yup!  Life has been feeling hard the last few days!  There is still good in the bad!  Trying to find the good can be hard and feels extremely difficult at times.  By the end of the day, I was just thankful that it was the end of the day, that we were all home, and it was time to sleep.  We'd had clothes to wear, things to do, school to get done, food to eat, and a safe place to sleep.  Seems like sort of a "crutch" of a list.  Some days are like that though.  When in the mix of feeling down, it's hard to be thankful and see the joy.

I desperately need to surround myself with family and friends that can help me see the good, the joy, the thankfulness.  If you have any for today, please share so I can rejoice with you.

Something pretty to liven up a drab post!

Mondays are just that ~ mundane

at least for us this week; but add in way much busier.  It's the first tech week for "Fiddler on the Roof" and both boys weeks have gotten crazy busy.

In this period of wackiness, it is hard to find the joy, but here's what can be scrapped together:

• time to myself
• boys having fun at things they like to do
• easy dinner
• smell of fresh baked bread
• finally bedtime

Comparison is the Death of Joy . . .

you can find that quote on many cute little subway art type things or photos or hand drawn art.  The truth is, it's true.  When you or I begin to compare ourselves to what others have or what we think they have, we loose sight of our own strength and talents; our own giftedness.  We forget about the things that bring joy and the things to be thankful for.

Been a rough week here (lol, among others picture perfect, Facebook worthy, costume & pumpkin posts).  Everyone's sleep cycle has been off.  We're all a bit more edgy, a bit more cranky.  Something might snap.  Trying to find the joyful things and things to be thankful for has been hard.  I've wanted to skip a few days in a row.  Just not worry about the good things.

Thing is, writing seems to help me remember the good and joyful things.  Not that anyone is expecting a post a day, but at some level, it feels like I am accountable to get a post out a day.  It keeps me looking for something to be joyful about.

So today, before I crash early (and get to sleep in tomorrow), here are my things for the day:

• wispy clouds in a blue sky
• Fiddler on the Roof is almost here, making for two happy kids
• trying to make jam again (think I might have failed again, but really don't care at this point)
• not being worried at how long school took
• Hobbit references to our eating habits today

And that is my minimum quantity for posting lately, but at least I have current photo's as of today, for posting.

 The back of NVPLayer's Fall 2014

T-Shirt.

Clouds outside my front door

I leave you with these questions to ponder and answer if you care:

When life is feeling rough, how do you focus in on the joyful things and on gratitude?  How do you not compare yourself to others?

How I find joy!

If I were to make a list of all that went wrong, it might be a long one.  It's just been that kind of day.  How do I find the joy on days like today?  I have to look a little harder, be more mindful of what is going on, look for the joy and humor.  Today I will be thankful for:

• one son saying, "you look like you need a hug"!  I probably did!
• our teen, with such a teen look, flashes the sign for "I Love You"; what a mix of expression
• Kevin pitching in, a lot, to help wrap the day up!
• finally having down time at 7:00 pm

The following pictures don't necessarily have any direct correlation with the post but still pictures!

A New Day

Today dawned feeling difficult!  Going to be a rough day.  Need to watch my word choices.  Take moments to myself and be still & silent.  Lean in and listen for words of wisdom.  Share brief moments with trusted friends.

I will use joy as a verb today, I will Rejoice!  I can use it as a noun and find pleasure in small things or finding happiness unexpectedly.

Today I'll rejoice in boys having a good attitude toward school.
Today I'll find pleasure in the first, successful Hot Mocha made at home.
Today I'll find happiness in having a home, even if it is messy.

What will you rejoice over, find pleasure or happiness in?  Share with me so we all may rejoice together!