Day 30 Joy with family

Today, my Aunt, Uncle and almost 87 year old grandmother came to see my sister who is in town from out of state. Sitting around my parents table, with everyone, was a moment of joy today. A second moment this evening, was sitting in the backyard, with my sister and kids making S'mores together. The smiles glowing from the firelight on my children's faces, to be spending time with their Aunt, a second great moment of joy. As much as having relatives can be stressful, it can also bring great moments of joy.

Day 29 Joy in the minivan

While driving back home from the airport, with the overwhelming kids and their Aunt Sara singinging at the top of their lungs to the radio and mom and dad talking at the same time, how could I not be stressed. Yet as stressed as I was trying to drive, looking back through the mirror and seeing my children radiating with joy, how could I not feel blessed.

Day 28 Joy in a sub sandwich

Today, was a rare day that my son was gone to a Cub Scout Camp and my daughter and I had a chance to go out to lunch, just the two of us. She picked the local Subway and so that's where we ended up after her gymnastics. Sitting across from 11 year old, about 5 foot tall daughter, it's just amazing how quickly time flies by and how blessed I am. I found a joy and pride of what a wonderful girl she has become during that short time alone, just the two of us.

Day 27 Joy at my daughter's Cheer Program

This afternoon, after three weeks of cheerleading, my daughter's smile beamed in the front row of her program. My mother, seated next to my son,commented on how happy she ooked, wondering if she was extra excited about something. I told her no, she's just excited to be cheering. Both gymnastics and cheer each day, have really been a hit this summer. When you see your daughter so happy, you can't help but be filled with joy!

Day 26 Joy at the end of a day

Today, well technically yesterday as I am typing at 1 am, was filled with a few challanges. The greatest being my only computer, it's screen breaking. I have someone looking at tomorrow, but the reality of how much the kids and use it hit tonight. At the same time, we made it through and as I type this on my Nook, I hadn't realized it was possible until monents ago, I still wanted to share my joy for the day. If you focus on your blessings, thank those around you for helping out, at bedtime, even on a bad day, you can go to sleep still filled with joy.

Day 25: Joy staying up half the night to finish a great book!

It has been years, probably since college, that I have found myself so excited about a book that I was able to stay awake until the wee hours of the morning to finish a book.  As the rain poured outside my bedroom window, the pages flew by through my fingertips.  Wanting to read, just a little further, loosing track of time, listening to the passing thunder and continuing on to find out what happens next.  I didn't stop when my cat, finally decided the puppy was sound asleep and wouldn't notice, curled up on against my leg and fell asleep himself.  I didn't stop to double check how late it had become, I was completely lost, or rather caught up in the story of Denny and his dog Enzo.  It's such a great experience to jump into a story and not return until you've flipped that last page.  Then you take a breath again, decide you need to turn off the light and feel the joy of such a great experience.

Day 24: Joy in starting a new book!

As my journey through the history and behind the scenes of how Starbucks came to be ended last night, well my journey through one book did, today I excited began a completely different book today, a novel entitled, "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein.  It is rare I read novels, as my usual books of choice are non-fiction, self-help, improvement, learn and grow in some way books...but with a gift card a couple weeks ago, I saw this paperback sitting out at the bookstore and the cover looked right at me.  Well, technically it was then eyes on the puppy photographed on the cover that looked at me, but I recognized it as a book others I know have read and enjoyed.  So excitedly I began late last night, I'm sure it technically was really this morning.  I didn't have much free time for reading today, so my daughter was shocked when I was reading this evening and did not have the TV on until the 9:00 evening news.  Really Mom, READING?  Yes, reading can be done at the Prime-time hour, imagine that 11 year old daughter of mine!  It can even be joyful!!! One quote stood out that I wanted to share tonight...

"Such a simple concept, yet so true:  that which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny.  Be it through intention or ignorance, our successes and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves."  pg 43...spoken by, the dog, Enzo.

Day 23 Joy in the back of the basement

After mowing the lawn in 80-some degree heat and lots of humidity, I headed inside this afternoon to shower, then to finish my current book.  I had planned to read, going downstairs as the kids were having too much fun to concentrate on the main floor.  Before I knew it, I had went to look for something in the back part of our basement.  A little history here...we just moved into this home at the end of February and the 'back of our basement is where all the storage is, as well as an 'in-progress' craft space for mom.  Before I knew it, my kids were hunting me down to find out what we were having for dinner!  It's amazing how you can get momentum going and accomplish a project you had never planned to take on.  So much progress in the back part of my basement today was my joy for the day.

Day 22 Joy in loosing track of time

The rain this morning prompted us to reschedule the first 'fun' activity I had planned for our local "Creating Joy" group I am working on forming in my community.  We were heading to an outdoor Winery to tour and enjoy company with current and new friends, but with the weather and other commitments, I decided rescheduling may be the best option.  A friend was so looking forward to meeting and suggested we do something else instead, so we met for coffee.  As I dropped off my kids and my parents, I explained I'm sure I won't be too long, an hour or so to catch up.  As we sat at the wonderful True Coffee shop I hadn't been to for awhile, I was reminded how much I enjoy the local art work on the walls and most of all the way two friends that don't meet that often can have so much to talk about.  We use to work together, both have been through divorces, she is currently just glowing in her new relationship and the time just flew by and we spoke...before we knew it, she had a phone call and we discovered it had been almost 3 hours.  Neither of us could believe it had been that long, sitting there loosing time and enjoying company.  Yes, that indeed was my 'joy of the day'.

Day 21 From Waiting comes Joy

Today was the first official day of summer and truly a great one to remember.  This evening we finally made it to our first Madison Mallards Baseball game, as we enjoy doing each summer.  As it was a "Bobble Head" night, meaning the first 100 or so in line received a free 'farmer duck' bobble-head, the kids wanted to make sure we were near the front of the line to enter the ballpark.  This means, having to wait for quite a bit to get in.  The kids were so patient and again, as happened to us once last summer, the women (summer intern I later found out) was going through the front part of the line looking for kids to help out with the games on the ball field in between innings.  My daughter was asked to be a 'racing fruit on the field'.  This entailed dressing up as a giant orange and racing a giant strawberry and apple.  She won and love it!  My son, who chose not to be a fruit when asked, did agree to another job, playing "Pitcher Bowling".  He didn't quite understand what he was doing, his sister and I thought maybe pitchers from drinks?  No, it was actually Mallard baseball players, standing up as human bowling pins while my son got to roll a giant yoga-type of ball and get a "strike"!  What made it even more exciting, was that while he waited to go out on the field, a home run was hit and he got to keep it, along with all the players that stood as bowling pins, autographed it.  What a night!  As I am learning in many aspects of my life, and tonight the kids did again too, that waiting really can bring joy...in many ways. :)

Day 20 Joy in a puppy's smile

At 1AM this morning, I was having quite a difficult falling asleep.  It didn't help matters that to my side, I had the most adorable, panting, smiling puppy staring at me with wide eyes wanting me to say it was time to get up and play.  A good chance why I wasn't falling asleep, was knowing I had to get up early and drive that cute "third child" of mine to the vet to have surgery, to be spayed.  She had no clue what was coming, but was just grinning from ear to ear.  Leaving her at the vet this morning, all I could remember was that smile.  Luckily the call came in about 11:30 that the surgery had went well and she was waking up; we could pick her up anytime after 2:00.  We brought one lethargic puppy home and could hardly recognize the poor thing.  The best moment though, was a little bit after she was home and finally looked up at me and gave me a tired, but true Bella smile.  She was okay, she was back and still loved me.  That was my moment of joy today.

Day 19: Joy in a chapter and a coffee

This morning, after dropping off my daughter for her cheer lessons and before picking up my son from his basketball camp, I had a few moments to stop and use up my Starbucks "Thanks Teacher" gift card.  I kept it of course, just have to make sure I remember to remove it from my purse as I am thinking of it now.  ANYWAY, the best part of the current book I came across at the library last week, is all about Starbucks, entitled Starbucked:  A double tall tale of caffeine, comer and culture by Taylor Clack.  It really has been an interesting read, about half way through it already.  The best part was finding out all about the marketing/layout/design behind each of their stores.  To me, seeing the words I had read about before falling asleep last night, and while I was in their "experience" today, even for a brief chapter, was a different, fun kind of joy. 

Day 18: Joy in a friends phone call

Mid-afternoon, after my kids were home from most of their daily activities and finding self-entertainment of their own, I picked up my book, not realizing how tired I was and tried to start reading.  The next thing I know, I am nodding off and hear my cell phone ringing in the distance.  After digging it out of my over-full mom purse, I see that my friend had just called and was able to catch her as I quickly called back.  She just called to get an address quick, but before I knew it almost an hour had passed by.  I love it how minutes fly by when you are catching up with a great friend, one who knows about your present, past, can relate and celebrate your day to day life with you.  Today, my post of joy is that surprise call from a friend that brightened up my afternoon.

Day 17: The Joy of Reading Poolside

This afternoon we finally made our debut at our town's local pool, or Aquatic Center as they call it.  It was a beautiful sunny summer afternoon in Wisconsin, temperatures in the 80s and two over-excited kids to return to our summer tradition.  Both found friends in moments of entering, and I was blessed to find a friend who had a lounge-chair front row of where my kids usually play.  I was able to catch up with her, put my feet up and actually read a chapter or two of my new book.  Peaking over at times to make sure they were both in site and still smiling.  It was just a joy to be able to actually find myself relaxing for a bit. As always, it's also fun to take the traditional photo of one of my kids coming down the water slide, brimming ear to ear with joy!

Day 16: My son and his grandparents, joy seeing them together...

As I reflect back on today, first I must say it went better than I had went to bed thinking it may.  With my son waking up saying "Happy Grandfather's Day...or Father's Day, but we celebrate Grandpa?"...we tried to focus on celebrating their grandfather, my father today, as my children currently do not have their dad in their life.  I was not looking forward today, but made it through.  We were able to go out to lunch with my kids and my parents to celebrate Father's Day, took them to a local park where (on a less busy day) Grandpa can take the kids to fish and even made a quick stop for my mom at her favorite orchid shop outside of town.  As my mother grows orchids, has over forty currently, it was neat to see how excited my son was to see where they raise them.  He was so curious and didn't want to leave.  I think that moment, along with him later playing back at my parents place and not wanting to leave grandpa were my two main moments of joys today.

June 15: Blossoms of Joy

After returning home from our last puppy training class, the kids were off on their Nooks and I too, to finish my book.  On may way out back to my chair on the patio, I discovered the blossoms on the peonies had finally opened.  Many of the flowers or plants on the north side of the house were ones I had replanted, but these were there when I moved it.  A surprise of sorts and as I didn't know what was growing, what color it would be.  It's kind of like each day, you don't know what the day will bring, you know it's coming and you hope for it to be a beautiful one.  Today, to my surprise, they were gorgeous, vivid pink blossoms wide open for all to enjoy.  They gave me a reason to smile, with a little hope and joy in my day.

Day 14: Joy in a full tank of gas

Yes, today was payday.  Finally we had money back in the bank and I was able to fill up the minivan with gas again!!!  After making it through the first week of summer vacation with only $20, we did it.  It wasn't easy or fun, but it happened to be our reality for a week.  I can't tell you how good it felt to be able to drive out of town for the first time all week, run errands, buy groceries again.  It was a wonderful feeling of joy, that if I hadn't went through this past week, I would have otherwise taken for granted.  It's amazing the little things you take for granted.  Hopefully I won't in the future!

Day 13: Splashing Paws of Joy

This afternoon, as I tried to convince the kids to come out and enjoy the sunshine instead of playing hours of Minecraft on the computer, I went out with my puppy hoping to sit back and read for a bit.  As I sat down on the lounge chair and put my feet up, not many moments passed before I got back up again to take a picture of something cute my dog was doing.  Again and again getting distracted, I finally decided to play with her for a bit instead.  My son came out and we played catch as well as fetch with dog, then got out the hammock and soon decided to move and refill the puppy pool.  A bit over a month ago, we had filled up the kiddie pool, known at our house as the puppy pool, thinking our young Golden Retriever would absolutely love it.  Come to find out she was scared to go in or near it!  I have since hear from some others, that some puppies need to adjust, be shown that the water is okay and so today I decided to toss one of her favorite toys in the pool.  Sure enough, she cautiously walked in.  Once inside, she took a few drinks, got distracted by the patterns printed on the bottom of the pool and began pawing at them.  Watching her learn about water in this little pool was making me smile, laugh, it filled me with joy this afternoon.  Another unplanned moment brought me joy...maybe there is something to this enjoying the moment and not planning out all of our summer days. 

Day 12: Joy while walking

The first round of showers had come through, but there was still that muggy humidity in the air and from the sky, radar on TV and hyper energy in my puppy, you knew another round of storms were on their way.  My kids were busy in their own little worlds and didn't want to joy me, so out the puppy and I ventured.  Wet covered pavement, but a silence in the air you don't get inside with two kids the first week of summer vacation.  Looking down and to my side, a smiling and soon panting puppy so excited to be out and about.  As we walked on, I realized how I missed taking these evening walks the past week or two.  With being around home more during the day, I had been slacking on our evening walks, the puppy and I that is.  But I think I needed the fresh air just as much as she did tonight.  A few moments of perspective, of peace, of exercise and a time to reflect and find joy in the moment. 

Day 11: Finding Joy Around Home

When life give you lemons, make lemonade, or so I've be told.  What if you are out of Minute Maid Lemonade mix too?  Well, then you search for other options, or perhaps become a new fan of water again.  Starting our first week of summer with a different perspective from past years, finding ways to have fun around the house, town, I am trying but some days I feel better about how I am doing than others.  Having less, doesn't mean you have less love or joy...sometime you just have to reorient your focus, remember to focus on the present and keep a positive perspective on things.  You don't have to go places to have fun.  You can find it, if you try, in your own home, or perhaps you'll find joy in your own backyard....on a hammock, chatting with your children, as I did today.

Day 10 Start of Summer Vacation

A feeling of summer vacation.  Today was the first Monday of summer vacation for my children.  Technically, Friday was their first day, but a Monday off of school just feels like the real thing.  We kicked off the morning with NO alarms!!!  Next, cheer class for my daughter through the local rec. department, followed by a trip to the library to sign up for their summer reading program.  Before we knew it a friend was over on her bike wanting my daughter to go to the pool...we ended up at the local (free) beach instead.  Each of my children brought a friend, beach toys a they claimed they weren't going in the water, and lots of energy along with.  When we parked and were heading towards the local small lake, we saw our friends who we had no idea were going to be there too.  Sitting down on the beach towel, attempting to read, while getting distracted by all the laughter, squeals and other sounds was truly the sound of joy on a first 'official' day of summer vacation.

Day 9: Family Time

Today was a bit busier than most Sundays, but was time together.  From attending the local parade in town, to helping out at Dog Fest this afternoon, to family game night tonight, we were busy, but having fun.  Most importantly, looking back on the day, filled with joy as we did things together as a family.  Working together, volunteering at Dog Fest, although a bit tiring after walking for two hours, was really a fun opportunity that both kids want to go back and attend next year...WITH our puppy who will them be old enough to join us.  Then, this evening, spur of the moment, we decided to stay up and play a family game together, which just topped the day.  Watching the kids get along, laughing, getting up and dancing, I was filled with joy watching them have so much fun together.  It was a great ending to our first weekend of summer vacation.

Day 8: Joy in others

This evening, our new backyard was filled with friends, with kids of all ages running, laughing, playing, filled with joy.  As with the past parties of I have thrown, I rarely have or take the time to stop and take everything in, to look around and see all that was going on.  Tonight I did, and as I commented on the "organized chaos" around me, I also saw joy on so many faces.  I also saw so many smiles, laughter so much joy in the pictures I looked through once everyone had left.  It's amazing how much joy we receive when we are able to bring joy to others.

Day 7: The Joy of Instagram

A love of photography, the discovery that my phone is capable of using the Instagram application tonight and I am filled with joy!  From my first camera, I believe back in sixth grade, which I recall taking along to our Kettle Moraine Camping experience, to pictures of Grandpa in in fishing boat up at the cottage, I don't think a camera of some form has left my side ever since.  I was creating scrapbooks back before I knew the hobby existed.  One true way I can escape the outside world and focus on the joy of the moment, is when I am behind the camera lens, finding an imagine to capture and preserve.  There is so much beauty in nature, in the emotions on a human face, in the actions of everyday moments of family and friends.  The capability to preserve a moment in time to reflect back on and enjoy again and again.  To me, that is true joy.

Day 6

What a day of  mixed emotions.  Today was the last day of school for my children and last day of my preschool day camp at work.  As the children rose with exhaustion, excitement and "it's the last day" cheers, coming home brought the same along with a bit of sadness to the end of something as well.  My son, who just loved his teacher, seeing his friends each day, and a routine to his days, refused to smile in the last class picture.  He told our puppy how excited he was to be home with her for the summer, yet so sensitive about this being his last day.  My daughter, on the other hand, so excited to be heading on to Middle School.  As I went outside to see if I could see her coming home from the bus stop, not only did I see her, but heard her.  I looked up as she cheered from a few houses away, "Mom, you are looking at a sixth grader!!!" from the top of her lungs and hands in the air.  Her joy became my joy for that fleeting moment this afternoon.  So proud and happy for all she has accomplished and who she is as a person!

Day 5

Have you ever had a pet dog, puppy, cat?  I hadn't until I had "grown up and had a place of my own".  I now can not imagine life without them.  I realize that yes, having a three and a half month old puppy can cause a bit of extra stress from time to time; but the joy, the unspeakable joy she can also bring.  From the puppy dog eyes that melt your heart, to the soft, furry ears that you can't help but stop and rub your hands over.  While she may be asleep, she sleeps right by your side, because the unconditional love she has for you and your children can bring joy too strong for words.  To go from anxiety about life churning in your stomach, to a few moments of cuddling, it's really a miracle how they can heal, even just for a few moments, what ails you.  Your stress dissipates as you look into those loving brown eyes, reminded of what really matters. 

Day 4

Today, I do not have a photo to accompany my post, as both of my arms were accepting the giant hug I received from my son when I appeared at his second grade picnic.  I didn't make back in time for lunch, but that didn't seem to matter one bit.  As I spotted him on the soccer field, I got close enough to shout to him, and his intense focus on him game was totally thrown aside as he came running up and literally jumped up and engulfed me with the most wonderful hug.  A hug he wouldn't let go of and I won't let go of that moment, that memory.  Right after it, I commented, well, I got my hug, time for me to go then?  Teasing him of course,  as this morning, I told him I didn't know if I'd make it back from teaching camp in time for the picnic...his response, 'just stop by for a hug mom!"  Well, in moments I was out there playing soccer with him.  Yes, he kept insisting, regardless of the fact there were only second graders all over the field.  I got another mom to join in with me as I did and the beaming joy on his face was enough to brighten the cloudy day, enough to take me away for any other stress in my world for that brief point in time and be totally present in the moment and enjoying it.

Day 3

Monday, a day a bit more challenging to find peace.  At least today, it was one of those days when you make a "to do" list before you go to bed and pray you didn't forget to add something to it!  Accomplishing items as you go, discovering you forgot a thing or two, before you know it kids are coming home from school and you are trying to find a second wind for the end of the year Cub Scout event, which you somehow do, you have no choice, you are a single mom and your son is counting on you. 

Tonight, reflecting on the chaos otherwise known as my day, I can say I did sit for a couple minutes during the flag burning ceremony and could enjoy the silence out at the park.  I listed to the script the older Boy Scouts read and watched as tons of boys seated around the campfire were able to sit in silence, in awe of what was going on.  It's not often you see someone cut the American flag, in an honorary fashion and then, while reading what was happening and why, they placed each piece of the flag separately into the fire.  As they explained, nothing else is to enter the fire nor did it.  It was a moment where all the grown ups, young energetic kids, younger siblings nearby all were quite, taking in the importance of what was taking place.  We are so blessed to live where we do, in a country where we have so much freedom that we can't imagine what it would ever feel like to be without it.  I guess today's joy is a different kind, a joy that we are so blessed to live in American, with freedom other in the world only dream about. 

Day 2

This morning, to be truthful, late morning...I gathered my cup of coffee, Nook and sweatshirt, yes only 51 at the time on our patio out back, ready to work on my mission to 'Be Still' a little bit each day.  As I was distracted by my first bright red strawberry on the plant nearby, the bright pink bleeding hearts in bloom and my puppy who wasn't quite ready to settle down and relax, I finally was able to read a chapter of my newest book. 

I was blessed that I had the outdoor space.  The kids apparently getting along on their own inside, or at least I didn't hear any loud cries for help, and today, the joy of putting my feet up for an hour to focus on a book, something other than the many other thoughts that race through your mind at any one moment in time during a day.  I was reminded in my reading, that with the Internet, especially social media, you pass the five stages of awesome, no longer have to work until post-midlife to accomplish things and can actually achieve 'awesome' as he refers to it so much faster.  Author, Jon Acuff, states on page 13:

Moms are making millions on blogs.  Teenagers are starting businesses on Facebook.  People are building empires on Pinterest.  Specialists still exist, but technology is finally available to the entire population.  Anyone can play.  I'm not a futurist.  I'm a presentist, which isn't' even a real word but sounds less lame than "right nowist."  Those three forces I just described aren't on the horizon.  They are the horizon-for you and me and anyone who is willing to escape average.

-Punch Fear in the Face-Escape Average Do Work That Matters: START.

The chapter I read so far, reminds us that at any age, at any phase in life, there is always hope to take on and achieve something more.  All you need is the drive to get there, faith in yourself, and I think a little joy along the way.

Joy: The First Day

Joy, a feeling of contentment with life and gratitude for what we have.  After the past few days of unintentionally being overcome by stress, impatience and anger, I was reminded by the saying, "Be Still".  I commented how I have not been able to be still lately, to step back and breathe.  Each day we face a mountain of changes, challenges, possibilities for joy or sadness, it is our choice how we react to the situations at hand.  I need to improve on my reactions and need to be held accountable.  Thus, I am stepping back each evening, with you, and looking back at the joy in my day.

Today, I had to make a decision regarding an outdoor party we had been planning and the weather brought challenges mid-day, later to discover we could have had our celebration after all.  What gift this challenge, obstacle give me?  I was given an evening at home with my children with absolutely no plans (rare these days).  The weather ended up okay, so I gathered up my courage (well, technically it was a lighter, starter log and S'more making supplies) and took on making my first ever campfire in our new backyard.  We moved this spring and were blessed with a fire circle in our backyard...the only thing was, I had never started a fire, someone had always been there to do it for me.  Even tonight, the outdoor party was going to have others that I planned to turn to for help.  I was filled with joy, as I watching the fire burn, the kids faces illuminate with smiles, giggles and the golden light from the flames. 

Had the weather earlier in the day not provided me with challenges, I would not have found this unplanned joy in my backyard tonight.  Just a reminder that as much as we plan our days, lives, Saturday nights, we need not be discouraged by change, but find the joy in it.