Day 61 A wonderful summer night.

This evening, my son and I set out to attend his first Concert on the Square.  We hit a downpour on the way, but at just the perfect time to stop in one of our favorite libraries that was just blocks away.  After both of use had an armful of new books to explore, the sun came back out and onward we went.  We made it just at the perfect time, as we hadn't brought a blanket, but found friends who we stopped by to say hello to.  His face was in awe as he was taking it all in...I believe they announced that there were over 20,000 people downtown in attendance.  We headed to a Starbucks for him to use the restroom and ended up with fruit and a cake pop for his dinner, discovering their little outdoor bistro table had a great place to watch/listen to the concert from!  After a few songs he was ready to walk, which is what we did, own to the Terrace to look out at a beautiful summer evening on one of Madison's wonderful lakes.  As we were passing the first planting of flowers, he ran over and posed, saying, "Mom, you can take as many pictures as you want tonight!"  Later, he took over the camera and had fun taking photos of the fountain, flowers and more too.  As we were driving home, watching the sunset, he told me that was the best evening.  Explaining next summer, we have to go to all of those (unless they are the singing ones) and make my sister come too!  How can a mom not be full of joy after a night like that.

Day 60 Joy in researching side job ideas.

This summer I have been reading books on how people created their own businesses as well as on dogs.  Many of the books I have been reading say to start by looking at what you are passionate about.  Well, there are many things I am passionate about, ofone being loving and caring for my dog (as well as my kids!).  So as I was reading about the healing powers of dogs, I started brainstorming dog therapy ideas as well as working with dogs and kids down the road.  In the meantime, a neighbor mentioned/asked if my daughter was interested in doing some dog walking for a friend of hers.  I got to thinking more about it, as I'm not sure it would be her first choice, but it got me searching online for business in the area and anywhere about dog walking.  Ironically, about the same time, a friend posted that there was an opening in a bigger city's business for a dog walking and pet care job.  The only downfall was the drive as well as the over-night in home sitting that wouldn't work for me.  So the excitement of the search continues as I am coming up with name ideas and creating a logo.  Being a town a good 20-30 minutes from a big city, another neighbor today agreed that many people in town would probably love having someone check in on and play with/walk their pets while they work during the day.  You have to start somewhere...so we'll see!

Day 59 Joy in comments my 8 year old son says...

A day or two ago, my son asked me, "Mom, did you know there is a TV station that has sports on it ALL the time!?  It's ESP"..."N?"  I responded.  Yes!  You knew about this? He came back with.  This was a couple days ago, but I still can't stop thinking about it.  Among comments this evening...out of the blue he asked me if I keep all of our calendars.  I explained I keep the ones I have on our fridge, that I put pictures on and keep in our family scrapbooks, but not the other one that has ever little detail on it.  Of course, I then asked why?  He continued his thoughts with telling me that he wants to make sure he has them when he is old and retired and all and he can look at them and remember all the fun stuff he did when he was a kid.  Prior to this, he was petting our 5 month old puppy and told me, "Mom, I want to die cuddling with Bella, because I love her so much and she is just the best!  Oh, but I suppose she will probably die before me, unless she lives a really long time."

Yes, the random thought processes of an 8 year boy, my son is something that can definitely fill you with joy.

Day 58 The Joy of living vicariously through friends Facebook photos!

Yes, I realize I spend way too much time on Facebook in the evenings once my children are finally in bed.  A perk, I also realize, is the fun of enjoying vacations, bridal showers, wedding parties and more of friends and especially this summer, feeling as though I am traveling vicariously along with them.  When you live in a world where you can stay in touch with a friend that was your next door neighbor 15 years ago, as well as see the fun your new neighbors had all at the same next, it does make you appreciate some aspects of technology.

Day 57 Joy in the garage

As we hit a record low high for July in Wisconsin, I loved the slightly cooler temperatures and enjoy spending time cleaning and organizing our garage.  We move at the end of February this year and with the weather and teaching, I hadn't dealt with the items in our garage.   I did a basic set up so the kids could get to their toys, we could use our mower, gardening tools, but didn't want to deal with all the bins and totes that needed taking care of.  Before I knew it the warm, humid heat hit and I had no desire to clean and sort in that weather either.  Today, it was time!  It's also amazing how you can loose track of time when you are really getting into doing something.  I had stopped to make dinner for the kids and I, but when I went back to organizing, my favorite part, I had no idea so much time had passed when my daughter came out for the third time wondering if I was ever coming in.  My favorite part was when she said, "Whoa, Mom, now you can tell this actually is a two car garage!"  I'll take that as a complement and am excited to go back to work on a bit more decorating in there tomorrow!  Yes, I actually am typing that I found joy in cleaning my garage...I think it was the progress/accomplishment that did it for me!

Day 56 Joy in a walk around the luminaries

This evening, the kids and I walked over to our local park where this year's Relay for Life is being held.  Last year was the first year my daughter cheered for the event and it was then that I discovered more about it.  For many years now, families and friends set up tents in teams, many with fun themes and decorations to raise money in honor of those who have died or survived a fight with cancer.  Around the edge for the park is a walking path of luminaries, each with a personal name and message in  honor of a loved one.  As I recognized a few of the names in town and thought of members for our own family we have lost to cancer, I was at the same time filled with a sense of community, joy in celebrating their lives and proud of the place we live.  It was the first time the kids and I had experienced the lights at dusk, but I plan to make it an annual event for our family too. 

Day 55 Joy reading about making a profit with passion and purpose

Discovering a new-to-me section in the library this summer has been thought provoking about how to taking your passion and purpose in life to create a business.  First reading about Starbucks, tonight reading about Zappos.  I have been enjoying how the author, Tony Hsieh, shares his process of getting to where he is in life, each step/path he has taken bringing him to his next purpose in life.  I have been finding in joy in reading how others have done this in their lives.

Day 54 Joy in a hummingbird

This morning, as I was looking out my front window, I was shocked, surprised and delighted to see the first hummingbird at our new feeder I had just put up last night.  The beauty of the bird, it's amazingly rapid fluttering wings, it's elegant emerald green body, brought back memories of the birds at my grandma and grandpa's cottage up north as well as their home in Arizona.  One of the last times we had went to visit them in Arizona, I was probably in high school and discovered the love of cameras.  I remember how tame the birds that visited their feeder were, as I could sit out on their patio and get close up pictures of those amazing birds.  Today, I was taken back to that joy.

Day 53 Joy in backyard off-leash football

This even, I took a wonderful walk with my puppy and saw a beautiful sunset.  As we got home, I heard the kids out in the backyard, so we headed back to see the two of them playing with my son's glow-in-the-dark football.  Our dog wanted to join in, so I thought we'd give it a try, for the first time, to let her off her leash in the back.  She is only 5 months and we do not yet have a fence, so I wasn't sure...but it was a huge success!  Watching her run along side or sometimes pass my son to retrieve the ball, a couple times from a bush off to the side, it was so much fun!  All three of us were so proud, excited and full of joy.

Day 52 Teenage Puppy Class Graduation

Yes, tonight we finished our second six week class with our puppy this evening.  Not only did she pass, but all the puppy did such a great job.  The did sit, down, look all on command....were doing stay, leave-it and having a great time during their play/socialization time.  For fun, they had the puppies work on some agility work...through cones and a tunnel...my kids took our puppy through and had a blast.  After posting the picture of the 'four' of us online, the owner of Dog Face, the company we train through, posted, "What a team!"  So true and that comment as well as the class sure has brought me joy.

Day 51 Joy in updating scrapbooks

This evening I picked up some recent pictures from the past few weeks, sorted through them and began adding them to my scrapbooks.  While getting out my son's sports scrapbook, he excitedly looked back on the pictures from when he we "little", at his first year of soccer, basketball, baseball and more.  I love seeing the faces of my children when they look back through photos of their past, their memories coming back to them of events and the smiles that come across their faces.  I suppose that's why it is my favorite hobby.  As watching my children enjoy their scrapbooks definitely brings me joy.

Day 50 Joy at the art fair

This afternoon, my kids and I attended the summer art fair in our town.  It was funny, as we drove through town last night, seeing some of the artists setting up their tents, my son questioned if every town has an art fair.  I responded that I don't think so, but explained that we are lucky to live in a town with a great one.  So today, as I attempted to show the kids different styles of art, I keep replaying the moment when all three of us were looking at fantasy paintings, with bright, vivid colors, I actually had both of my children interested, pointing out details, I loved it.  They weren't complaining about the heat, crowds, asking when do we have to go home?  They were enjoying the moment as was I...a moment of joy.

Day 49 Joy watching my son and puppy

Today, our golden puppy turned five months old!  We took her in to be weighed and stopped at the nearby Michael's Frozen Custard, a local chain that makes a K9 Custard for dogs, in small containers they can lick out of.  After we had been home for awhile, my son began chatting with our puppy, I really am not sure what was being said, but seeing them together, so happy, how could it not bring me joy.

Day 48 Joy of living in the moment.

Today, could have been a challenging day as it would have been my 15th wedding anniversary...had I spent the day living in the past.  Instead I lived in the moment today, enjoying a great afternoon with two close friends and all 9 of our kids filling her house and the yard with laughter.  This evening, I had the joy of watching my son play his last coach pitch game for the summer.  Not to mention a puppy overly glad to see me when we were around home this morning, dinnertime and evening!  Yes, there is something to be said about not feeling sad about the past or worrying about the future...even if only for one day, you can enjoy the present, that one day just might be filled with joy as mine was.

Day 47 Joy in a fresh coat of nail polish!

This evening, after another warm and humid walk with my puppy, I came back and decided it was time for a relaxing bath.  After seeing the cute toe and finger nails my daughter and her friend had painted during their sleepover last night, I decided I might as well try painting mine tonight!  As a full time single mom this summer, I haven't really had a reason to show off freshly painted nails, no hot dates or any exciting events that didn't involve in my kids.  But the book I recently finished, talked about feeling girly and more 'polished' by having painted nails.  So, I dug out my small tote and now have an exciting purple color on my toes and a pale shade of pink on my finger nails.  A little bit of color can add a little bit of joy to your evening.

Day 46 Joy during an evening walk

As we reached temperatures of over 90 degrees today and heat index over 100, most of the day hours were spent indoors in cooler air.  This evening though, I finally got my puppy out for an evening walk.  I know she needed the fresh (warm) air and exercise to use up some of her energy and as I was out and about the neighborhood streets with her, I realized how much I had needed it too.  The best, even though I didn't get a picture, was the setting sun glowing bright pink over the edge of the horizon.  With a smiling, panting dog at my side, I realized, that was my moment of joy for the day.

Day 45 Joy grocery shopping with my kids

In the past, I would never had said I enjoyed going grocery shopping...especially with two kids in tow.  Today, that change.  My daughter excitedly had created our list on her Nook tablet and brought it with, proudly read and checked off items as we went.  Better yet, my daughter and son were both picking out and commenting on the sale price of items, I was so impressed and proud of them for working together to save money.  Not to mention, there was not one moment of fighting or begging!  It was a joy to take them shopping today.

Day 44 Joy in a round of evening "Mom Pitch"

After spending most of our day indoors, in the air conditioning, the evening cooled down enough for a little baseball with my son and puppy.  After feeling like I hadn't accomplished much of anything today, getting outside and playing together, gave me a bit of joy I hadn't expected.  The best part was as my son was explaining, "We really aren't playing baseball mom, as I'm not running bases or anything.  It's just you, pitching the ball to me...so I think we should call it 'Mom Pitch'...like Coach Pitch, but with your Mom!"  That right there, was the frosting on the cake.

Day 43: Joy in an American Girl movie with my daughter

Yes, tonight my eleven year old daughter excitedly silenced my son and I as the latest doll of the year had her movie debut on TV.  I had my latest book nearby, thinking I was going to get some reading in during the movie, but I actually ended up watching the entire movie with her.  Although done at a Tween level, the messages hold true for girls of all ages.  Dealing with relationship/friendship...struggles with change in our lives and the importance of art in our lives.  I was just looking forward to our time together and found unexpected joy in the movie tonight too.

Day 42 Joy in a hour on my own

Yes, other single parents or any parents for that matter...my children both were at friend's homes for an overlapping hour today!  What did I do with my time, ironically I went to the library first, as I was out of books to read and had some to return, but I realized it was nice not to hear "are we going NOW" every few minutes.  Then, I went to my favorite chocolate/coffee shop in town, using any change I could find around the house to splurge on a cappuccino for myself...and to see my 'second family' as I call them.  The family that owns the shop have been around for the six plus years of the chaos in my life and the owner, a mom who went through similar struggles as I have is such a great women to speak with as well.  I won't ever forget watching her make cat claws with her hand and saying, "hang in there!" as I was leaving.  That was definitely my moment of joy! :)

Day 41 Joy discovering dog park

As I am noticing, getting out and about with our puppy has created quite a bit of joy lately.  Today was no different.  We meet our friends with a 4 year old dog, to visit the local dog park in their town.  Never been to a dog park, neither had I, but it was a fun experience.  They an extremely large fenced in area of land with a walking trail out to the large open green space with a few agility items for the dogs to play with if they'd like . There are also trees and bushes for shade, or hiding in, as well as picnic tables for grown ups.  Our puppy didn't quite know what to do when she got off her leash, but after a bit of walking a my side, sniffing all the new scents, the joy of running free in such a wide open space, with such an open smile with tongue hanging out...how could you not feel the joy along with her!

Day 40 Joy in a lake

Tonight, all three of the kids and I burst out cheering, as we saw our puppy swim for the first time.  You could just feel the joy and excitement in the air.  We had taken her to this same dog beach at our closest State Park a few months ago and she didn't seem too interested in the water.  Others told us to give her time, she's a golden and she'll figure it out.  Sure enough, after a little coaxing from the three of us, she made it...watching her instincts kick in her doggie-paddling behind was a site we won't soon forget!

Day 39 Joy in painting again

After being inspired and encouraged by the book I finished last night, I finally got myself to sit down at my craft center/desk/area.  It was the first time I have painted since I moved in February, but found a few canvas boards I had not yet used, found some brushes and paint and began.  As I had first sketched on the canvas to outline my ideas, I found the perfectionist in me wanting to quit, but I kept going, reminding myself today was painting to get started, to create and come up with ideas, not to create a finished work of art.  It's amazing how you lose track of time doing something that brings you so much joy.  Good thing it was a laundry/relax and spend time around the house day!

Day 38 Joy in the pages of a book

This afternoon, after playing Lego-style football with my son for a bit longer than my personal liking, I picked back up the most recent book I have been reading, Only Nuns Change Habits Overnight, by Karen Scalf Linamen.  I love it when a book is able to speak to you right where you are at.  Well, okay it took until page 199 to really speak to my current life, but when it does, it's a great thing.  One of her 52 ways to master the art of personal change, number 38 to be exact, was entitled, "Ask Yourself, 'What Can I do?'"  It reminded me even when there are circumstances that are out of your hands, when you are temporarily stuck as she put it, there are always things you still CAN do...this, along with the first 15 minutes or so of Lego Football with my son, brought me joy today. ;)

Day 37: Joy in an old Slip-n-Slide

After a hot day of staying cool indoors, the kids were, well a bit restless to say the least.  My son was watching America's Funniest Home Videos after dinner and commented about our old slip-n-slide after seeing one on TV.  I told him that yes, we did bring it to this house, but I wasn't sure if it still worked.  Sure enough, we put the big hill in our backyard to a great use this evening.  The kids and later our puppy had a blast.  Well, the puppy just liked taking drinks from it, not really sliding down it...but the kids had a blast and all "three of my kids" had some much needed outdoor time.  Myself, I was filled with joy taking pictures of all the smiles.

Day 36 Joy in a smile

This evening, I was updating the scrapbooks with pictures from this past busy week, or rather month. After having my sister fly back home, my kids off doing their own thing, looking at all the fun that we had and not having much else on the calendar for this summer, I was feeling a bit down. But, anyone who has a dog, or puppy in the house, knows what the smile of your furry friend can do. I got to thinking of how much she probably appreciates that we were home again with her all day again and couldn't help but smile back. Once you start cuddling with that furry friend, how can you not be filled with joy.

Day 35 Joy at the Ballpark

Yes, tonight we ventured out to the Madison Mallards game with my parents and sister for the first time. The kids and I always share of the fun we have and so gave my parents tickets as Father's Day gift...my sister, leaving to head back to Texas tomorrow, was excited to come to her first game too. As we discovered it was going to be a double-header, as they had the second half of a rained out game to make up, we made sure we got there early. Being the first 20 or so in line, the person in charge of kids participating in games, came through and asked my kids to be involved again this time. They were so excited, maybe more so since our family was with us to watch. They had SO much fun and I have far too many pictures to show from it. A little before the second game, we discovered that not only did our neighbors from across the street have tickets, but were seated right next to us! What are the odds???? We stayed for most the of the second game too, and each time I looked down the row of seats at my family seated with me, they were all full of smiles, which in turn, filled me full of joy.

Day 34 Joy in a Spontanous Night Celebrating with Friends

Today, being the 4th of July, I woke thinking it was suppose to be something a bit more than any other day. I made the kids chocolate chip pancakes, we made it to the local parade for my daughter to cheer in and then the kids, my parents and sister all went to the zoo, as my sister had not been there since childhood. A few others had the same idea, we discovered, but still had a good time together. We made it back and had dinner with my family out on their deck and before we knew it the evening news was on. After seeing the fireworks two nights ago and not having a local show going on tonight, it just didn't feel like the holiday to me still. Then, I discovered I had a call from a friend I hadn't seen for a little while and here she invite the kids and I over for a campfire, S'more, Sparklers and fun. It was the perfect end to our day. Seeing our friends again, having fun out in the backyard, it was a joyous end to the day.

Day 33 Joy in games with the family

Earlier today, I was so excited about going to the Concerts on the Square with my children and sister. Plans change, the sky looks like rain and we end up around the house at my parents. I was a bit disappointed, okay, if my sister said we needed to pop the grumpy bubble encompassing me. Eventually, we convinced my parents to bring up the patio table to their deck and got the kids outside to play games. Hedbanz and Apples to Apples cause so much laughter. I didn't quite get my sister to spit out her drink, as I use to as a kid, but pretty darn close! My parents ended up joining us and laughter and joy could be heard from blocks away. Maybe we didn't have the fun evening I had planned, but we still found plenty of laughter and joy on the deck at my parents place.

Day 32 Joy in Traditions with Friends

Tonight, though two days before the actually holiday, the children and I went to see fireworks near Elver Park. We met up with one of my closest friends and her children and this year, as my sister was in town, she joined in too. As we saw our friends pull in the parking lot of the nearby hill/park side we watch the show from, she waved excitedly and the tradition began. This year, she brought treats and drinks for the kids, as well as sparklers, as she knew money is very tight for us right now. Before we knew it the kids were having a blast, running around chasing fireflies, twirling sparklers at dusk and settling in to watch the show. As the firework began to light up the sky, my friend questioned me how long had we been coming to see this show with the kids...five or six years at least we decided. Even though so many other life changes occur, it's so nice when some things are still able to remain the same. That's why I was filled with joy, enjoying our special tradition tonight...and being able to share it with my sister.

Day 31 Joy in the local pool

This afternoon, we took my sister, visiting from out of state this week, to our local pool. As it was only in the 70s and she lives in a warmer climate, we were just sitting on the lounge chairs, while the kids played in the water. My son, kept coming over asking if we would PLEASE come in too. Finally, we caved and a cool dip in the pool it was, but it was so worth it. As the kids were showing us things such as how they try and sit on the bottom of the pool for an entire second, how my daughter does her gymnastics floor dance/routine while in the water...the best part was watching my daughter and son hold hands and jump in from the edge at the same time. As much as I had wished I had a camera for that moment, I know it doesn't really matter, as I'll never forget that image of joy. The smile on their faces beaming with joy, in a rare moment of true love between siblings shining through. So on the ride home from town tonight, while they fought, poked, punched, teased each other the entire ride home, I have to flash back to that image, of the two of them sister and brother, filled with love and joy, as I know, regardless of the bickering, they both have.