Thought for the {Fri}Day...JOY

It has been a crazy week at my house...not quite sure why, but it seems something is a little screwy here. I have lost (and luckily found) my cellphone twice, threw away my car keys (like in the big 'ole trash bin...ICK! Yes, I had to go dumpster diving), lost my house keys, and somewhere in this house is a can of whip cream...On top of the aforementioned whacky stuff, my jobs as wife, mommy, part-time writer, and overall Queen of my Universe have been pushing my buttons.

Buddies...Jacob and Joe

When I work, I typically am on my laptop (which is also on my list of things pushing my buttons), but yesterday, I went into the office and on the wall is a picture that was taken about 4 or 5 years ago. It even found its way back to the bulletin board after we moved. It is well-loved (it was pre-digital camera era and I have no clue where the negative is) but it adds to its charm...just two little (and, might I add, adorable) boys enjoying a cookie and a giggle without a care in the world. When I look at it all I feel is simply, purely JOY!

Bubbles

I will be the first to admit, that sometimes I get caught up in "creating" JOY - pulling out the craft bins, looking up instructions online, buying kits at the craft store. Heck, I get caught up in life...busy, busy, busy body - I am really good at creating busyness, but I am actually making an attempt (each and every day I try...and sometimes succeed) to slow down, simplify, and enjoy my life - my kids, my husband, my parents, and my friends.

Joe and Maddie Swinging

(Maddie belongs to Rook No. 17. Thanks for the photo!)

So, this photo got me thinking about the things in my life that bring me JOY. So, in no particular order, here is a short list...a good friend, a hug, a phone call (not an email!), blowing bubbles, coloring, play dough, swinging, playing with sticks, taking a walk on he beach, searching for sea glass, a nap, flowers, strawberries, pumpkins, the sunshine on my face, a snuggle from my puppy, visits from my parents, a great cup of coffee, hugs from my kids and my husband, giggles and baby belly laughs, Rice Krispie treats, and a fire in the fireplace. I am trying to see the simple JOY in life - the JOY my kids see in the simplest things...a butterfly, a shiny quarter, a rock, a flower (or weed) in the yard, even a broken crayon is JOYful to them.

My Babies

So, I ask, have you figured out how to bring more JOY into your life? If so, what brings you JOY? I would love to hear the answers.

Flowers from my husband