7 Quick Takes of Joy

The last week, and especially these last few days, one word has really stuck with me.  JOY.  Like deep down, unaltered, pure JOY.  I've been reflecting a lot about that and where that joy has been creeping up in my life and in my mind.  So here we go!

***1***

This past Wednesday we celebrated Noah's 2nd birthday! The Sunday before it we celebrated with family and friends at his birthday party.  Up until recently, our Noah has been a little weary of big crowds and loud noises, so I wasn't exactly sure how he was going to react to being the center of attention.  Well I've gotta tell you, what I saw from our big 2 year old was pure JOY.  The JOY that radiates from that child is contagious to anyone he comes into contact with.  If it's at Target shopping with mom or running around the farm with the kids, there is something different about that little guy.  Our little miracle boy gives off and knows a JOY so lovely, so perfect I pray that as he grows older this sometimes difficult and cruel world doesn't steal that away from him.  His friends and family just want to be around him.  He is a light in all of our eyes and reminds me of all that is still good in this world. 

***2***

The next biggest example of JOY going on these days has to be the JOY seen in the faces of all those following our dear Holy Father's journey around the United States.  Being a Catholic I am overjoyed at his trip here and love to hear him speak and be encouraged by what he has to say.  But I am far more impressed by how those that are not Catholic are responding to his visit.  Pope Francis is by far the greatest example of JOY going on today.  Kissing babies, loving on the poor, encouraging the religious and non-religious alike, and doing it all with a smile on his face and peace in his heart.  Pope Francis is JOY personified and anyone and everyone who finds themselves in his presence can't help but catch the bug!  His JOY, the JOY of Christ, is contagious!

***3***

Speaking of the JOY of being in the presence of the Holy Father, did you see this article about John Boehner? If you saw any coverage of the Pope's speech to congress you couldn't miss the grown man crying in the background.  Today, after being asked by the Pope to pray for him and having an obvious moment of conversion and perspective, he announced his retirement from Congress.  Did you see the JOY and PEACE in his face? Gosh, I just love Holy Spirit moments like that!!!!  I'll be honest, I'm not always great at following politics, and I don't really know much about Mr. Boehner, but I do believe the world watched Christ move in this man's life through the Holy Father and that my friends is a beautiful thing.

***4***

I belong to MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) and twice a month I gather with other to pray and converse and build each other up.  This year the theme for MOPS is "A Fierce Floursing."  There are 3 components to this theme; Celebrate Lavishly, Embracing Rest, and Noticing Goodness. 

As a mom who hasn't slept much in 9 months, I'm good at the Embracing Rest component.  I embrace rest every time I can with two little ones.  But yesterday we talked about Celebrating Lavishly.  The speakers spoke about celebrating life in tangible and intangible ways.  About filling others cups and letting your cup be filled.  Celebrating life's little moments and not just the big.  I'm good at big celebrations! I love to do holidays and birthdays to the full capacity, but what really struck a chord in me as I sat there was that word JOY that has been stewing inside of me for a few days now.  I began to think about how I celebrate the little stuff.  What kind of JOY am I bringing to my house and to my family members.  How am I finding joy in the mundane and every day moments? And I'll be honest, especially lately, I'm not sure I have been.  It's easier for me to focus on the fact that I'm tired, the kids are fussy, and the fact that I need just one more cup of coffee before I can function.  Ouch.  I don't feel so good about that.  So I'm trying.  I'm trying to bring JOY into my house again even at 4:30 in the morning and my two year old can't sleep.  I'm trying to bring JOY to the dinner table when no one wants to eat and food inevitably ends up all over the floor to be swept...again.  I'm trying to find JOY in the fatigue of the day to day.  Will you pray for me?

***5***

This kid....pure JOY.  And what makes him so JOYful these days you ask???  Standing up.  Anywhere and on anything. 

 

***6***

A little musical interlude.....

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My prayer for all of you this week is that you find JOY in the little things.  I'm praying for those who will be gathering in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families.  I am certain there will be immense JOY coming home from my friends that are on their way right now!  God Bless you All!! 

7 Quick Takes: God Bless the USA!

It's been a crazy morning here already and it's only 8:30 am!  God help this mom get through the day!  Luckily Jonah just laid down for his nap and Noah is involved with blocks and Curious George.  I'm still waiting for my caffeine to do it's trick and thought I would take a few minutes to write my blog!

So let's do this!

***1***

Today is September 11th and I would feel irresponsible if I didn't take a minute to reflect on what this day means to me.  I was 22 years old when terrorists decided to change history and cause such grief and havoc on American soil.  I was student teaching and just beginning my adult life really.  September 11th taught me many adult lessons.  I learned about true fear, real hatred, and that none of it mattered because I had to be brave for the students I was teaching.

Fast forward 14 years and I have 2 little boys who have no idea what today means (they will one day as we teach them the pride of being Americans) and their only concern is being fed and playing with toys.  I'm almost envious of their naivety and wish I could keep it that way forever.  It saddens me that one day they too will have to grow up and deal with these scary realities. 

I pray one day we will all know true peace on earth.

***2***

Jonah, he's a crazy rambunctious boy!!  I'm pretty sure he will be standing in no time and crawling out of his crib too!  He had zero fear and loves pulling himself up! We have some more baby proofing to do in this house.  He also has allergies to both milk and peanuts and yet is constantly trying to steal his brother's food and cups.  I love his spirit and smile, however.  This little guy is going to keep us on our toes!

***3***

Do you know what I hate more than anything this time of year?  Political ads! I'm so glad we don't have cable and rarely watch live TV because the little I do see of political propaganda is annoying....already...and it's only September.

***4***

In just 12 days our little Noah will be 2 years old! I can't believe it! He's come so far in his 2 years here on earth.  It's funny, ok and frustrating to watch him become a real life 2 year old.  He's great at throwing himself on the ground already and acting as if getting your diaper changed is pretty much the same as torture.  Luckily, he also is so smart and I love watching him learn something new every day! He seriously amazes Tom and I.  We are enjoying watching him learn new words and conquer new challenges too! It makes those screaming fits worth it....kind of.

***5***

This Tuesday I picked up my minivan!!!!  I seriously am in love with my minivan. (Other than the hands free prompts...that lady in my radio clearly needs hearing aids!) I love that it is making my life just a little bit easier.  I swore I'd never drive a minivan, but man oh man....that was silly of me! I feel pretty cool tooling around town in my minivan each day! Noah loves the big windows to look out and we can't wait to turn him around so he can watch a DVD on long trips! I'm pretty sure this minivan is the greatest thing that has happened to us outside of well you know all the major blessings in life!

***6***

This week most of the kids went back to school....I gotta be honest, as much as I love being a SAHM, this time of year makes me miss teaching! I loved getting my room ready and planning and dreaming of a great school year to come.  I loved buying new school supplies, the smell of new crayons and freshly sharpened pencils.  I really enjoyed this part of my job.  Nostalgia....and then I remember a lot of the things I don't miss.  But I'm glad one day soon my boys will have their first days at school and we can enjoy new backpacks, crayons, and lunch boxes once again!

***7***

I'm ending today with a shameless plug.  I'm looking to make some extra money to help with our family budget while still staying at home with my boys.  If you know anyone looking for someone for at home day care I am looking to take on a few kids at my house.  Part time or full time.  Send them my way.  I also will be tutoring on Saturday mornings and one or two evenings at our local library.  If your child or someone you know needs some homework help or extra tutoring please let me know!

Have a great weekend y'all! It's gonna be a beautiful fall weekend! Get out there and pick some apples, eat some donuts, or buy some mums! Whatever you do enjoy your time with those you love best!