happiness is...

“These big things...are not the important ones. If they were, how could one go on living? No, it is the small, little things that make up a day, that bring fullness and happiness to a life.”
― Benedict and Nancy Freedman (Mrs. Mike)


starting the new year off with a bang (52photoproject | week 37 | day one)


reorganizing and decluttering.
my laundry being done for the week.
discovering that the opened sharpie marker in the washer didn't ruin any clothes.


creative night = two friends building a piece of furniture.
finding time to visit with my neighbor.
sunshine (hear it's suppose to be gray the rest of the week).


everyone in the family working together.
realizing Adam's only going to be gone for two nights instead of three.
a reminder system that works for me (2do app).
clean sheets.


one on one time with my girls.
bookclub this week.
finally feeling better.
being able to run 5 miles after taking two months off.


cookie dough covered beaters.
my camelbak -- I'm hitting my goal and drinking more water.
homemade pot stickers for dinner.
yoga tonight with Meili.


finding them all together like this.
daily journal writing.
starting a new book.

**What makes you happy?

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

a tree decorated by the girls


a visit from santa


meandering through the lights


early family gatherings


friend and family greetings lining the walls of our family room


sugary holiday goodness


first gifts under the tree


more magical lights

last week in photos

bbq in the canyon with some friends...


Because everyone took a load we only had to make one trip, of course it didn't come without some complaining.


mmm...some of the most delicious cookies in town. Love their identity too. Check them out.


I've always wanted to get glasses as an accessory. What do you think?


Waiting for Despicable Me to begin...and the popcorn.


The view of downtown from my kitchen window at sundown. It was one of the first times I didn't mind washing dishes. (Yes, I actually took this from inside from my kitchen window.)


While doing some shopping with the girls I couldn't resist the flower bed.

change

The day (a couple of weeks ago) I wrote on facebook that I needed change was the very day we got the call from the Stake President that he wanted to see Adam and I that night...

Change was coming.

That night Adam was asked to accept a calling as the 1st counselor in the bishopric for our ward (an LDS bishop is over the welfare of the individuals in the ward boundary and the counselor is just that, there to help and counsel. for those of you who don't know being a part of a bishopric is a very time intensive calling of service). I had hoped for a long time that I wouldn't have to share him knowing full well that surely the time would come when I would.



Just because you know something is right doesn't mean it comes easy. I cried a lot those first few days. I admit to feeling very selfish about what this would do to our family life. The weight of no more Sunday afternoons lying in bed talking or sitting in church leaning over and putting my head on his shoulder or watching him make cookies with the girls broke me down. I didn't want to give those things up. I am ashamed of these emotions and am not proud of myself for thinking only of me when I know this calling will push and stretch him as well and that he will need my support...I do fully support him.



He said to me one night while we were talking about changes that might take place, I am so glad I took the time when I had the chance to spend it with the girls making cookies and just being with them on Sundays." I'm so grateful for all the Sundays we've had together and that he's such an active father in their life because I do feel like my girls will have to lean on those memories at times. I am forever grateful for Adam's example to not think of himself, but to give and do. I know there's not one thing he wouldn't do for me or his family and I know he will approach his new responsibility the same way.

As I sat listening to the beautiful blessing that was given to him today I was at peace. I know it will be a blessing for our family. Life is changing...all is well.

outside looking in

Sunday late afternoon I went outside to take a photo of the last of the leaves clinging to our backyard tree. When I looked toward the house this is what I saw...


[if you look closely you can see me reflected in the glass on the left side]

Adam and the girls finishing up their Sunday cookies.

I sat there for a moment, watching. It's nothing new, I watch them all the time, but for some reason this felt different. I was completely removed from the situation, on the outside looking in, and it gave me a whole new perspective...I love our family life.

As much as I can appreciate (and love) the quiet clean moments, I wanted nothing more than to go inside and enter their loud, messy, and crazy world.