Weekly Photo Challenge: Joy

Without a doubt…this guy has brought an abundant amount of joy to my life!

He’s my very best friend and I love him with all my heart!

my best friend

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A little bit of Christmas

Christmas is slow in coming this year….well, not really.  It’s quickly approaching, and I’m not even close to being ready!

Travel and sickness have given me an extra little challenge this year in preparing for Christmas.  I mean after all, I have family coming to stay, a house to clean, food to cook, presents to buy, presents to wrap, etc….

I’m trying desperately not to let it overwhelm me, stress me, or discourage me.  Of course, there’s still that little bit of me, that wants it to be “the perfect Christmas” for everyone.

I know I can’t make this happen. I can’t make “perfect happen.”  I know I shouldn’t even consider trying.

I know I should just concentrate on the people in my life, and not the things.

I know.

And…I’m trying.

Trying with all my might to keep focused on this…simply.

wooden nativity

Trying with all my might to stay focused on “love” at Christmas…and the giving of love.

Something that is so much better than any gift I could ever buy.

(Oh, I’ll work on getting some gifts too!  I mean after all, I still have a few days left, right?!)

Wordless Wednesday: Birthday #2!

Birthday boy!

Birthday Boy!

Wordless Wednesday – Alligator anyone?

holding the alligator

Happy Birthday to my sweet girl!

Today is my daughter’s birthday. Happy Birthday Baby! It seems like it was only a few years a go when I was holding her in my arms and welcoming her to this crazy mixed-up world of ours.

Oh, how quickly the time has gone by…but the memories, they really are very precious.

(I realize this would have been better if I had pictures from her childhood mixed in here, but I’m thousands of miles from home today, so the memories will have to do.)

I remember the days when we would cuddle and read books for hours.reading books
Now…it’s her turn to snuggle with her little guy, and share her love for reading.

I remember when I would squeeze her tight, and absolutely delight in the feel of that little body in my arms.

hugs

Today…she’s experiencing this joy and wonder of holding her precious child, and the feeling of pure delight that comes with it!

I remember those moments when something as simple as a balloon would bring joy to her heart…and mine.

red balloon

And now it’s her turn to experience the little things in life and just how amazingly special those little things and moments can be!

And I remember those times when she would run into my arms, squeeze my neck, and want nothing more than just to be held in my arms.

at the beach

This moment…I know is one that she thoroughly enjoys. I’m so thankful that she is getting to experience this joy and wonder of being a mom.

I am so proud of her and the beautiful young lady she has become!  Her gentle spirit, kind heart, and loving soul, touches my heart in ways that are quite difficult to express.

She is a wonderful person, a loyal friend, a fantastic little momma, and a loving daughter.

I am so very thankful God blessed my life by giving her to me on this day….30 years a go!

Word a Week Challenge: Shadow

A Mama and her shadow…her sweet little boy!

A shadow cast on the wall of a little cafe.

This precious, unplanned moment…captured!

shadow

The word for this challenge was presented to us by Sue, at A Word in Your Ear.

Take a look at the challenge, and maybe even consider joining in on the fun by going to this link!

Thankful Thursday: 3 gifts Silver

3 gifts Silver…

1. My silver bracelet – a very special gift from a very special person

bracelet

2. My silver computer – a gift to myself, I waited a very long time to get one of these, and I really do like it a lot!

computer

3. Silver lining of the setting sun on the ocean – one of my favorite places to be.  Listening to the ocean, watching as the sun melts away, shimmering on the water.

setting sun

These are just a few of the many things that I am so very thankful for today!

What are you thankful for?

Will you join me in looking for these gifts and sharing them with others?

“If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation,you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude,a feeling that nurtures the soul.”
~Rabbi Harold Kushner

Wordless Wednesday: Pure Joy

little ballerina

Weekly Photo Challenge: Let there be light!

A very encouraging sight…

When you can actually see the “light” at the end of the tunnel!

tunnel

Take a look at what others have to offer in this awesome photo challenge by clicking on this link!