The days that make you smile

I have had a some really great ones lately…days that make me smile so hard my cheeks hurt and pray in thanks of the wonderful ways that God makes things happen.

I am grateful for goose bump moments and connections that you never thought you’d make. For phone calls that change the momentum and direction of life and bring everything into perspective. For visits with family and generous gifts that make a hard thing a little bit easier. And for new glasses….they’re not ‘rose-colored’ but things sure do look brighter as I look through them.

Incredible opera productions are making me happy, and time spent with friends, and the beginning of spring, and eating amazing food, and coming home to a little bit of a lawn started in the backyard. I love grandma’s that bring little puppies new toys and work opportunities that speak to my heart. I savor the chance the slow down and take it all in for just a moment and write about it…these days that make me smile, and…

The way he loves me through it all.

Our new family member

So this happened last week…

We got a puppy!! Chris and I have been talking about getting a puppy for awhile. After everything that transpired with the puppy we used to have, Spencer, we knew we wanted our situation to be just right before we moved forward with finding the dog for us. And everything came together this week!

Chris found a local Miniature Schnauzer breeder who had two puppies available. We went and visited them on Thursday night and I fell in love with this little salt and pepper boy. He is so sweet, very affectionate, has the best personality and fell asleep on my chest. I couldn’t get him out of my mind. My parents were staying with us for the weekend and they helped us to make the decision, purchase him and get him comfortable in our house. It was really special to have them here for the whole process. They have a mini schnauzer named Tucker, and he has a special place in my heart and was a big reason why we went with this breed of dog.

We decided to name him Gibson…like the guitar. He is pretty stinkin’ cute!

I’m so excited to have a little one running around underfoot. He’s very playful and comical and cuddly….all the things you’d expect a puppy to be.

He’s been the best part of 2013 so far, hands down! Yay for being “puppy parents!”

I’m looking forward to sharing some good Gibson stories here on my blog. I’m sure he’ll be very entertaining, and the companion that we’ve been searching for.

Thanks for sharing in our excitement!!

My day off

Today is my day off…and the first day off I’ve had with nothing planned. No doctor’s appointments or places to go. No need to get up early and get out of my pajamas even! Or do my hair, for that matter.  

Life has been so good lately. This is what’s going on around here…

I’ve been wearing my newest glasses from firmoo.com, drinking coffee from my pink zebra print mug, spending all my free time in blogger template and learning code to get my new designs up, adding more words to my Russian vocabulary and feeling humbled by how hard it is, feeling grateful for my regimen of milk of magnesia and Metamucil to keep my IBS relatively under control, wearing new nail polish colors and my favorite scarves again, looking forward to watching Chris learn how to use his new airbrush kit, and treating ourselves to wings from Pizza Hut.

There is lots of joy in these busy days. I am glad for this space of mine to share.

What’s up with you lately?
Are you learning new things or making time to relax?
What is bringing you joy?

The day the snow came…

It started to fall in the early evening yesterday…whispers of the cold faintly seen in the glow of the street lamp. And in the passing of a mere 2 hours the world around me changed seasons once again.

In the dark still of the night the world glimmers in its reflection. A perfect blanket of white before the next day’s activities mar its surface. It is beautiful then. I sat still for a moment last night, staring out my kitchen window into the delicate softness that used to hold magic for me…and I smiled.

This morning the rooms in my home seemed different…quieter in a way, although the only thing that’s changed is the season outside its walls. I am glad for today, a banking day off and a chance to just sit in the quiet. A chance to reflect back on this last year as it begins to draw to a close and be thankful for the next part of my journey…so aptly portrayed by the beginning of another season.

The snow is not my favorite thing, especially come tomorrow when I must face it from behind the steering wheel, but today I am grateful for it. Today I can see and enjoy its beauty.

Today I am celebrating change.

A few more “Little Things”

Earlier this month I started a list of the little things that bring me joy and that help me to celebrate the everyday. I want to keep a record of them for myself to remember, and also to help show others that even little things can make a big difference in your day. I’ve started a page that I keep adding things to whenever I think about it. And so today I wanted to share just a couple more.

4. Really garlicy homemade Caesar salad.

5. Rude customers coming in and apologizing after the fact.

6. Going through old pictures and reliving the good memories.

7. Mental hugs.

8. A really good color scheme.

This one is from my most recent blog design. I’ll be sharing it soon!

9. Fun blogging awards like this one I got from Amanda. Come check out her post about it to see her 7 random facts and who else she nominated. Thanks girl!

10. Taking pictures with a disposable camera.

What are some “little things” bringing you joy today?

Do you like to keep lists of the things that make you smile?

I’d love to hear about your “little things” too!

The Little Things

Yesterday was a full and busy day after a very full and busy week.  We spent the evening with my friend Marta of VonGrey Photography getting our 5 year anniversary pictures taken.  I can't wait to share how they turned out. 

In the car on our way to the shoot.

I love that my husband appreciates photography and has just as much fun as me on these shoots.  I know that there aren't many guys out there willing to spend 3 hours getting their picture taken, and I love that about him.  These pictures will be a treasured memory...the images and the experience.  

As much fun as yesterday was, I am hurting really bad today after such a busy week. I just did too much and wasn't as gentle with myself as I should have been (thanks for that comment Dani). I even got blisters yesterday getting to locations for pictures. If I'd known we'd be hiking I would have worn different shoes. :P

And so today has become a day of rest.  I'm still learning to recognize my new limits and pause and rest when I need to.  

I thought it would be a good idea for me to start a list of the little things that bring me joy, especially on hard days. I want to write them down to save them, savor them, share them, and encourage others to do the same.  Today seems like a perfect day to start. 

1. Writing in my journal.
2. Making my husband laugh.
3. Online courses from inspiring women

Please feel free to share your "little things" in the comments here.  Or blog about it and post a link.  Truly celebrating the everyday comes with taking time to notice the little things that make us smile. I'm compiling a running list and saving them HERE. I'd love if you joined me.

What are your "little things"?

How do you remember to stop and savor them?