Things that make me smile

I'm not going to lie. This week has been a rough one. Considering, however, that I find the attendance of my own pity party quite mundane, I choose to make a list of things that make me smile!

Here we go:

1. The way Gabby calls her freckles, her  poke-a-dots 
2. The way my husband holds me and tells me how precious and irreplaceable I am. 
3. The heart God gave me for people
4. The sunny days gracing us over the last week. 
5. The way my silly, giant, dog prompted me to get out bed, this morning, by licking my toes. 
6. My amazing dad who jumps to my defense and offers to swoop in and save the day 
7. My loving neighbors who support and help us 
8. Soft fuzzy slippers 
9. Early morning cuddles 
10. My patient, loving friends who always have my back. 
11. The way Gabby twirls in her tutu
12. The prideful look my son gets in his eyes when he shows me his school work 
13. Our loving church 
14. A warm cozy nap on a Sunday afternoon. 
15. The way m son tells me that I'm "the best mommy in the world" 
16. Big slobbery Hercules Kisses (my st bernard)
17. A community of animal lovers that return the fury member or our family to us safe and sound
18. the knowledge that soon we will have our plumbing fixed
19. a warm cup of tea 
20. Soft yarn and a crochet hook 
21. Sneaking peanut M&Ms when my kids aren't looking 
22. my mom who is also my best friend
23. The sweet and funny stories that my kids tell me 
24. A warm bath 
25. A glass of wine 
26. Time alone with God 
27. A clean house 
28. Unexpected kindness 
29. A good song 
30. The knowledge that wherever I go, God's already there. 

New Year

It is, once again, the time  for mismatched broken promises made to ourselves. A list of unrealistic expectations and competitive aspirations. Most of which will be forgotten not even half way through completion. This year in chorus with all the others has a list of similar goals and resolutions, from myself, and maybe you too.  I, however, also have list of personal goals that I would like to think will not be shelved with my other incomplete resolutions, that now are thickly blanketed in dust.

I aspire, this year to comfortably and proudly be myself. Not making excuses for perceived inadequacies, but instead standing firm in the knowledge that I'm not inanimate; I am growing, and growth takes time. Always striving for the very best but accepting imperfection with grace and gratitude.

I aspire to constantly better the lives of those around me, by  allowing the glow of Jesus Christ to shine through. A life lived only to better itself is purely wasteful.

I aspire to not waste my time. To allow each moment to be purposefully and deliberately chosen for the betterment of my life and the lives of others.

I aspire to sing. Not in fearful whispers, but in proud, possibly off-key, but fervent, expression of joy and praise.

I aspire to make time for the Lord each and every day. Whether it be quiet prayer or thoughtful study of His word. He deserves my undivided attention.

I aspire to fiercely guard my tongue. Every statement of negativity or judgement requires at least 5 positive counterparts. A simpler approach would be to avoid the negativity to begin with. Our self esteems are so weak and fragile, and you cannot demand someone feel better about themselves by first telling them that they shouldn't.

I aspire to learn something new every chance that I can, even when it requires humbling myself to do so. If you are too proud to learn than your pride is without foundation.


I aspire to love. Always. Without exception.


I aspire to be an obedient wife. I am impulsive and free spirited. I never intend to disrespect my husband, but intentions mean nothing if they don't have positive results. I want him to know just how much I respect, admire, and adore him.


Now with all these aspirations it's undoubtable that I'm going to need some help. I cannot do this on my own.

I aspire to pray for help every single day, at least  once.