Random instructions that seem useless bring me joy!

Really makers of giant, inflatable giga-ball?  Do you need to tell me that "inflation by mouth can be difficult"?  When there are no less than 20 of those little...what do you call those things?  Anyway, the number of days that this Christmas present lasts will probably not bring me much joy.

The joy of growth and change

Can "joy" be bittersweet?  I just returned home from praying for my 15 year old as he gave a talk on ideals at a Christian youth weekend.  He looked so handsome as he came in the room in a button-up shirt and tie.  It seems like only yesterday that I left for the adult version of the same retreat as he sat in his high chair.  I cried the entire way to church!  Sam, I am so proud of the man you are becoming!  Bear and I will be waiting for you when you get home.  (I guess joy can be sad, too.)

It makes me smile...

Kate picked out this reindeer door mat for me as a Christmas present from Crate and Barrel.  I love him!  He makes me smile everytime I walk in or out the door (that counts as joy, right?).
Even more than  the rug, it brings me joy to have a daughter that listens to her mother's crazy "I love this!" comments and then remembers them enought to act on them (or talk her dad into it)!
I love you, Kate!

Project 365

What is it about the week between Christmas and the beginning of a new year that makes anything and everything seem possible?  My mind is full of ideas and plans and dreams for the next year.

One of my goals for 2011 is to improve my technical skills in photography.  I am dreaming of classes to take and books to study, but one thing I really want to do is take one picture everyday.  I think I want to focus on taking photos that correspond with the virtue we are teaching each month at Son Seekers.  The December virtue was "Joy", so I think I am going to begin this week practicing by posting things that bring me joy.  Next month is Determination - that should be interesting!

Mike started a collection of Wexford crystal for me last year at Christmas.  This year he added 20 of the dessert cups.  I cannot wait to use them for beautiful desserts!