joy in the Season...

I have to admit, the holidays are not always the most wonderful time of year for me. This year I am choosing joy, choosing to let the stress of finances and busy schedules steal the excitement and love of this season.

Sunday was so anticipated by our kids, putting up the tree is always fun (for them). We carefully scheduled this time, as our week was quite busy. Church on Saturday night is so nice, freeing Sunday for us. There were only a few tense and irritated words exchanges while straightening the branches and finding the right plugs for the lights. After the tree was up, the decorating was done quickly and enthusiastically by five pajama-clad kids.


And joy and a lot of laughter from a silly tradition, of each child putting the star on the tree...on daddy's shoulders.
this on makes me laugh because D's face was repeatedly shoved into the branches!


a little easier with the 40 lb and under set...




a 5'2" boy on daddy's shoulders...


not sure if his back has recovered from this yet...such a look of fierce determination!


a little bundle of joy, making a nest in the tree just like when she was a kitten.


the joy of everyone home together for a whole day...

joy...a few more

my wonderful husband and father of our fantastic five...he loves our kids intentionally, cares about them as individuals, is deeply interested in their lives. He plays and has so much fun with them! Watching him enjoy them brings me joy, and reminds me to have fun and play. (ps, Gabe's muscles are ripped in this pic...haha!)


I liked his no shave look he had for a while this summer. shhh...I have a crush on my hubby!



These moments with my two little boys home each morning bring me joy. Eating lunch together and talking about little boys things. Just look at those sweet hands.


This music has brought me so much joy. There were a few years that were quiet around here, but now the music brings so much peace to my heart and home. Listening to my children learn the lyrics and sing along is something that is beyond joy.

on finding joy...

I'm going to try something new-ish, and use the month of December to list 100 things that bring me joy. One of my favorite bloggers has started this, and it spoke to me enough to dust off my neglected blog and join in.
I do struggle finding joy every day, tending to be the half-empty girl. Over the past year, I have really felt God whispering to me to simplify, let things go, and to recognize the many things that He has given me. I am going to continue to seek Him, delight myself in Him, and find joy.

Psalm 5:11 "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."

So for my first five things that bring me joy:
Sydnee, first born

What an absolute joy to see this beautiful girl on fire for God, working hard at school, doing her best to help at home and to get along with her siblings. She brings joy and love into this home.

Benjamin, first son

Funny, quiet, smart, handsome, atheletic. My heart skips a beat when he steps out of his pre-adolescent awkwardness to hug his mama and tell me he loves me.

Madyson, pickle in the middle

My heart, my sweet girl. Her shyness reminds me so much of myself. She is a listener, picks up on anything that is needed and jumps to help. Smart, funny, loving, helpful...her laugh is pure joy!

Luke, second son

His smile lights up any room, his laugh is contagious. Learning to read and write, being a leader at school. Full of energy and (sometimes) mischief. Still hugs and kisses me when nobody is looking.

Gabriel, the youngest

Happy, strong, growing up so fast! Loves his big brothers and sisters, loves wrestling his daddy, loves to help his mama.