Choosing Joy Today

Monday, October 8, 2012

Noah's 1st Baseball Glove

Daddy brought Noah home his 1st baseball glove today. As you can see from Noah's face...he was thrilled! This kid is going to be an athlete, no doubt! What a sweet Daddy.

Jackson's 2nd Birthday Party Invitation

I just received my proof of Jackson's 2nd birthday party, and I think it's just adorable! Since his birthday is so close to Halloween, I thought it would be fun for the kids to be able to have a Halloween costume party and dress up and be silly. (And, let's be honest...Mama enjoys dressing up...Ha!!) I found this adorable invitation at New, Borrowed, & Blue Weddings and Events on Etsy. I think it's just PERFECT!!! And since I'm going to be out of town the 22-26 of October, Mama has got to get this party planned QUICKLY!
I love a challenge, right? Where does the time go?!?!? How can my sweet baby be almost 2?!?!?

First Fire of the Season

Yesterday was a cool 42 degrees in Texas! With Daddy gone, the vomit virus at our house, and everyone feeling rough...I decided to light the first fire of the season. BIG hit! Both boys loved watching the fire, as well as "getting cozy" (as Noah said) by the fire. As mothers, so often we may think it's going to big the "big" moments in life...a dream trip to Disney World or a "perfect Christmas"...that will make lasting memories. But I think it's the seeming "little moments," like starting a fire...and watching the delight in my boys' eyes...that make as big of an impact. Snuggling up together...cherishing each other...DESPITE the difficult circumstances that surround us....THAT'S what is memorable.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Saying YES!

It's been a while since I've had a Saying YES post, so this post is much overdue!

This week I'm saying YES to:

Pushing outside my comfort zone...

YES to cool fall days and nights...

YES to lighting that first fire in the fireplace...

YES to beginning to plan for Jackson's second birthday party!

(How is that possible?!)

I'm saying YES to getting some help again to clean my house!

I'm saying YES to grace, and YES to prayer...

I say YES to being comfortable in my own skin...

and YES to relationships that REALLY matter...

I say YES to hugs, kisses, and sweet cuddles from my boys.

YES to appreciating my husband.

YES to trying to stay PRESENT in the moment...

YES to delegating and asking for help when I need it.

I say YES to busting out fabulous fall fashion...

YES to sucking the JOY out of each day...

YES to sweet runs in cool weather...

YES to ignoring the haters...

YES to Turn Tyler PINK...
YES to trying to juggle it all...
YES to Alice's birthday party...

I say YES to more water and less Coke Zero...ever the work-in-progress...

YES TO PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION!
YES! YES! YES!
What are YOU saying YES to this week?!?

Tyler Rose 1/2 Marathon

Tyler Rose Half Marathon 2012

I've wanted to run in the Tyler Rose half marathon for the last two years. First, I was pregnant Jackson, and then I was still breast-feeding the time last year's half marathon occurred. Unfortunately, this year the cards were not in my favor again. I had major neck surgery less than 90 days ago. And beginning Friday night, I was struck with a vomiting virus, which left me dehydrated and really hurt my neck! Then on Saturday, I vomited some more, and Noah caught the virus, and the vomiting continued well into Sunday morning. So, here I was, about 4 to 5 hours of sleep each night on the weekend. Although I already spent about $75 registering for the half marathon (which, I minimally trained for), I just didn't see how I could physically pull it off. Oh, and did I mention that my husband was conveniently out of town at a Longhorn football game while all this was going on?! When the morning of the race arrived, I just felt compelled to get my tired, dehydrated, worn out body to the race. I have been coveting that Rose metal long enough! I figured, even if I walked some of the way, I would still get a medal. Against all odds, I did it!! The race route was every bit as terrible as everyone said… hills, hills, hills!!! To my amazement, I somehow pulled it off. I even did WELL! I finished in two hours and nine minutes, which isn't too shabby for an old gal. The most important thing for me, was I listened to my inner voice and I persevered. As I was running, I kept picturing my two sons, and how I wanted to be an example to them... to push outside their comfort zone, to set goals, and to reach them. This was a priceless moment! And I finally got that medal!!