Day 326 - Tricks and Treats

My kids have been counting down until this very day all month. They are so excited. They're bouncing off the walls. I've never seen them get ready so quickly or so early. Dressed and ready to go almost an hour before we left the house for the costume contest in our neighborhood. There is nothing like experiencing life through the eyes of a child. This Halloween is no exception. Scary. Fun. Chili and monster toes for dinner and then for dessert? Treats. Lots and lots of treats. And joy!

Day 325 - Soccer

We're almost to the end of the season. I promise. And I know I've used this joy quite a bit - but it's true. Soccer = joy in this house. Even my youngest, who complained when the season first started, is loving it. He can't wait until next season and wants to request the same coach. (And his coach truly is wonderful!) I just love watching my kids participate in the activities that bring them joy. So yeah, soccer brings me joy, too!

Day 324 - World Series

I love baseball. But (sorry all you fans out there), I'm not that into either of the teams playing the world series this year. My son doesn't care who is playing. He just loves to watch baseball. This afternoon, he and I had a blast talking, researching and sharing all about this season and past seasons. I told him how I was at the game in Detroit when the Tigers won in 1984. He looked at me like I was some kind of hero - just because I was there when they won. There are so many things to enjoy through a child's eyes. And baseball is one of them.

Day 323 - Rotisserie Chicken

I needed an easy dinner tonight. Off to the deli for some rotisserie chicken. Then I just steamed some broccoli, made some rice and voila! Dinner is served. That's all that needs to be said. I found joy in rotisserie chicken. (And that was a stretch for me today, because the rest of the day - and night - stunk!)

Day 322 - Rainy Days and Popcorn

I know the song is "Rainy Days and Mondays" but today, it's rainy days and popcorn. A dreary, gloomy day out and I was caught up with housework. Oh sure, there's is the cupboards in the family room to clean out. Or my closet. (Please don't look in my closet!) But to an outsider, the house looked great. And there was only one load of laundry to contend with. So I popped some popcorn (my favorite snack) and turned on the DVR to catch up with my shows. It was cold and dreary outside but warm and cozy inside. Thanks to the joy a little popcorn and a reason to stay inside can bring!

Day 321 - James Taylor

I enjoy James Taylor's music. He isn't my number one folk favorite but many of his songs "sing" to me, if you will. Today, I was feeling a bit melancholy. For no particular reason. I was flipping stations and one of his songs was playing. And then another. Evidently, the station was doing a mini-tribute to his work. And I realized how meaningful many of his songs were to me. By the third song, my mood had shifted. I was feeling lighter, happier. Today's joy is brought to me by James Taylor.

Day 320 - Lovies

It's a miracle. Each and every one of my three children made their beds this morning. And on each bed, they placed their lovies on the pillow. Even my teenage daughter still has her lovey from when she was a baby, a sweet, little bunny called Bun-bun. My oldest son has Doggy and my youngest son has Piggy. I know. My kids aren't very imaginative with names but they make up for it with the love they have in their hearts for their lovey. And to see their precious friends perched sweetly on their pillows? Filled my heart with joy this morning.