Money is tight. And it's about the only thing my husband and I fight about. When money is tight the discussions tend to get heated - how to cut back, how to save, where is it all going. And we both have very, very different opinions on all of those topics. But this morning we were able to clearly and sanely communicate to each other how we felt about our current spending and WWIII did not break out! Ah, the joy in good, clear communication!
I sang in a choir. In high school. In college. I have so enjoyed going to my daughter's concerts. I love the music. I love the memories it stirs. Tonight was my daughter's last concert of her high school career and it didn't disappoint. A lovely mix of music. A showcase of the school's talent. Musician. Vocalists. It was all good. All entertaining. I find joy in concerts.
I didn't have the picture perfect childhood. I have a less than ideal adult relationship with my mother. So Mother's Day card shopping is always pure torture for me. I can't buy the cards that say "you're my best friend," "thanks for all you do," and "there's no love like a mother's love." I don't feel any of that for her. So when I find a card that is obviously a Mother's Day card (because it says Mother on it) and it has a bland, general sentiment like "Hope you have a wonderful day!" I jump up and down for joy. Today was one of those days!
My son and I watched an episode of Emeril Lagasse that was geared toward cooking with kids. My son loves to cook, just like me. So today, we tried one of his recipes for smoothies. My son cut the bananas, poured the ingredients in the blender, put the top on (tightly) and pressed the button, watching it all mix up. He was so proud of himself when it was time to taste. "Mom! I made this!" he said. There is joy in making smoothies!
I've been in a few book clubs before. Some were great. Some, not-so-great. That's why a friend of mine and I started a new book club. Less people. Less rules. Less of a commitment - only every other month. We had our first meeting tonight to discuss "Ella Minnow Pea" by Mark Dunn. It was so nice to get out of the house and talk to adults for a couple hours. Eat real food uninterrupted with someone else to clean up after me. Believe me, there is joy in book club!
This weekend officially began grill season for our family. We love to grill out on the weekends. And I like it because it makes my week that much easier. On Sundays, we grill. But not just that nights dinner - at least 2 more meals are on the grill, too. Then I wrap and use later in the week. Grilled meat with rice and beans or grilled meat in a salad. Or chopped up with roasted vegetables over pasta. Anything to make my work week easy! Ahhhh, the joy in grilling season!
My boys are only 10 months apart in age. At risk of celebrating too quickly, they play quite nicely together. They rarely fight. They tell each other they love each other. For the next week they'll be "twins" at age 6. But then my oldest son turns 7 and we'll have to wait for March for them to be "twins" again. The way they look out for each other is so adorable. I hope they'll always be this close. For now, I'll find joy in their amazing friendship.
