joyful things

One of my favorite bloggers, Sarah Markley (see little box at the right!), is starting a 100 joys project- she is blogging about 100 joys of this month, and is encouraging her fellow bloggers to do the same.

Honestly, although I could certainly do 100 joys in a single sitting, I wasn't going to do this at first, mostly because I'm not sure anyone would care to READ about it! But, I'm inspired, I love this holiday and it's so good for the soul to recognize the joy around us, even in difficult times.

So, here we go!

1. this bed:



I got it at a thrift shop for $25, cleaned it until my fingers were numb and set it up in my boy's room.
Best. Present. Ever. Both twins love it and I love watching them on it!




2. My girl has started saying "I love you mama" every night before bed. Yes, I always have to say it first, but considering that a year ago she wouldn't even say hello, this is pretty darned amazing.



3. Ollie came with me to see Ben perform in "The Nutcracker" this past weekend. He did SO well, aside from telling me (repeatedly) how much he wanted to go on the stage and having to bring our little Toy Story guys out to dance in the aisle for a few scenes. Daddy was pretty excited that we were there too!

4. these:

People, I don't even like mint, and I'm not crazy about Oreos as a rule. I bought these for my husband, who loves all thing minty. I'm OBSESSED with them. I've downed two boxes already, and am quickly reaching my goal of gaining 10 lbs by New Year's Day.



5. Christmas lights. My children LOOOVE them- and I'm talking any little sprinkling of dinky lights anywhere. One night this week, Ben and I will drive them past the over-the-top, get-out-of-your-car Christmas lights near us, and they will love love love it!!


6. getting our first three Christmas cards of the season today! One with a letter enclosed!

7. cleaning my house today. Truly a rare thing, to be able to clean all three floors of our house AND vacuum (something I can never do with Violet around). Actually, the real joy was coming home at the end of the day TO a clean house!

8. this video. So old-school Michael Jackson-sounding. I can't NOT dance to it.

9. ordering these capes on etsy:



Four of them- two for my sweet babes, two for their little cousins. Going to be MIGHTY cute!

Ok. 9 down, 91 to go.