Bits of Joy | March and April

I think it's so important to take time every now and then to consider all of the things that contribute to our joy. The big things but especially, the little things that often go unnoticed.

 

Here are some random bits of joy from the last month or so. They're a tad bit out of order but that's okay.

 

There is this little notebook that I carry around. On the front it says "Awesome ideas to take over the world". In it, I unload all of the thoughts and to-do's that often clog my mind so that I can effectively tackle one thing at a time and not worry about losing the ideas that pop into my head throughout the day (and middle of the night).

 

Lately, Cruze seems to have made it his mission in life to find my notebook and scribble his own thoughts in it. The other day he was super quiet when I found him doing this...

 

I can tell he was mimicking the same intensity I have in my eyes while I scribble away. I'll save those pages forever ;)

This table. So many good moments are shared with my family at this table. From Saturday morning pancakes to catching up on our day, I just love sitting at this table and chatting away with the people I love most.

I love the way Cruze watches me in the mirror of the car while I'm doing my make-up etc.

Spending the day outside with my boys. It's such a great feeling.

Witnessing their special connection is an even better feeling.

Cruze has been so into coloring lately. It makes my heart go a little crazy.

Our first time attending our congregation as a family of four. Of course, Cruze is on the move in this picture but it wouldn't be real if he wasn't.

Since Caleb is my second and so much of my energy goes towards my active toddler, I really cherish the moments I get to spend with just Caleb. Even if I'm exhausted by the time Cruze goes down for a nap, I choose staring at my sweet angel baby over "me time" any day. And now that I think about it, relaxing with my newborn is my "me time".

The way Cruze has started using his brother's rock n play as his personal recliner while he watches Mickey Mouse...

After nap story time. Something about reading books with my babes. I just love it.

A squeaky clean baby. Enough said.

I used to have this toy box organized so well. A few weeks ago Cruze started this new thing of climbing into it and tearing through each and every item. And I love how much he loves it.

Monkey see, monkey do. Cruze hard at work with those tiny fingers...

This was initially supposed to be a tiny herb garden. Then a succulent garden. Now? It's a fake plant "garden". That's after I somehow became the only person in the world who is capable of killing succulents. Either way, it adds some green to my home which I LOVE. Also? It's a little DIY I'm proud of :)

Decorated in stickers by my toddler. I looked forward to moments like this and they're finally here.

Clean eating with my fam. It may not look all that appetizing but trust me, it was delish. And healthy.

Baby smiles that are intentional. HEART EXPLOSIONSSSS!

Morning light and a sweet reminder through the form of a mug sent to me by a friend I haven't seen in so long, reminding me to make everyday "the best day ever".

The opposite of clean eating. But if you follow me on instagram then you know, Phillip came home one night with Starbucks for me as a way of saying 'thank you' for working so hard at home. Little did he know, I had baked him cookies as a way of saying 'thank you' for working so hard outside of the home AND in the home after work.

Do you see those teddies under the table? Their name is Floofie. When Cruze was itty bitty, my dad sent Cruze one and he became so attached to him. He went everywhere with Cruze. After my mom attempted to clean the original one, it became not so soft. A few days later, a new floofie showed up in the mail. Now he carries both of them around.

That time I went out with my girlfriends to Panera as a sort of girls night. Except that I dragged my kids and husband along because I didn't want to leave them. Phillip ended up eating next door with Cruze so I could hang out "alone" with them. Of course, I kept Caleb with me. I still had a great time and was able to unwind. So so grateful for sweet friends and a family that I want to be around all the time.

And there's Floofie again enjoying some Frozen with Cruze.

 

So many moments that may seem insignificant but are a part of our story and truly do add to our joy. They're worth remembering in my opinion.