December 7

• It's my 34th birthday...thankful for life!
• Had a wonderful night out with Seth to celebrate my birthday!  Thankful for the gift card and free babysitting from his golf team!
• Watched Inception...an incredible story and movie...it's amazing to see the gifts God has given people...I just pray they realize their talent comes from Him and praise Him for it.

December 6

• Brielle is finding her voice and uses it often!
• Got to help Koen's class make Christmas cards!

December 5

• Nice church service this morning.
• Fun to do a gingerbread house with the boys.
• It was TOUGH to handle the kids today, but God gave me/us the grace to do so!
• Great time with Scott & Kelli's family tonight!

December 4

• Jewelry open house went well.  Thankful for all the sales!
• Fun to go to Target with the boys to pick out gifts for church. It was tough for them at first, but I'm so proud of them!
• Seth had a good first bowling tournament...hope they all go well and kids are blessed by the season.

December 3

• Good jewelry open house here!  Nice to see friends again!
• Mom came to help out here after going to Koen's school to help and read Christmas books.
• Koen was thrilled that Mrs. VanSledright came to the jewelry show at our house!  He showed her all around the house and all of his special things...one by one.  She is so special to him and I'm so thankful for that!
• Seth helped with the kids during the show...so nice he does that!

December 2

• Fun time for the kids at Wittes...despite meltdowns at lunch.
• A great session with Lynn!!!
• Going home!
• Great jewelry show at Mom's!  Praise the Lord for blessing us with this income! 

December 1

• First snowfall on the first day of December
• Seth had a search committee meeting.  Even though it can be hard to have him away a lot in the evenings, it's exciting to think about where our church might be headed with a new pastor.
• Started out 25 Days of Christmas Activities by making an Advent Tree.  More stressful than I'd thought it'd be, but the kids loved it.  I just hope to instill the meaning/hope of Christmas in my children!
• Played outside with Ty for an hour in the snow.  He loved it!  He even shoveled for Daddy.
• I love a freshly vacuumed house!

November 30

• Oasis Bible study!
• Got some cleaning done.
• Planning our 25 Days of Christmas activities
• Being home with Seth at night.

November 29

• Got lots of odds and ends taken care of
• So warm outside for this time of year!
• Christmas gift shopping...by myself!  Almost finished...
• Selecting pictures for Christmas calendars.

November 28

• Church this morning.
• A relaxing day.
• I started the day with a sad and even mean spirit.  Thankful that prayer helped me work through most of it by the time we got to church.  God does answer prayer!!!  Still praying for a spirit of peace and joyfulness. 

November 27

• Even though Seth's parents went home due to his dad getting sick, we spent time with Ethan, Tracy, Justin, Lindsey, and Isaac.  Always good to spend time with family. 
• For some reason, I was exhausted at the end of the day.  Went to bed at 9pm and slept!!!  Good to catch up on some sleep.
• A little sad that Brielle is starting to give up nursing, but I know it's a part of growing up and I'm thankful for her growth!  Also loving her personality shining through.

November 26

• Not much going on today, and the down-time is nice.
• Spent time coloring Christmas pictures with the boys...relaxing and nice just to talk with them.
• Setting up the Christmas tree and listening to Christmas music!  The boys were driving me nuts, but it was because they were SO excited to set up the tree.  Maybe I could learn from that...

November 25

• HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
• Wonderful food and fellowship!  So thankful for my family!!!
• Encouraging worship.

November 24

• Sorted through a few things and donated a bunch of stuff.  Hoping it blesses someone and helps with tuition funds!
• Great to see Bethany again!
• So fun to go out with Steve, Lori, and Beth to see the newest Harry Potter movie! 
• Good to joke around with Seth.
• Always good to go home.
• Lori's news!!!

November 23

• Koen was so helpful while Ty was having a hard time (tired and not feeling well...praying he gets back on top of things quickly).
• In this season, I'm realizing I have a lot to be thankful for:  a supportive husband who loves me, adorable kids who are healthy, helpful parents, sisters I can connect with, a beautiful home, encouraging friends, and a Heavenly Father who calls me his own.
• Library time with the kids today.

November 22

• It's a joy to have the basement finished and the kids playing in it...even without me down there!
• Seth had a busy, busy day, but it went relatively well.
• It was a high-energy day with kids, but nothing bad. 

November 21

• Nursery duty was easy. :)
• Low-key afternoon.
• Worked on some pictures with the new computer...realizing I have a lot to learn, but still thankful for this new computer!!!

November 20

• Pictures with Mary...the kids were very well behaved, but I'm not sure how many smiles we got...or even if we got all three looking at the camera at the same time!
• Despite the stress and drama of it all, having to deal with a flat tire went remarkably well.  The kids were so good, Discount Tire was so close, and they got us in fairly quickly.  Not how I wanted to spend part of the day, but it worked out just fine.
• Met Justin, Lindsey, and Isaac at Chucky Cheese.  Insanely busy, but the kids had a blast and that's always a joy to witness.  Also, Seth's mom paid for it which was very sweet and helpful.
• It was just not my day with cars.  I was going to run out to get a movie for us to watch after getting home, but when backing out of the garage I clipped the rear-view mirror on the Camry and broke it.  Thankfully, Seth was very gracious about the whole thing, cleaned it up while I put the kids to bed, and found online that it shouldn't be too expensive or difficult to fix it.  Praising God even in my mistakes. 

November 19

• Lori's birthday...it's great to celebrate life!
• Seth's parents came and helped out...picking Koen up from school, allowing me to pick up a few things at the store and staying with the kids, helping with bedtime, etc.
• Seth got to spend time with Justin out hunting.
• THE NEW COMPUTER CAME!!!  Now I just have to figure it all out...hmmmm...
• Mary stopped by to pick up/drop off a few things...always good to see friends.  I'm so proud of her in her weight loss efforts and am inspired by her!

November 18

• Got most of the vacuuming done.
• Spent the day SCRAPBOOKING with Kelli!  Great to visit, great to scrapbook, though a bit disappointing I'm so far behind.  I'd love to scrapbook more often, but I feel guilty when there are so many other things I could/should be doing.  When I'm scrapbooking with friends, I feel good about it because I'm spending quality time with them.
• Parent-Teacher conferences with Koen's teacher went well.  He's growing up and learning so many new things.  And I'm so proud of him and his kind heart toward other kids. 
• Got the bathrooms cleaned tonight!

November 17

•  Zumba with Kaye.
• Picking up Koen went better...Ty didn't melt down!
• Got lots of laundry done!
• Brought Kelli and family a meal...I like doing the hospitality things in life.  Also good to spend time with her and hold baby Caleb!
• After exercising, Seth and I moved a lot of the furniture into place in the basement.  Still a ways to go, but fun to see things take shape.

Novmeber 16

• THE CARPET IS IN!!!
• The boys are so excited about the new carpet in the basement they are moving all their toys down there one by one...and I didn't even ask them to do it!!!
• Thankful that Anna is so excited about her show tonight...bless her and her family/friends.  (The show ended up being a lot of fun!)
• I had the courage to talk with the carpet guy about what I do as a jeweler...maybe one of their wives will book a show?!?

November 15

• Got a phone call that the carpet is coming tomorrow!  So exciting after all this time!!! 
• Even though we had a lot of moving and cleaning to do before the carpet could go in, I'm thankful Seth and I can work together to accomplish tasks like these.  Not only agreeing on what needs to be done, but lifting and moving things together, too. 
• I'm so thankful for Seth's strength as he moved some of the things on his own.  I"m also amazed at all the building skill he has or has learned to complete this basement!  I'm also thankful for family members who helped!!!
• It was a difficult day for a tired Ty, but I was able to keep my cool and not stress about it too much, even when he was melting down at Koen's school.
• Koen's continued excitement for school and specifically the letter people is a joy!

November 14

• A nap...albeit short due to Ty waking me up.  Extra sleep is always appreciated!
• Ordering a new computer online! :) 
• Friends at church!

November 13

• Hung out with Justin, Lindsey, and Isaac tonight...pizza and catching up!
• Some down time with the kids was nice before I headed off to a jewelry show.

November 12

• It's Friday! :)
• Had dinner here with Mom and Dad...always a joy to spend time with family!
• Carpet is ordered and paid for!  What a blessing to be able to pay cash...to know how and be willing to save for something. 
• Enjoying another phenomenal day in weather!

November 11

• Veteran's Day...SO thankful for my freedom!  Someone posted on facebook something to the effect that only 2 people have ever willingly sacrificed their life for mine...Jesus died for my soul and a soldier died for my freedom. 
• Another unbelievable day with our weather!!!  70 degrees in mid-November is something to rejoice about!!!
• Took the kids to Deanna's Playhouse today with Mom...great place and fun!  Plus, it's always nice to enjoy my kids and spend time with my mom!
• Took the kids to the park today...without jackets!
• Got lots of running around for Premier stuff accomplished to-and-from Holland.
• Ordered carpet for the basement!!!

November 10

• Trying a new approach to each day as I want to change how I utilize my time and try to grow my business.  While it didn't work as well as I'd hoped, it's still a step in the right direction.
• We picked out carpet!!!  Planning to order it tomorrow.  So thankful for Kaye, all her knowledge and connections!
• Zumba -- kicked my butt, but so good for me.
• Another amazing day weather-wise!!!

November 9

• Oasis...learning so much about Esther and about myself!
• BEAUTIFUL weather!!!  60 degrees+...loving it!!!
• Training...so challenging and inspiring.
• Heart to heart talks with Seth.

November 8

• It was a beautiful day...even got to play outside with the kids for a bit.
• Made bread with Ty.
• Closed a jewelry show = payday!
• Able to save a little more money to buy a new computer!!! (see above)
• Talked to Jane for a bit.
• The day itself was pretty tough with kids, attitudes, not listening, etc. and I really didn't think I'd find much to be joyful about, but with a little effort I came up with 5 things!!!  That in and of itself is a joy!!!  Before I started this blog, I sure wouldn't have taken the time to find the good in the day.

November 7

• Some good music in church this morning.  One special music song prompted me to think about how Jesus did EVERYTHING with others in mind...do I? 
• Going to lunch at Mom and Dad's and picking up the boys!  It's nice to be missed!
• Seeing videos of Grandma Rinsema as she said good-bye to everyone on the phone.  Difficult, but wonderful.
• Relaxing this evening.

November 6

• It was tough (probably tougher for Seth), but Brielle went from 8pm til 6am without eating.  Lots of tears...hoping tonight will be better, but excited that we're one step closer to sleeping through the night!!!
• Premier Round Up today...I learned some and was challenged a lot.  Thankful Premier is in my life and now I just need to do more with it!!!
• Date night!!!  A quite night out with Seth (and Brielle) at the bookstore for dinner and browsing...plus the new Jack Reacher novel.
• Looking at a new computer for me!  :)  Keeping an eye for sales.
• A beautiful autumn day!  Premier training was at a camp ground with beautiful facilities and right on the lake...a gorgeous morning!
• The boys are staying at Grandma and Grandpa's tonight.  I'm so thankful they love going and even more thankful my parents enjoy having them!
• Daylight savings tonight!  Hope Brielle sleeps that extra hour! :)

November 5

• A clean kitchen
• Seth picked up Koen which allowed Brielle to continue her nap and me to complete a few more things
• Seth and the boys made a fire...a perk in the colder weather.
• It snowed!  I'm not so much excited about the snow as witnessing the boys's excitement!!!

November 4

• Fall clouds...big, gray, beautiful.
• A good day home with the kids.
• Three future jewelry shows booked.
• Finding out a little more about the weight loss "stuff" I'm planning on doing after the first of the year.
• Good talks with friends...thanks, Mary.
• Seth complimenting me.
• Christian music, and listening to it throughout the day.
• Having repeat hostesses.
• My kids giggles and smiles.

November 3

• Booking a jewelry show and a catalog show!  It's always fun to do this, but after the rash of cancellations I've had, this is VERY encouraging!
• Zumba with Kaye!
• Just listening to my 3 kids laugh together...one of the best sounds on earth. 
• Taking an hour nap while Brielle slept and Ty watched a movie (especially after only getting 4 1/2 hours the night before)!  Sleep does me good!
• Spending time with Kelli after running into her at Meijer.  Rejoicing in Caleb's birth and that things seem to be going so well for them. 

November 2

• I got to go to Oasis Bible Study for the first time in a month after sickness, Grandma's funeral, and the tornado warning/watch.  I learn so much from Beth Moore's Bible Studies...and I love the book of Esther!
• GIRL'S NIGHT OUT!  Such a nice time sharing dinner with friends!  It's always good to laugh!
• Shopping at Kohl's w/o kids, and Mary came along, too.  Shopping shouldn't be this fun. :)
• Having a husband who is OK with me going out with friends and is willing to care for the kids!!! 

November 1

• I'm blogging again! 
• My health is almost back to 100%.
• A lot has happened in the past month...but the most significant was Grandma moving on to heaven.  I'm so thankful she's pain-free and praising Jesus!  Plus, her funeral gave me an opportunity to see a number of family members who I haven't seen in a while...including Jane and Annika!
• Tysen turned three!  His doctor's appt. went well today.  I know we take our health for granted sometimes, and I'm thankful he's growing strong and healthy.
• Brielle cut 2 new teeth!
• Even though I've had a lot of show cancellations for this month, I'm not going to get discouraged. 

October 5

• Brielle, while still sick, is getting better!  Just praying no one else comes down with it, especially before this weekend when we're celebrating Ty's birthday.
• Boys's big Christmas gift came today -- I LOVE giving gifts...it's so hard to wait til Christmas! :)
• ZUMBA! 
• Seeing a dozen deer walk through the school yard/neighborhood after Zumba while talking with Kaye...they are so graceful!
• Talking about ideas for Brielle's room with Kaye.  Kaye is so creative and I'm so thankful for all her help and advice!!!
• Watching Glee (at least half of it).  I don't agree with most of what happens on that show, but this week it was a lot about faith/religion and I hope people/kids/families use it as a starting point for talking about important things in life like God.  (And the music is always wonderful)
• Booking two more shows today!

October 4

• We got to school on time despite a morning of tired (and sick) kids.
• Met Ian's preschool teacher (as Kelli dropped him off) and she is the mom of Roman, one of the boys Koen talks about.  I love making connections!
• Transportation/kid watching worked out OK b/w golf and jewelry show.
• Had a show...one new booking! 
• Got groceries after the show -- shopping w/o kids = easy!
• Whenever Tysen says, "Mommy, I love you sooooo much!" and gives me a hug.  Love that boy!
• When I came downstairs after changing clothes/getting make up on for my jewelry show Koen said, "Mom, you look so beautiful for your jewelry show."  Love that boy, too!

October 3

• After staying up quite a bit of the night with Brielle (who is sick), Seth took the boys to church and I got to SLEEP!
• Enjoyed supper at Gary & Melanie's with Kaye and the kids. 
• Melanie offered us a bunch of toys and books, mainly for Brielle; it was fun to "shop"!
• A beautiful fall day!

October 2

• Catching up with my blogs...woo hoo!
• Had supper with Mom and Dad tonight which is always nice!
• Got quite a bit of the laundry done...and there was a ton to start with!
• Got caught up with paying bills and some Premier stuff.

October 1

• The first day of October 2010...unbelievable! 
• Even though I wasn't sure I wanted to go, the whole family went to the GRCHS football game for the Homecoming celebration.  Saw some of Seth's golf girls who love the kids, so that's fun, and also saw Dale, Sheryl, Emma, Uncle Fritz, and Kaye. 
• Had fun doing a fall project with Ty.
• Finally posted something on Calvin's job link site to find a babysitter...just praying the right one find the post!  I really think that could make a HUGE difference in my Premier business!!!

September 30

• Had a jewelry show...it wasn't the most profitable, but I still made some money and booked a show with a new lead!
• The weather was GORGEOUS again today so for our "Special Day" we went to a new park: Frog Hollow Park by Metro Hospital.  The kids loved it and so did I!  We'll definitely go back again!
• Realized that my lack of keeping up with this blog really does affect my mood...now I just need to save enough to get a laptop so I can be more diligent in posting regularly.

September 29

• There's something satisfying about participating in TRIP!  Hope it pays off!!!
• Visited with Marilyn today and met Madelyn.  It's always great to catch up with friends and to be joyful with them, especially in the birth of a new baby!  Ty and John played together remarkably well!
• I babysat Lauryn and Lucy for the afternoon and that went quite well.
• Joy took Koen home from school along with Ellie and Ben.  She was so sweet to treat the kids to frozen yogurt!

September 28

• LOVING the Beth Moore Esther Bible Study.
• Spent some relaxing time at the library today with the kids...it was cute...Koen recognized Stella from his class while we were there. :)
• ZUMBA CLASS!  Oh, my goodness!  I've never taken a Zumba class before and I went to this one with Kaye for our weekly exercise class.  WOW.  I'm so bad at it, but I loved it so much!  The instructor was so great in her leading the class and her self-confidence...awesome.  I need more of that!!!
• Again, entering this 4 days after the actual day and my memory is failing me. :)

September 27

• Got some work done around the house today.
• BEAUTIFUL weather for fall!
• I'm entering this list of joys 5 days after the date and I'm not remember more, although I'm sure there were more joys today.

September 26

• Lucy DeBoer was baptized this morning, and even though I was helping in Little Lambs, I snuck upstairs to witness it.
• We spent time with friends for lunch celebrating Lucy's baptism.
• Got a nap today!
• Mary complimented my long hair...I've always liked my hair so that's a joy. :)

September 25

• I guess keeping this website has been a helpful thing for me.  I haven't kept up with it very well the past week and I'm really having a hard time being joyful today.  Just feeling anxious, impatient, and annoyed...and the kids aren't making it easy!!!
• On that note, I know my children are miracles and I'm so thankful we were able to have each of them.
• I sorted and switched clothes for the boys for new sizes and season.
• Seth was able to accomplish more in the basement.
• Koen and I worked on a timeline for school.  Interesting to find out what's been important to a five-year-old over the course of his life.

September 24

• Had to watch Ian today during Kelli's doctor's appt. and he and Ty played so well together...they almost didn't need me!  I got a lot done while he was here.
• Kelli stayed here so I could let Brielle sleep while I picked Koen up from school.
• We went as a family to the GRCHS football game...a beautiful fall night.

September 23

• Had a WONDERFUL time with the kids in Holland for our special day!  We went to the Holland Aquatic Center with Mom for the tot time and it was great!
• Got to run errands by myself!
• Spent some time with Seth and the golf team at home and going out for supper.
• Walked with Kaye tonight...good exercise.

September 22

• Started TRIP today.
• Got some cleaning and laundry done.
• I'm struggling to come up with other things...that may be because I'm trying to remember it five days later...not the best strategy.

September 21

• Oasis Bible Study -- Loving Esther!!!
• Had Cheri and her kids over for lunch after Oasis.  The kids played well together and she and I had a great time talking.
• Seth thinks this blog has really made a difference in my demeanor...I'm laughing more, etc. 
• GLEE's new season began tonight...such great music and fun escape.

September 20

• Even though I had a show tonight, it was a relaxed day (as relaxed as can be expected...)
• My show went well and was fun, in spite of no bookings.  Hostess is still thinking about Premier for herself!
• Made applesauce with Ty today.  Feeling domestic! :)
• Creating a plan for working Premier...NEED TO ACT ON IT! 
• Talked with Lori for a bit on the phone.

September 19

• Went to church with Koen this morning even though Seth, Ty, and Brielle stayed home with colds.  In the past, I would have stayed home, too, but I always regret it.  We were late, but we made it!
• Made a plan for some work this week...who to call about shows, etc.  Now need to DO IT!
• Worked on the Esther Bible Study (Beth Moore)...so good!  Praying God works in my heart, mind, and soul as I figure out His will/plan for me and that I can become confident in that (not fearful).
• Walked to the park with Koen and Tysen and played there for about an hour.

September 18

• Seth got the boys's movie going in the morning which allowed me a little more sleep time.
• Spent 1.5 hours shopping at Kohl's!  I found a good show outfit (finally) even though I don't plan to stay this size...I needed something!
• I was assertive while in line to return things at Kohl's (the guy in front of me had a LOAD of things to work through so I just asked if there was anyone else able to help me -- and the 3 ladies behind me -- and he just paged someone to help!) = more shopping-time and less wait-time!
• Started up the It's Deductible website for our donation items.
• Talked to Jane on the phone for a while.
• Sat outside while the boys rode bikes...a relatively nice afternoon after the morning thunderstorms.

September 17

• Jane celebrated another birthday today...another year of life is such a blessing!
• I have a jewelry show with great retail!
• Seth's parents were still in town so I could bring Koen to school w/o the other kids.
• I didn't have to wake Ty up to get Koen from school (Ty fell asleep on the way there; Koen saw me and was able to walk to me rather than have me go to him).
• Mom offered to come a day next week to stay with the kids and let me go out to do some things.
• After my show, Seth and I just hung out for an hour watching _Scrubs_ episodes...relaxing.

September 16

• I got to get out for two hours to shop without kids!  Of course, it's never enough time to get everything accomplished, but it was enjoyable!
• Though it wasn't fun, it was good that I reworked some parts of my jewelry show presentation.
• Koen's first tooth came out!  He's growing up so fast!
• We got to go out for dinner.

The Optimist Creed

I found this little plaque in Seth's classroom when we stopped by to visit him last week.  I decided to add it to my blog so I could always come back to reference it!

The Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself -

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Optimist International

September 15

• Watching Koen excitedly show Grandpa and Grandma Davies around his school made me so proud of him!  He's such a young man already!!!
• I resigned up for TRIP...now I just need to be able to plan ahead enough!  Eeek!
• Brielle...her smiles and little noises bring such delight!
• Getting some Premier work done; I want to make it consistent, I just need a plan to do so!

September 14

• Oasis Bible Study began and we're studying Esther with a Beth Moore study guide...can't wait to learn!!!
• It was great that Seth stopped home before golf practice, and cute that Ty wanted to go with him! 
• I was so proud of Koen!  Even though it would have been good for him to go to golf practice, he stayed home and picked up his room and the TV room because Grandpa and Grandma are coming tomorrow.  He was so helpful!
• I started a new exercise class with Kaye tonight.  Didn't want to go, but I did!
• Cleaned all the bathrooms and got some laundry done!  Not too bad...

September 13

• Although it was a busy and stressful day, I remained calm.  Looking back over the day I didn't get much accomplished, but I don't think I could have done anything differently.  Some days are just like that....
• I got to attend a Premier Designs Training with Julie Miller!  The whole evening was amazing and inspiring!  I need to figure out how to do a better job working my business because it's an amazing one!
• Koen was so excited about school!  He came home with homework and wanted to do it right away...before he watched his movie!  He also talked about playing with McKenna, the girl in his class with Downs Syndrome...I"m so thankful for that!

September 12

• Having Seth put his arm around me during the church service.  There's something nice about cozying up to the one you love!
• I got to scrapbook today!  It wasn't much and not for long, but it was great!
• Ty and Koen constantly say, "Do ya know you're my favorite Mommy?"  I love it!
• I forgot to write it in another day's entry, but I was amazed at a friend's Facebook comment about how good I was at keeping up with my blog (didn't know she read it!) and that I have it all together!  Yikes!  A scary compliment, but it made me feel good.
• I don't always think that my flexible schedule idea is very good, sometimes the kids don't seem willing to participate, etc. but Seth mentioned it must mean something to them because Koen, who never liked crafts, was disappointed to be missing project day during the week.  Even when I explained that he'd be doing projects at school he asked if he could do some at home yet...maybe on Saturday!?! 

September 11

• Today is the 9th anniversary of the Twin Tower attacks...thankful for my freedom and those who fight for it!
• Loved that Seth pulled me into bed this morning and snuggled!
• Vacuumed out the van...not one of my favorite jobs, but I'm so thankful for the van and want to take care of the items God's blessed us with, therefore, this is a joy!
• Although it's a mess, I started working on sorting/straightening/cleaning the office (again).
• So thankful for Seth and that he fixed the dishwasher this afternoon!

September 10

• Playing with Tysen today while Koen was at school and Brielle was sleeping...BELLY laughs!  He is so funny!
• I put the shelves together -- ones that will go in the basement to hold toys.
• I took a beautiful picture of Brielle today!
• Seth came home from Ludington!
• I cleaned the kitchen -- in some detail.

September 9

• Seth thought of me and then sent me this verse:  2 Timothy 1:7 -- "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline."  Perfect for me and to add to my blog!
• Got Brielle a cute had and adorable headband with flowers from Mary's friend's new consignment shop...so fun to shop for little girls!!!
• Spent the day in Holland freezing 5 gallons of corn with Mom.  Now we can enjoy it all winter long!
• I enjoyed watching Tysen and Brielle enjoy being outdoors!  I usually prefer to stay inside, read, etc. but it was a beautiful day and we were outside working on the corn.  Both kids were so content to just be outside...I can learn from them!
• We found tennis shoes for Koen to wear to gym...now he just has to wear them.
• Kris started asking more questions about Premier!
• Got a bunch of scrapbooking stuff from Lori since she's not going to do it anymore. 
• Seth is away at the golf tournament in Ludington, but I got to talk with him for about 15 mintues tonight.

September 8

• After the stress of getting out the door in the morning, I got to bring Koen to his first day of Kindergarten.  He almost forgot to say goodbye because he was ready to go play with all the kids on the playground. 
• The last few nights Tysen has been keeping me up for a variety of reasons.  When I laid on the couch this afternoon while he was playing on the floor, he stopped playing and said, "I get you pillow, Mom," and then brought a pillow to me.  So sweet!!!
• Went to bed before midnight!!!
• Was inspired to scrapbook again after attending Mary's Creative Memories party.

September 7

• I got to attend the Kindergarten Drop-In Day with Koen.
• Seth stopped in at home between golf practice and having to go work at school.
• I hung out with Kaye for the night after getting the kids ready for bed.

September 6

• I started this blog.
• Despite the rainy, gray day, I caught a glimpse of sunshine!
• My kids enjoy spending time with me.

Learning to be JOYful!

I've been doing a lot of soul searching the past few months.  I suppose it began a while back when my husband asked me if I was happy.  It had been a long, hard week, and not surprisingly, it was a question I had asked myself only days before. 

Was I happy?

I'd been cranky and irritable, and even I didn't like me.  And I began to wonder how I'd arrived at that point.  At this point in time, I was late in my third pregnancy and not feeling well physically, so I assumed a lot of my emotional frustrations came from hormones and fatigue.  I pushed through it and was doing OK...for a while.

Fast forward to this past week.  After a frustrating few days, Seth once again asked me,

Are you happy?

...because I sure wasn't acting happy.

What happens if the answer isn't immediately yes?  Why aren't I happy?  I have so much I should be happy about...but I'm back to that place where even I don't like me, and this time I don't have pregnancy hormones to blame. 

Throughout my life I would have described myself as an optimist.  I don't know when, where, or how, but somewhere along the line, I became a pessimist.  I'm usually focusing on the bad, the wrong, the what-might-go-wrong.  Not that I'm proud of this, but it's the truth.  Even as I write this, I'm stressed and anxious about a situation which Seth says just isn't a big deal.  What is going on?

So yesterday I sat in church through our service pondering my place in life.  My other blog is named, "Of Determined Purpose," because that's what my name means, but often I'm not real certain what my purpose is.  How can I be determined about an unknown purpose?  Of course I believe I was created to praise and worship God, but what is my purpose in this world...as a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, teacher, business owner?  What talents did God give me and how am I, or should I, be using them?       

I've posed a number of questions in this entry so far, but what I concluded during that church service was that maybe I wasn't happy because I wasn't finding the joy  in life.  I know it's there, but maybe being intentional about recognizing it would help me in my quest for happiness. 

So this is an experiment, I suppose.  This blog will be devoted to finding joy in each day.  Obviously, we were created to be JOYful (note the Bible verses in the heading of the blog).  So this is my quest to become a more JOYful person (emphasis mine).