Joy in My Nephew's Karaoke Singing

I wish I could bottle this spirit and enthusiasm--This made my Christmas!

Joy in Seeing the Sunset and Moon Rise at the Same Time

Didn't have my camera on me at the exact moment I saw this happen. As soon as I arrived home, I grabbed my camera and ran to capture the sun setting--which had already dropped out of view. Then I ran (literally) the other way to take a picture of the moon.

What a beautiful sight.

Joy in Celebrating with Friends

A day and night to remember.

Joy in Her Christmas Spirit

The day after Thanksgiving is when we bring out the lights, decorations, and the tree. The enthusiasm my daughter has for this process continues to grow, year after year. To witness her spirit, as each item is taken out of storage--and the care she takes when considering where these treasured items will go--is the pure essence of joy to me.

Joy in this Writer's Observations

I was just telling a friend about Katrina Kenison's books--how much I enjoyed them--her observations of family life. As I went to "grab" a link for her blog to share, I found the post she wrote today: "Occupy Downtown" An important message to remember, and pass on, this holiday season.

Joy in the Sun Shining on the Water

Joy in Birds

Forgive my quick sketch of this delightful moment...This is a drawing I made for my daughter's notebook. My husband usually draws a moment from her day--it can be a moment she shared with him, one he observed, one he heard about, etc. She spent most of the day with me, and this was part of my sketch.

The birds came very close to us, while we sat outside with friends, on a hot day in Chicago. When not observing the birds, the girls were hand-standing, back-bending, hide-n-seeking, and laughing out loud.

The calendar may say it's Spring, but today it definitely felt like Summer with a capital "S"!
I think the birds would agree with me. : )