Embossed Gratitude

I don't know when the last time was that I felt so grateful for Monday's return!  Last week was crazy busy!  A good kind of busy, mind you, but just a lot busier than this momma is accustomed to!  Every spring we have some extra privileges with our church and, with those, there are special visits & meals that need tending to.  Despite the busy feeling that wells up within me, it is all so worth it!  It never fails that I come away from it all refreshed, strengthened and encouraged beyond measure.  Like the photo above (a landscaping project DH & I tackled Saturday), I'm a work in progress!

The evenings have provided some time for me to unwind and a little of that time has been spent happily creating some clean and simple cards to share this week.  Love clean and simple cards when life isn't so clean & simple!

Today's card features a Quickutz embossing folder, baker's twine, an oval punch, a butterfly stamp from Prickley Pear's Mini Butterfly Clear Set and some tiny red gemstones.  Quick and so very simple!

(sentiment from Oak & Maple Leaf Clear Set)

Happiness is...

...graham crackers with peanut butter.

...cupcakes.

...family fun.

...a refreshing run.

...contentment.

...disconnecting from material things.

...answered prayers.

Happiness is...

...the fragrance inside a floral shop.

...toddler giggles.

...a lazy snow day.

...seeing desirable traits emerging in your children.

...a whole milk latte sipped slowly.

...energizing music on a sluggish day.

...a good book.

Happiness is...

...hugs from a toddler.

...mild winter days.

...cleared clutter.

...hazelnut coffee.

...a long bubble bath.

...a night of family fun.

Happiness is...

...carnations.

...a family reunited.

...peanut butter cookie dough.

...a mother's love and care.

...relaxing in the sun.

...worries put to rest.

Happiness is...

...a game of Scrabble.
 
...a fresh blueberry scone.

...a relaxing massage at the end of a stressful day.

...a solution to a problem.

...kind neighbors.

...a giggle attack.

...sunshine after a cloudy day.

...fond memories of loved ones.

Happiness is...

...simplicity.

...purity.

...sincerity.

...never giving up.

"Paralyze resistance with persistence."

-Woody Hayes

Happiness is...

...hot chocolate with marshmallows.

...a back rub.

...the smell of lemon.

...a fresh start.

...a visit from old friends.

...children's laughter.

...progress.

One Little Word

With the beginning of 2012, I am stepping out on a journey with Big Picture Classes (one of my favorite online creative learning sites) called One Little Word by Ali Edwards.  I had wanted to follow along with this class last year, but life got away and I fell behind after the second monthly prompt, realizing how many other things were on my plate already.  This year, I am ready to start fresh and have chosen my word for the year:

Nurture

I love this quote I found today:

"And while it takes courage to achieve greatness, it takes more courage to find fulfillment in being ordinary. For the joys that last have little relationship to achievement, to standing one step higher on the victory platform. What is the adventure in being ordinary? It is daring to love just for the pleasure of giving it away. It is venturing to give new life and to nurture it to maturity. It is working hard for the pure joy of being tired at the end of the day. It is caring and sharing and giving and loving…"

Marilyn Thomsen

As a wife, mother, daughter & friend, I want to learn to make this word more a part of my life.  So many times, I get caught up in "doing it all."  I'd like to learn to slow down, take a deep breath and enjoy this part of my life, nurturing my body, my spirit, my soul, my family & my friends in a way that will bring out the best qualities in myself and others.  I want to be a quiet, positive, encouraging influence without having to think much about it...to have it flow naturally and easily from my life.  I'm thinking I'd better start with what's in my heart.

Here's to taking that first step on the One Little Word journey!  I'll share a little as I go along and, if you think you'd like to join in this year, go on over and sign up for the class!

Happiness is...

...the aroma of a home cooked meal.

...a warm fire on a cold day.

...anticipation.

...receiving a genuine smile received at just the right moment.

Happiness is...

Oops!  I discovered this post in my drafts folder!  So...here it is a day late!  :)

...a fresh coat of paint.

...a good friend.

...a thankful heart.

...patience.

...a quiet end to a busy day.

Happiness is...

...brownies, warm from the oven.

...an uplifting tune.

...when the end is in sight during a trying experience.

...a hug.

...a shiny kitchen sink.

Happiness is...

...a warm cup of coffee against cold fingers.

...Lego creations.

...clean laundry.

...progress.

...a good book.

Happiness is...

...sunshine on a cold, windy day.

...a good run.

...the warming effect of a cup of tea.

...peace within.

...a loving family.

...seeing kindness & compassion in your children.

...Thanksgiving with family.

Happiness is...

...the beauty of a rose when all other flowers have wilted.

...Chewy SweetTarts.

...clean laundry.

...content children.

...peace within.

Happiness is...

...autumn goodness.

...gratitude.

...an extra hour of sleep.

...peanuts and candy corn mixed together.

...a big hug.

Happiness is...

...obeying.

...serving.

...loving.

Happiness is...

...the chatter of leaves as they skip across the pavement.

...animal crackers dipped in hazelnut coffee.

...a nap on a rainy day.

...beautiful autumn days.

...coffee and conversation.

...a good friend.

...candy corn.

Happiness is...

...the musty smell of autumn.

...a pizza picnic at the park.

...a family walk on a cool evening in the fall.

...falling leaves.

...glitter.

...working toward a goal.

Happiness is...

...graham crackers with creamy peanut butter.

...a favorite sweatshirt.

...a genuine smile.

...baby snuggles.

...monster cookies.

...having something to look forward to.