Friday, August 22, 2008

The simple things in life

"Take time to enjoy the simple things in life because some day you will realize they were the big things."--anonymous I was reading a few blogs this morning and Julie from Country Girl at Heart has inspired me to write down a few things in my life that I appreciate. Linda at Behind my Red Door has also written a wonderful post concerning this subject. Having a pity party with myself isn't something I am prone to doing. I am of the opinion that if you don't like something, you should change it, but if you can't change it, you better learn to live with it. But, recently I have felt a little down about Craig being gone so much. I can't change that aspect of my life and I kind of wished I didn't have to live with it. However, upon reflection, I realized how lucky Craig and I are. He has his "dream job" that takes him all over the world. He tells me all the time how grateful he is that I support him with his job. "I sure owe you one" he always tells me before he leaves. He is such a great provider for our family, and even though is away from us a lot, we all know how much he loves us. Another part of my life that I never want to take for granted are my children. They are such wonderful people. I am so happy to say that they are all obedient, caring, kind, and generous young adults. I certainly cannot take all the credit...I spent a lot of time on my knees, begging Heavenly Father to help me with them. They are my treasure and I love spending time with them. Speaking of prayer, I am thankful my parents taught me to pray. I am thankful for a loving Father in Heaven that knows me, loves me and is mindful of me. I think I have had a prayer on my lips constantly since becoming a mother. I love to see God's creations all around me. However, I am going to inquire as to His thinking when he created cactus....they are not at all attractive to me...:) I am thankful that I can worship as I so choose. (For the record--Mormons do not have "sister wives", horns, tails, cults, or swept up hairdo's and gingham dresses. We simply believe in a loving Heavenly Father, and in His son, Jesus Christ, who atoned for our sins. We also put a huge importance on the family.) I am thankful for the unconditional love that our sweet animals give us. I can't imaging life without them, although there are days that I would like to hand over my title as Grand Marshall of the Poop Parade to someone else! :) I love to laugh....Life is too short to take yourself serious. Craig taught me this many years ago. There is nothing more pleasant to my ears than the laughter of a child. Especially mine. I appreciate my job everyday. Having my own preschool allows me to do something I love to do while not leaving the home to do it. I have enjoyed EVERY single little person that has come through my door. Do you remember when your kids were little and would say the cutest things??? Well, I get that every day. Plus, it keeps me active and, in my opinion, young at heart. I LOVE that I have the tools available to me that if the creative juices start to flow I can go with it! I am starting on a Halloween wall hanging as soon as I am done with this post!! I cannot tell you how much all the friendships I have in my life mean to me. The old, the new, and all you blogger friends out there. I am honored at the kindness you all show me. May I live long enough to extend the same courtesy. Upon moving to AZ, we spent a very LONG 10 months in a small rental house while trying to figure out which house to buy. The options for us were so different than anything we were used to and it was a huge trial trying to decide. All of our things were in storage. I swore that I would never take for granted that I was a home owner again. I love our home and take pride in it. It has plenty of room for family and friends. I am thankful for the opportunity to keep it clean because that means someone lives here. My heart is very full as I think about and write down these things in my life that bring me so much happiness. Thanks for the nudge Julie and Linda! This was fun!! Go on everyone......try it out. Share the simple things in your life that bring you joy!

7 comments:

Gettysburg Homestead said...

See... I was right when I gave the Smile Award!!!! LOL.

It just proves you are a wonderful, loving, caring, kind, generous lady!

Mary

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Oh Joanne, you said what I was hoping to convey but you said it SO SO much better!! Thanks for this REALLY great post!!

Craig is so lucky to have you next to him supporting him all the way. I do the same with my DH even though it didn't come across that way in my post - again, you said it so much better!

I do occasionally have a pity party but just long enough to get the emotions out and then I do make the best of it. Sometimes I think the emotions spur me on even more. We all cope differently I guess.

Have a great evening my friend!

hugs, Linda

Cottage Rose said...

Jo-Anne; I just loved reading your post. And I am so happy and grateful I did. sometimes I take things for granted, as we all do at times, then you read a beautiful story and I am reminded of how Blessed I am. I our house we Love the Lord also, and he has Blessed us I thank him every day. Thank you for your lovely post.
Have a great weekend.

Hugs;
Alaura

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

What a beautiful tribute to a life of fulfillment. One of the wisest things I ever learned was that the only thing I could change was myself--how I react or respond to things. It is so liberating. Life is all about changes. Nothing ever stays the same. You have to be able to bend, go with the flow. Your family is lucky to have such a smart and loving woman in their lives. I think the blessings go both ways!

Thimbleanna said...

Great post Jo-Anne! Isn't it wonderful to have a full, rich life? And I have to say, I'm with you on cactus LOL!

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

I just love these simple things in life posts! You really are blessed and all the things you named ARE the most important! Thanks for sharing!

Tammy

Julie said...

Thanks for the nice comments about my post. The thought came from Music and the Spoken word. It really was meant more for me than anyone else, but I'm glad it struck a chord with others. Simple joys are so wonderful, if we will just notice them. Thanks for such a nice post. Amen to all of it. About the trade---do you want to do a runner or something--seasonal? We each could just make one, and then trade by a certain date...let me know what you think?!! It would be so fun to have something from you in my home. Take care. Julie