20 Things I Will Not Regret Doing With My Kids.

1. Tucking them into bed at night. Someday they'll be too big and I won't get that moment back. Saying good night, pulling up the covers, and kissing their heads is a gift.

2. Telling them I love them. Start this when they're young. I love you is a powerful three word phrase that matters.

3. Listening to their stories. Their stories teach me about them and their hearts and what they love. I think of the stories as a way to learn more about them. And this is the real listening. Not the distracted mom who wants to move onto the next thing on her never ending to-do list.

4. Looking them in their eyes. Nothing tells another person you matter more than looking at them in the eyes while they talk. It shows that what they are saying truly is important to you. I want my kids to remember that there were times when their mother looked them in the eye and smiled. And for me this often means shutting my laptop, putting down my phone, stopping my list, and just giving them time.

5. Saying yes when it's easier to say no. Like those times when I just want to keep to my agenda and they want to join in. Or for those late night sleep overs. Or those times when I am simply tired and don't want to walk up the stairs to say goodnight. Or for the extra story. Or to play a game. Yes simply matters.

6. Showing them new things. I can read to my kids about history or I can start to show them history. Last week, when Grace and I were in Mexico, it was such a cool experience to show Grace the Mayan ruins in Tulum. Now, I'm not saying go to Mexico, but there are things we can show them. Do science. Look at the stars. Go to the museum. Let them learn and see the world.

7. Teaching them to say please and thank you. No explanation needed. Politeness matters.

8. Letting them help even if it means it takes longer for me. Does it take longer to wash the windows if I'm teaching my children how to wash the windows? Yes. Same with laundry, cooking, cleaning, folding, and more. But they need to learn - these are life skills. I would be doing them a disservice by NOT teaching them and letting them help.

9. Saying no to things even when it would be easier to say yes. There are movies and television shows that I don't let my kids watch. Books that I want them to wait to read. ipods and computers that are only allowed on the main level. Sometimes the answer needs to be no - even if everyone else's answer seems to be yes.

10. Laughing with them.Or smiling with them. Or having fun with them. I simply want them to know I love being around them.  This is the aspect of liking my kids, not just loving them. I want them to know both.

11. Making them learn the value of work. I want my kids to know that work matters and that a good work ethic - where you go above and beyond and don't complain - is an excellent skill. My kids know how to do laundry, to sweep the floor, to bring their dishes over, to clean their rooms, to make their beds, and so on. I will never regret teaching them the value of work.

12. Rocking them to sleep. Holding their hand. Giving them a kiss. I love them. Even after those days where they drive me a bit crazy and I wonder what in the world I'm doing. Those little acts of love are important life acts of love.

13. Saying I'm sorry. Because lets face it - I'm not perfect. I mess up. I make mistakes. So they need to hear me say I'm sorry and that I love them and that they're important to me. So that means sometimes I will say I'm sorry.

14. Teaching them to be respectful of others. This. And this again. And this. I want my kids to respect others. To listen to them, to learn, and to not judge. This starts with me teaching them this skill and me being respectful of them. Often it is looking for the good first and giving grace.

15. Encouraging them to take risks. Sometimes the fear is the biggest obstacle. Kids need to learn to look at the fear and to push through the fear.

16. Not holding onto a record of wrongs. Each day is a new day. Learn from the past, but don't hold onto the past. I want to see the good first and not all the negative - so often that means letting go of the record of wrongs.

17. Letting them see me thrive. I don't want my kids to grow up thinking I was a good mom, but a not too happy and joyful mom. They need to see me thrive and be interested in things and to expand my creativity as well.

18. Teaching them compassion. I want them to see the world beyond me and ourselves. I want them to give back, to care about others, and to be a person of change.

19. Showing them that the stuff doesn't matter. Nothing in Target really matters. Nor the stuff on the shelves. Or the clothes one wears. Or the fancy birthday parties. If the stuff clouds the vision then the relationships are lost. Relationships first. Stuff after that.

20. Letting them grow up. Sigh. This. It has to be done. So I look back with nostalgia, and embrace today, and look forward to tomorrow. They'll grow. And I'll savor the moments that we're blessed to share.

Those are just twenty things I won't regret doing with my kids. Simple, things really. They're the living intentional type things that sometimes just need to be written down.

What is on your list?

to receive finding joy via email simply click subscribe.
All photographs used by permission and credited to Hannah Nicole.
Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

56 Things to do on Rainy Days with Kids.

For the last 9 out of 10 days it has been raining or at least cloudy here. That weather can make for some long drawn out days. Here are 56 different {easy} activities to do on those rainy days.

1. Play with crepe paper streamers.
2. Make a rain gauge.
3. Teach your kids how to read a radar.
4. Build an indoor fort.
5. Have a movie watching party.
6. Sort through the toys and get rid of the broken ones.
7. Bake cookies.
8. Clean up after baking.
9. Take naps. (This is a good one)

10. Learn about the water cycle.
11. Run outside with umbrellas.
12. Run outside without umbrellas.
13. Stay inside when it thunders and lightnings.
14. Learn about how to calculate distance of lightning.
15. Turn on music and dance.
16. Turn on music and sing.
17. Build an indoor fort.
18. Have a scavenger hunt.
19. Make something new for everyone to eat. (we love edamame)

20. Take turns telling everybody what you love about them.
21. Trace everyone's hands and make a collage.
22. Make paper airplanes.
23. Do origami. (Have patience for this one)
24. Have breakfast for dinner.
25. Play hopscotch indoors (use masking tape to mark it out)
26. Write letters to those you love.
27. Or draw pictures for those you love.
28. Do simple science experiments (try this one -> amazing outstanding unbelievable egg experiment )
29. Or try this one -> expanding balloon experiment
30. Play hide and seek
31. Play board games.
32. Play cards.

33. Wash windows (this one has extra benefits - hahaha)
34. Pack everyone in the car and get yourself a latte at a drive thru Starbucks (love them).
35. Sort the silverware drawer.
36. Even better, sort the plastic container drawer. Good luck finding matching lids.
37. Color a paper full of colors, paint/color it black, and then etch a design in it.
38. Plan a list of things to do when it is sunny again.
39. Get on the floor and play with your kids.
40. Make paper masks.
41. Make sock puppets.
42. Sort and fold your socks first.
43. Pull out the dress up clothes.

44. Make giant brown paper maps (like this -> brown paper, crayons, and pencils )
45. Draw.
46. Have your kids draw self portraits (make sure to date them)
47. Play video games and have your kids impress you with their Mario Kart skills.
48. Build towers with blocks. See who can build the tallest.
49. Tell silly jokes.
50. Make homemade playdough.
51. Dump the legos all over the floor (on a blanket) and simply build.
52. Play Simon Says.
53. Make a shadow puppet story on the wall.
54. Make top ten lists of favorite things.
55. Paint rainbows.
56. And hope that you see one soon.

What are your favorite rainy day activities?

All pics are from my instagram feed. Find me there at -> finding_joy
Need encouragement on those rainy days? Check out my Dear Mom Letters Ebook.

to receive finding joy via email simply click subscribe.
Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

95 Things to do with Kids Under Five

Have toddlers? A preschooler or two? And are you looking for simple things to do?

Today I'm listing some favorite activities to do with those kids under five. Those days when you have little ones in your home are certainly some of the most busy years but also some of the sweetest years as they have an exuberance and joy about them.

All the pictures are from my instagram feed - find me there at finding_joy. :)

1. Blow bubbles.

2. Invest in a good go-to book of ideas. I love the series Five in a Row. Highly recommended.

3. Crayons and paper.

4. Markers and paper for those of you who love to live a bit boldly.

5. Paint and paper for those of you ready to practically ready to bungee jump through the day.

6. Let them help you bake. 

7. Teach them to crack an egg. Expect a mess, but a joy filled preschooler.

8. Teach them how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

9. Make hopscotch in your kitchen.

10. Go for a walk.

11. Chase shadows.

12. Go for a walk, chase shadows, blow bubbles, and have a race.

13. Go on a nature hunt.

14. Work on reading. I totally recommend and LOVE All About Reading. {affiliate link}

15. Work on reading and painting.

16. Teach the letters of the alphabet.

17. Work on writing the letters of the alphabet.

18. Make a treasure hunt.

19. Institute nap time. Or at least rest time.

20. Have a friend come over.

21. Read books.

22. Read more books.

23. Have them "read" the books to you back.

24. Act out the books.

25. Go swinging.

26. Rest in the grass, on a non-rainy day, and look at the clouds.

27. Listen to music.

28. Dance in your living room.

29. Listen to their stories.

30. Let them pick out lunch. 

31. Take them to the bookstore.

32. Take them to the library.

33. Sort through your toys.

34. Play with blocks.

35. Make patterns with the matchbox cars.

36. Practice counting. Use simple things.

37. Practice adding. It's just like counting, just make them add the two groups together.

38. Let them wash dishes in the sink.

39. Let them help fold towels.

40. Take them for a drive.

41. Take them for a drive while you go to get coffee.

42. Take them for a drive while you go to get coffee and let them get a kid's temp cocoa or apple juice.

43. Go to the garden center.

44. Let them push the cart when you shop.

45. Play dress up.

46. Let them use glue. And if you're bold get out the glitter.

47. If you use glitter have them shake it in a pan so the glitter doesn't get everywhere.

48. Do simple science experiments with them.

49. Plant a garden.

50. Talk about the seasons.

51. Trace their hands and write down things they say in them.

52. Watch a movie. Media is okay. Freedom. 

53. Fill a bird feeder.

54. Get a bird feeder kit and make a bird feeder.

55. Run, or at least let them run.

56. Have a no smiling contest.

57. Teach them to fold socks.

58. Teach them how to put away the silverware. No sharp knives, of course.

59. Take funny pictures with them.

60. Take funny videos. 

61. Make maps.

62. Learn about clouds.

63. Make model clouds.

64. Play legos.

65. Tell a story with legos.
66. Let them help you dust.
67. Teach them how to say I love you in different languages.

68. Look for red (choose any color) things in your home.
69. Play catch.
70. Tape their name on paper and have them color around it.

71. Pick flowers. 

72. Pick flowers and give some to your neighbors.

73. If you can't pick them, go to Trader Joe's and buy some for $3.99. {love that store}

74. Count to 100.
75. Teach counting by twos.
76. Let them help you wash the walls.
77. Teach them to tie their shoes.
78. Teach them how to set the table.
79. Make a fort.
80. Let them play with flashlights.

81. Make shadow puppets on the wall.
82. Bring a stack of books in the living room and read them all.
83. Let them take a bubble bath.
84. Go to Target {if you're feeling brave}.
85. Play with chalk outside.
86. Draw chalk roads and a town for them to play in.
87. Play hide and seek.
88. Let them play with the pots and pans and measuring cups.
89. Play Memory.

90. Act out different animals.
91. Get out the playdough.{which for us is gluten free}
92. Have them tell you their favorite things.
93. Hold them.
94. Simply sit and watch them. They grow.

95. Give yourself a gold star. Kids under five take work. :)

What activities would you add?

to receive finding joy via email simply click subscribe.
Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

six {simple} ways to teach children intentional living

Last year I wrote a Ten Day Series on Intentional Parenting {link} and in that series I shared some practical ways to be more intentional in our parenting journey. Today I'm sharing six simple ways to teach the idea of living with an intentional heart for kids. It's easy to get distracted in this saturated world of noise and to move through life lulled asleep putting off things to do today until tomorrow. Intentional living, to me, simply means having an awareness that the time we are given is truly a gift - it's a letting go of the mistakes while learning from them, pulling up our bootstraps and trying, and celebrating the small moments nestled in the fabric of a normal life.

Here are just six {simple} ways to teach intentional living to kids. These are more mindset types of goals versus the goals of listening, helping others, and scheduling one's day. These mindset, life goals, help those other goals found in intentional living happen. Here they are:

They need time alone.
In freedom, there is often learning, and especially creativity. Watch little ones when they are able to just play, to explore, and to invent - often they don't follow the rules, the instructions, but instead are able to simply create, to understand life, and to develop independence. It's quite easy to overstructure our children - providing them with things to do every minute - but we can bless them with the gift of simply being, of playing, in the midst of their days by creating space that is unstructured within their days. They need those moments - those imaginative moments in childhood - as those times teach them to be out of the box thinkers as adults. We need more of those in this culture - people who are willing to dream big, to create, to imagine and then implement and follow through on those big dreams.



Goals, rules, and expectations.
Coupled with space within the day to create there also needs to be a framework of goals and expectations. I like to say that often I've given my kids space - like a "fenced in area" that they are free to explore in - but if you break the ultimate rule {the boundary} then there is a consequence that has to be dealt with. Lack of rules leads to a lack of respect for others and authority. Children need boundaries. Work with your children to figure out goals and then work with them to achieve goals. Sometimes in the process of working after goals we find that they need to be revised, changed, or even let go. That's okay. It's the target and the constant effort to move towards a goal that matters - it's that journey to the destinations that matters most.

Not every moment is a moment to be savored.
Several months ago I wrote about the myth of the perfect day {link} and why that simply isn't a reality. Here's the deal, when one lives life with an intentional heart sometimes people think that every moment must not be wasted. Certainly it means looking at life with eyes that are aware and awake, but it also does not mean that every single moment things have to be done, used, finished, celebrated, etc... that would not only be exhausting, but would also be incredibly discouraging as life is often far from perfect. There is a good deal of worth in resting and chilling out. That needs to happen and we can bless our children with the knowledge of cultivating this space within their days. Sometimes those tough moments in life are the greatest teachers for our kids. We want to protect them, but they also need to learn how to deal with times that aren't perfect.

Thoughts matter.
Your thoughts matter, your children's thoughts matter - thoughts matter. Do you pay attention to the constant dialogue of thoughts that run through your mind? If not - you must. In Dear Mom Who Thinks that She is a Terrible Mom Sometimes {link} I share how you absolutely must pay attention to the thoughts that run through your mind. Teach this to your children as well. You see, you are not your emotion. Your emotions - frustration, joy, anxiety, etc - they all teach us things. But, they don't define us. Reframe your words from I'm frustrated to I'm feeling frustrated. There is great power in stepping back and restructuring the thoughts that run through your head. For kids it is important to recognize that the emotions that they feel - those worries, not measuring up, anxiety, etc... are not definers of who they are at the core. The emotion can lead us to a solution. For instance, overwhelm is an alert that something isn't working, there is too much on the plate, etc... when overwhelm hits it's a sign to step back and re-evaluate. Mindset, to me, is a great part of living intentional. Mindset matters.

Embrace the Gift of Today.
Don't put off the things that you can do today for tomorrow. Teach this to your children.  Sometimes normal can simply be lost, as we've seen again this week withe devastation in Oklahoma, and with that we realize again the absolute gift of normal. Start to live today with an attitude of gratitude for today and work with your children to adopt this as well. It can be simple things - going around the table at night and listing things that you were thankful for - those things begin to force one to look, to seek, to find joy in the normal. Your children watch you, observe you, and learn from you. Teach them to embrace today. But, of course, remember - the not every moment will matter point - it's not about trying to love every moment. It's about seeking moments in the midst of life that you are thankful for.



Live boldly.
I want my children to be changers in this world. To me, a changer is someone who is willing to speak their mind, is strong in their convictions, and is willing to give of themselves for others at times. Teach them to hold the door, look at others when they speak, express gratitude, and fight for what is important. There is power in raising a generation of people who are willing to live boldly. Living boldly doesn't mean being arrogant, but honestly, to me, means seeing others in this world beyond oneself and living for the dreams that one is gifted with- to go after your dreams, use your talents, care for others. You as a parent have the awesome gift to be the one to hear them express those dreams, those goals, and expectations. Listen to them, support them, and encourage them - and you'll often find that their energy and zeal for life inspires your own outlook. Teach your kids, and remind yourself, to believe in those dreams and live a life of boldness

Six simple things that embrace the intentional mindset. It's not about pursuing a life of perfection, but rather is about living a life grateful for today, with hope for the future, recognizing that there are so many moments where life is about pulling up the bootstraps and trying again, and yet underneath it all being willing to live with a deep posture of gratitude for joy and good nestled within the normal.

*********

to receive finding joy via email simply click subscribe.
Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

39 character strategies for kids to learn

Some strategies for kids to learn. That being said, these are also things that I need to develop and continually cultivate in my own life as well. Life is a constant journey of learning, readjusting, and celebrating the moments that we are blessed to live. ~rachel

1. When you talk to others look them in the eye - be confident and courageous.
2. Do not rush through today just to get to tomorrow. Celebrate the little gifts.
3. Use media responsibly - control it and don't let it control you.
4. Remember that your words matter. Use them carefully.
5. Give others the benefit of the doubt.
6. Be bold.
7. Celebrate each other's accomplishments.
8. Remember that comparison erodes contentment. Learn from others.
9. Develop a goal and stick to it.

10. Share your dreams with others. Collaborate.
11. Learn to see what can work and not what cannot.
12. Learn to listen with discerning ears. Establish boundaries.
13. Hold the door open for others - see those around you.
14. Be strong in your convictions. Do not be passive.
15. Remember to laugh.
16. If you're behind - catch up.
17. Take responsibility for your actions.
18. Speak with confidence. If you speak something - claim your words.
19. Keep a record of the good in your life.
20. Be neat.
21. Be passionate about life.

22. Stand up for what is right. Have convictions.
23. Give back to others.
24. Carve moments in your day for rest.
25. Wake up early - value your time.
26. Take pride in your actions.
27. Wear a smile on your face - be cheerful.
28. Be loyal and one others can depend on.
29. Find a creative outlet and develop your dreams.
30. Value family.
31. Take a walk when you need to think - cultivate breathing space.
32. Don't get stuck in the same pattern - do something new - try a new path.

33. Be a steward of your possessions.
34. Don't hold on to things too tightly.
35. Remember that less is truly more.
36. Develop a posture of thanks - write thank you notes, call, and speak it.
37. Tell those you love that you love them.
38. Pick your battles, try not to complain, and be one who motivates
39. Live a glass half full life - be positive - find joy.

These are just 39 of the many character strategies that I want my kids to develop.  To me, one of the many goals in raising children is to develop leaders, who are not passive, but rather will speak boldly, be strong in who they are, and have convictions and also a heart for others.

What are some character strategies that you teach?

to subscribe by email - click HERE.

Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

6 {real life} Gifts for Children

There are lists everywhere right now about top gifts for kids - they're full of ideas, presents, and hot and must purchase items. This weekend I pondered what kids really need and once again, while the gifts are fabulous and they bring a level of childhood joy, there are other, more simple real life gifts, that kids also need during the holidays. I was reminded of the need to step back, slow down, and to look at life through the eyes of my children - and how often the simple things are the most needed. ~rachel

Here are six gifts for children that we can bless them with in the midst of the busy.

1. Wonder. Sometimes I wish I could regain that wonder of childhood. It's that ability to see the world for what it is without attaching labels, stipulations, and rules onto what one sees. Kids need to be able to wonder about life. They need those moments of staring at lights twinkling in the background and to sit in wonder. Bless them with sweet moments in their days for wonder without us pushing to the next thing, explaining everything to them, and pulling away from the magic found in this time of year. And us adults? We can learn from them - they teach us to sit back and find contentment in the most simple moments.

2. Time. Kids need you. Of course the parties, events, shopping and all of that is fun, but bottom line, they need you to be present and sharing of moments with them. Slow down, slow down, slow down and establish times in the midst of your busy where they are the most important. Don't race through December and miss out on sitting with your children as they rest in wonder. Embrace them. Slow down. Look at the wonder in the world around you. Be content in the not busy times.

3. Tradition. Create traditions for your family. If you don't have any, don't fret, just start today - life isn't about having everything perfect, but is rather about constantly making progress and moving. Traditions create time and moments and ultimately wonder for your children. We have very simply traditions in our home - a count down chain made with construction paper, cutting and saving the tree trunk, baking cookies - now gluten free, exchanging names, and more. Look at what your kids love and work to create beautiful traditions tucked within the busy.

4. Space. Give them space. This is different than you giving them of your time. This is about giving them space within the busy to have those moments of wonder. I've noticed that the more busy our family becomes the more stressed out the kids become - even if the events are wonderful and exciting. Schedule space for your children in this time. Let them create, color, draw, and dream. Don't worry about the mess, but rather encourage them to be still and in the moment.

5. Freedom to give. One of the most beautiful things about children, and that I have observed with my own children, is the unselfish desire to give and create for others. They'll make some craft or go through their room or find change sitting around that they want to give and I tell them maybe not that or let's find something different or let's pull out the craft book and make something specific. Let them give what they create. Maybe the craft isn't perfect, but it's made from their heart. It's like letting them decorate the tree - let them decorate it and don't fix it - there is heart and goodness in what they do. Give them the freedom to give without the perfectionist stipulations that often we place on what they do. Some of my favorite gifts are gifts that they made all on their own without me pressing on my agenda.

6. You. Finally, bless your children with you. One of the best things that I do, and need to remember to do more often, is when I write my schedule with blocks of time for each of my children. Those times are not about what I think we should be doing, but rather these times are set aside for my children to share with me what they want to do and then we'll spend time together doing that. Cooking together, cutting snowflakes, reading - little things that are on their hearts. Best part? You will get a glimpse into their heart and what they value and what is important. Just slow down, listen, and truly work to be present and not only will you bless them, but you will also find yourself greatly blessed.

These are six little real life gifts that can truly bless our families in the midst of the busiest month of the year. Slow down, laugh, enjoy the moments, and look for joy. 

What are some gifts that you can bless your children with?

to subscribe to finding joy by email - click HERE.
Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.

little things that make a house a home

It's Monday. And on Mondays I tend to give myself permission to write just a bit more random, you know? So as I sat to write this {on Sunday...lol..or else it wouldn't be ready for Monday} I decided to spend some time thinking about things that make my house our home. Little things unique to us and little things that I love.

Like these.

Rock em Sock em Robots. Yes, some of you may have this delightful toy of the past, but do you use it do decide things at a stalemate? Like whose turn is it to sweep? Or take out the trash? Or grab the mail? If you don't, might I encourage you to try it? Grin. Just call me the Red Rocker.

Me. With Short Hair. And 2 Kids. Let's see, this picture is probably about 12 years old now. And, yes, I had short hair. And also yes, Samuel looks a bit like Chloe. And also thirdly yes, Hannah was quite terrified of that Santa. That picture? On our fridge. Reminds me of when I was younger looking. ;)

Iced Coffee. This is my newest favorite thing. I could have written about it on Friday for Friday Favorite Things, but then that wouldn't be fair to you all as I'd be enjoying it for a week before you could even buy it. What compelled me to buy it? That would be the coupon that spits out at the end of a transaction. And a very sweet husband who runs to the store to get it for me. Delicious and yummy {see, I even added those words as an added bonus.}

Measuring Cheat Sheet. Every household needs one. I don't care how good you are at math, really, when it comes to the heat of cooking, and you're in the midst of that fabulous recipe, the last thing you want to do is doubt your math. Enter the $1 purchase at the Target Dollar Section and the find that really keeps on giving with correct measurements.

Elijah and the Nintendo DS. Something we try not to make a regular site in this house. He loves to play this Mario game -- March of the Minis -- where you solve puzzles. If it's too quiet, he's found the DS and is probably hiding in his room under his covers. He's pretty covert. ;)

Art, pencils, and Star Wars. All found in my older boys' room. Art, made by Brennan several years ago that he taped on his wall. {Yes, I let him...they're only young once.} A pencil bucket made out of an old flowerpot with clear beads pressed on. And a Star Wars vehicle. All part of a room that my older boys inhabit. I'd show you the floor, but sigh, then I'd have to title this one -- legos, bad guys, pencils, paper, blocks, duplos, books, socks, playmobil, starwars, and art. 

A favorite cleaner. Love this stuff. Worth the price at Target, which by the way, I can totally afford since I got a steal of a deal when I got that measuring thing for a dollar. As you can see, because it's almost empty, this is totally used in our home. Natural. Without that gross smell. And it cleans fabulous.

Verses in our Kitchen. This was one of those garage sale finds that I love. I think I paid $5 for it. And I totally love it. It's such a good reminder to me and the family when we're in the kitchen eating, doing math, reading, cleaning and more about what our family is about. Favorite verse? The one blown up below. Live with a Thankful heart.

Sleeping Samuel. Completely unique to our home. I had to sneak in to get this picture -- even then, he stirred when the shutter clicked on the camera. Love his floppy hair, and how he always sleeps on his little Backyardigans pillow, and is tucked in with his John Deere blanket. Sweet, simple things that bring this mamma a great deal of joy.

Since this was totally random I'm, of course, linking it with my friend, Carissa. Who I met, sigh, a long six months ago. I can hardly believe that was when I was in South Carolina. It feels as if several years of events have happened in that short half of a year. Blessings on your Monday! ~Rachel