Little Joys

My brother was in town for the weekend and this morning we dragged our exhausted selves out the door to take my daughter for a walk.  We meandered along talking while my toddler rode in her stroller.  When we were a little more than half way home we wandered through the park and A wanted to get out and walk.  I let her and she ended up walking then running then walking again the rest of the several blocks home.  It was amazing.  I loved watching her explore.  She picked up acorns and stuffed her pockets with them.  She greeted dogs out on walks with their owners.  She shrieked, "run, 'mon, 'mon" (her shortened version of 'come on') and ran gleefully as Richard chased her along.  She watched squirrels run up and down trees.  She wandered into patches of tall grass and bent down to touch it just to see what it felt like.  She counted things just because she can now.  When we got home she was exhausted and asked for an early nap, but she had loved every minute of the morning.  It was a reminder to me of the joy we can find in God's creation.  It was a reminder of how often I let the day get away from me without letting myself really experience the wonders that I'm surrounded by.  It was a challenge to me (and I hope it can be to you as well) to enjoy every day and all the tiny miracles scattered like acorns along the way.

Saturday In The Park

How Awesome Is That?

I got a package from Fed Ex today. This was odd since I hadn't ordered anything, but I didn't think much of it with my birthday coming. When I saw that it was from Pampered Chef I got excited. They have great products. As I opened the box and saw what was inside I burst out laughing. Peter looked somewhat puzzled. I held it up and he nodded knowingly. It was a new pitcher! Those still feeling somewhat quizzical should read my Pink Is The New Grout post. It was from Felicia. She's amazing and clearly has a fantastic sense of humor. I knew you would want to see it so here is my exciting, new, and fully functioning pitcher:It even came with recipes. Here is the one I'm going to make for my birthday:

Frosty Latte

Ingredients:

4 cups (1 L) vanilla or coffee ice cream, slightly softened 2 cups (500 mL) milk, well chilled 2 cups (500 mL) brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature

Directions:
1.	Scoop ice cream into Quick-Stir® Pitcher. Add milk and coffee. Cover pitcher with lid; plunge to mix. Serve immediately.

Incidentally, Felicia is a rep for them so if you need anything you should order it from her through this convenient link.

Almost Here

My birthday is coming in just two weeks. I LOVE birthdays! I think it is all the possibilities of a new year, the celebrating with people I love, and how life affirming they are. I'll be 32 this year. I'm incredibly excited. I've always thought that 32 sounded like an exciting age. I'm not sure why. I hope it will be. I've decided to do some things to feel just a little more fabulous as year 32 begins.

1. I'm getting my hair done tomorrow (YAY for Jac being all better!). I'll post pictures.
   
2. I'm one step closer to beginning my "tattoo process." I've decided on "She will always love." in a cursive or scroll font. It will be a wandering swirl on the back of my neck. Now I just need a mock up to hang somewhere. Do any of you graphic designer font ninjas have suggestions for fonts I should look at?
   
3. I have a gift card for a facial & massage that Peter gave me for our anniversary that I think I'll schedule for next week.
4. I have a gift certificate for a mani & pedi (thanks Lacie, Kacey, Andrew, & R.J.) from my birthday last year that I'm going to use.

Peter has asked me to start brainstorming how I want to celebrate. I'm really not sure. I just know I want to be with my loved ones. Any ideas out there? I want to do sushi with Talicia while she's here as one part. Just her being here is a gift! YAY for birthdays!

More Excitement!!

I have more good news that I feel the need to share:

1. Stephanie's blog totally blessed and is helping me.
2. I got a coupon for a free pint of Starbucks Ice Cream!!
3. I'M GETTING A PACKAGE FROM AMAYA TOMORROW!!! If you didn't know, I love mail and surprises!!
4. My birthday is coming!
   
5. Peter bought me cookie dough!
6. Talicia is visiting soon!!!