Wipe That Smile Off Your Face!

Elizabeth, squealing, as she tries to outrun the waves

As a person who sees life in black and white, I can tend to be the "all work and no play" type. That's sort of my default, pre-set response. How very dull. And that is another reason the Lord gave me seven children: to teach me to "lighten-up". Yes, there are big, hard issues to deal with in my role as wife and mother. But I think the more I grow in my understanding of who our God is and what He is like, the more I see how He is so much about Joy. How else can you explain otters and the giggles of babies and chocolate? 

And so because it has been such a gloomy week weather-wise, and because we have a house full of sick children, and because there are so many people we love struggling with hard things, I am declaring a "Time Out." 

For Joy. 

These pictures are simply things that make me smile, that remind me to be joyful.

Caleb trying to speak "fish". I don't think it worked.

Isn't that the most angelic face you've ever seen?

Tugs on a momma's heart

I just really don't know what to say . . .

How many cousins can sit on the top rail before reaching critical mass?

Two monkeys peeking out of the laundry hamper

Siblings experiencing the joy of nausea together--such a bonding experience

The whole herd of "hambones"

Big sister making little sister laugh hysterically

My Beloved and one of the many critters who have been on the Conderosa

This funny little donkey wanted to eat the camera.

Elizabeth's puppy howling

Ben rolling down a snow patch in July

I can always choose it. It is always available. Why would I ever pick anything else? 

So as I continue to focus on my two words for 2011, Blessing and Being, I want to remember to switch off my "default" settings and be joyful. 

Outrageously, contagiously JOYFUL. 

The End.