The Potty & the Carousel Lesson

I 

Avin has been working so hard the past couple of weeks to get herself out of her diapers for good. (Okay, maybe mom has been hounding her but she responds to a nag apparently.)

Two weeks ago we made her a potty chart (yep, on a dinner menu calendar but hey, you use what you've got when you think of it and have the time to sit down and get it done.) At the end of every week, she get a reward. You'll notice that last week was ice cream and this week was the carousel downtown. She can only earn this if she went all week using the potty during waking hours. Not one single accident, which tells me that she is more than ready. In November, she was almost potty trained completely.... then I got pregnant and was too exhausted to constantly be running her to the bathroom. I know, selfish. But oh how that first trimester always kicks my butt. After I finally started feeling better, we started again. And then we had Anchor. And then we quit again. So now we are finally doing it. 100% committed. Let's be honest, having a reward dangling in front of you helps too!

Today, we finally put a sticker up on the day for the carousel! Oh how she's been waiting and asking for this day for 2 full weeks. After a quick walk through downtown to catch the Saturday morning bustle, we finally found our way, through the pouring rain, to the carousel.

We waited in line for one whole ride and then it was our turn to get on. 

Missoula's carousel is one of the fastest in North America, so I was hesitant on letting Avin ride by herself on her horse. Because it's so fast, they don't allow parents to stand by the kiddo. You either ride with them or ride next to them. Avin was begging to ride alone, so I figured if I was sitting beside her, she could ride alone.... with the belt wrapped twice around her for safety. Because honestly, 2 weeks of waiting for a 2 year old is a long, long time. 

She ran around the whole ring of wooden horses looking for the perfect 'unicorn.' She found the prettiest, 'farkly' (sparkly... but there weren't any sparkles. Ha!) unicorn (except it wasn't a unicorn, just a girly horse) with an adorable little wooden puppy riding on the tail end (another nice word for butt)

I lifted her on and strapped her in before realizing the only open horse next to hers was a BUCKING BRONCO! This mom had to ride a horse that was at a 45 degree angle. Are you kidding me?!? But, she worked so hard and I could sacrifice a little bit of discomfort (or a LOT of bit) for a few spins around the carousel.

Our horses made 2 full circles and we heart the loudest clunk. Um... not good. The carousel BROKE! I was crushed for Avin. But she had absolutely no idea that this wasn't normal. She was just too happy that she got to ride the horse, up and down, all by herself! She was laughing uncontrollably and had the proudest smile for minutes after we got off.

When I looked at it as a big major disappointment and set back, she didn't see that at all. She only experienced joy. Pure joy. Even short lived. And then we got ice cream. 

Her satisfaction reminds me to be happy for the little bits and not always craving the much. For some reason, I seem to be an all or nothing person. If I get behind on my bible reading, I feel crushed and if I can't do the whole lesson in one day, I quit. But if I just took the little bits when I could that would be better than being obsessed with not getting it all done. Instead of not stopping with one piece of carrot cake and being satisfied, I feel like I need a second. 

What I think I'm saying is to enjoy the small things. This is something I'm trying to live in. Joy in the little. 

I'm NEVER GOING BACK...

To the place that has held me bondage for so many years.

To what caused 90% of the arguments with my husband.

To feeling discontent with my life and feeling like I had to have more.

To the pits in my stomach because I couldn't believe what I had done... and kept doing... over and over.

To the tears. The fear of  'will we ever dig ourselves out?'

I am so happy to tell you that after 12 years of having credit card debt... tens of thousands.... we are CREDIT CARD DEBT FREE! We paid off our last remaining credit card debts on Thanksgiving!

I am so thankful for our growing and successful Scentsy business that has given us the opportunity to make an income that I still am trying to wrap my head around. I am also thankful for our church and their Financial Peace University class by Dave Ramsey. What an amazing class that lays everything out for you in a very tangible way.

I also want to note that PLANNING played a big part of finally saying goodbye to those nasty monthly payments. It was finally when we really made the CHOICE that we desired to be free is when the snowball started rolling.

So this is where I am today.... Happy. Thankful. Feeling overwhelmingly blessed. God is so good. All the time.

Remind me to tell you soon about the whole credit card debt story... oh boy, there is lots to tell :)

XO.
Jari

Happy Thanksgiving

Today was AMAZING!!!!

Joel and I have been looking forward of coming home to see our family for a few weeks and we knew we wanted to just be intentional with soaking in the family bonding while we were here. 

Today we woke up fairly early and seriously just lounged around, laughing and snuggling up on our newest little niece.

We used to run around to every store while we were back home (which never really made sense because we have almost every store in MT as they do here in SD!) but not this trip. It's all about the relationships this time. 

We enjoyed a late lunch/early dinner Thanksgiving spread. My mother in law and sister in law know how to cook! It was all so delicious!

Joel and I made a new appetizer that was super yum too. I'll share the recipe soon!

Tonight I went on a little adventure with 3 in laws to do some Black Friday shopping. I just wanted to go for the experience and only wanted to snag one item knowing that it would be gone before I even got to the store (Dr Dre Beats!). We went to the Walmart closest to us and it was like a ghost town. No adventure there. But I did purchase some razors (even though it's freezing here my husbands deserves to see and feel better legs than this!) and a Mooshka tot (cutest soft baby dolls I've ever seen!) for the little Bear. 

Next we hit up Target. That was a little busier but I didn't make it past the baby section. You see we left MT with no sippy cups or a travel high chair, two things an almost one year old absolutely needs! Once I was in the baby section, I was sucked in drooling over the selection of newborn baby girl clothes. Let's just say that little miss Ava Joy may have gotten a little spoiled from Auntie Jari tonight. 

So my Black Friday shopping experience seemed so much more like a regular trip to the store. Not sure I'll ever do that again. But I do have to say the company was perfect. I'm so happy the 4 of us went as we got a chance to have some good laughs together. 

I have something VERY.VERY.VERY exciting to share with you oh so soon!!! Joel and I have conquered something monumental for us!!!!!

Until tomorrow.... I'll be taking more photos! I've noticed since not being on Instagram, which is so hard some days, I haven't been taking as many photos. Boo. I need to get better.

Happy Thanksgiving. There is so much to give The Lord glory and thanksgiving for. So blessed. 

XO

Jari

Happy face!

This is my happy face! 

Today...

My sweet friend got engaged!

we purchased a vehicle!

I had coffee with one of my fave ladies and picked out photos finally for our gallery wall!

I made a homemade stew thanks to my sister. And I even made no bake cookies for dessert. 

We got our practice Christmas card in the mail. 

And we ONLY have ONE MORE DAY until we head on the road to see almost all of hour family!!!!!

If you didn't know, we live 730 miles from Joel's hometown and 810 miles from mine. Most of our family is still loving there and we don't get to see them nearly as often as we would like. We are so happy we made the decision to go 'home' over Thanksgiving because we can't even remember the last holiday we all spent together. 

We reserve Christmas to be spent at our home usually with just our little family. We like the slow pace and starting traditions with our girls. 

But I will say that I am so pumped to see everyone, hug their necks, kiss their cheeks, and laugh for the next 2 weeks!!! There will be a lot of running around but worth every moment. 

Hey SD family!!! We're coming!!!! Leave the light on for us!!!! 

XO

Jari

Oh What a Feeling.

I guess it has been a while since I've posted. I honestly thought it had been just a day but my sister informed me tonight that it's been since Thursday.... Ooops. Sorry. Time flies when you're cramming in a month of to-dos in a weeks time. Hoofta!

At least I know I'm loved. By not spending any time on social media, I do need to make it a point to be here everyday to make sure that the people who want to keep up with the Spry's have a place to do that... (that and because I said I would and I'm working hard on sticking to my word like glue.)

Here is where we are at on the whole vehicle situation.

We sold our Pathfinder over a week ago and have been stuffing our 5 person family in a our little commuter car, Honda Civic. It's actually been pretty easy since Joel was gone all last week for work and had a rental. But today we had the weekly Costco trip and a trunk full of Scentsy deliveries. Talk about sardines.

We had looked at a 2007 Suburban that we found in town but after giving it a test drive and having it inspected, it just wasn't going to work for our family. I'm sure it'll find a good home.

Joel had found a 2008 Suburban on Craigslist in Billings, but it was actually a couple that lived in Cheyenne, WY. Quite a ways away from us. He called the posted number and ended up talking with the owner who was from Missoula and was actually going to be coming back here for Thanksgiving! HOLY MOLY... how perfect was that?!? We had seen photo and this baby was everything we were looking for in a used Suburban... low miles, white, bucket 2nd row, leather, entertainment, towing package (whatever that means really!) and navigation (Great for Scentsy delieveries and events).

So we had worked out a deal that when this family from Wyoming got here, we would test drive it and 90% sure we would buy it. (It has proven to be VERY difficult to find the exact vehicle we want!)

It all seemed like a God thing. Everything was falling into place perfectly.

But then I started having the yuckiest feeling in my stomach. It started on Friday... like a nervous feeling, knotted stomach that would come and go. I thought it had to do with something completely different and just couldn't figure out why I would feel that way.

All through yesterday that feeling kept coming back. This morning throughout church it came back and wouldn't go away. We went to lunch with some friends after church (waiting in town so we could test drive this Suburban) and as we were getting ready to order, Joel's phone rang and my gut wrenched hard. He stepped away not knowing who was calling.... I just kept hearing him say "Oh no!"... "Are you guys ok?"... "Is there anything you need?".... "I can't believe it!"

I knew it had to do with the vehicle. Instantly my stomach, gut wrench, yucky, uneasy feeling was gone. Like it had never happened.

He walked back to me and told me that as the couple was driving up to Missoula, the engine blew up on the Suburban that we were about to purchase and go on a 1600 mile road trip with.

As I was so thankful for finding out before we purchase, my heart still hurts for the young family who was now not able to be with their family for Thanksgiving.  That stinks.

But I love The Lord's timing. He is in control of ALL things. Always.

So... back to the drawing board. We think we might be choosing a different direction after searching tirelessly for what we need.... Please pray for wisdom that we would make a good decision. We have 2 days before our big trip.

Oh and don't forget about our Advent Calendar giveaway! I've been working, planning and thinking of which activities, recipes and crafts we're going to try.

Now I'm off work on my Sunday 7... time to get everything planned!

XO.
Jari

Saved by the Ring

Oh I almost had a relapse... I almost jumped on Facebook today!

I have been home almost every moment since Sunday afternoon and I was feeling a little stir crazy. Wondering what's going on out there. Feeling like I'm missing out. 

So I quickly grabbed my phone and text Allison! "Girl, I'm about ready to give in!" 

Fastest reply back from her = "Don't do it!"

"I need you to tackle me! It's sucking me in!"

"I'm coming!"

RING!!!!!!

Why would I feel this way? Like I'm missing out? But missing out on what? The maze of conversations that are both good and negative? Of people that you don't even really know? To get sucked into an hour of 'seeing what's going on?' Catch up? Encourage?

Heck I don't know what it was but almost  a month in, this was the first time it felt like I needed reassurance. 

I'm not gonna lie, it's been quite the change to be off social media. But not a bad change. But hard at times. 

I have actually gotten so much done in the last few weeks. 

I have felt a fog lifted that I didn't even realize had me sucked in and surrounded. Life seems clear. 

And beautiful. I have paid way more attention to the little, everyday, ordinary moments. I'm so thankful for those moments. 

I was the biggest skeptic on the question so many people have asked "how are you going to run a successful business without social media (Facebook)... And keep up with your team?"

To be honest, I'm still working on that. It takes a lot of out of the box, intentional, thoughtful planning. From phone calls, new strategies, mailings, and more... But I am loving this challenge. 

I'm so thankful today that The Lord placed an accountability friend in my life. Without Allie saving me from returning to a sinful behavior, I would not have made it through without spiraling out of control on the web. 

This journey has it's few challenges... But the rewards far outweigh them! 

Did you think I could last this long?

Do you think you could do it too?

What's your most favorite way to communicate?

Know what else I'm thankful for? This beauty... Whom I get to snuggle with in 7 days!!!!

And one last note of what not to do... Never... I repeat NEVER drink a half gallon of egg nog in one day. Like ever. 

XO

Jari

The Beeb... My Beeb

Tonight I am writing to honor my sweetest niece, Kaci. (aka Hasey Beeb, Cecil, Ceese, The Beeb... and many more!)

Girl, you have always been one of the brightest sparkles in my eye. I'll never forget when I found out your mom was pregnant with you. I was so excited because I knew you'd be like a little sister to me. 

I was 14 when you were born and have loved you every moment for the past 17 years. 

When you were little little, I remember just reading to you, playing hide and seek, taking naps with you and playing the 'laugh out loud until we annoy the whole house' game! 

You were the first one to teach me that I could really love beyond myself. 

When you moved away with your growing family, you grew up so fast. I loved our phone chats and I'll never forget the conversation your mom and I were having when you were suppose to be heading to bed. Your mom asked if I wanted 'p-o-p-c-o-r-n' to which you came running down the hallway and very matter of factly said "I would like some p-o-p-c-o-r-n!" Your mom spelled it out so you wouldn't know what we were talking about but even at the age of 2 you knew! 

You are so intelligent. I'm so proud of your academics and all of your accomplishments through the years, but even more so of the way you choose to live your life. 

Your always so positive. You serve other people joyfully. You are always so kind; especially when it comes to entertaining your little cousins who look up to you so much. 

I know we don't get to see each other very often. It hurts my heart that we are so far away since we left SD, but I know our bond will only get stronger the older you get. You have become a beautiful, amazing young woman. I love you like a daughter. Like a sister. Like a friend. 

Tomorrow, when you face your challengers, I want you to let go of every past game. Let go of every win and every loss. Play with all your heart and all your guts and sweat. You can do all things through Christ. 

Go Scottie's!!! Know we are cheering our lungs out from 750 miles away! 

CAN YOU HEAR US?!?!!!!

LOVE YOU!!!!

XO

Auntie Jari

From Sunday to Monday.... and WINNER announced!

Joel and I spent a few hours on Friday and Saturday at a conference put on by the City Forum (a group of local churches who bring in speakers to spur Christ-centered missions)

The speaker, Hugh Whelchel (Executive Director of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics), really spoke to our hearts on how Christians sometimes leave their faith at church and home and don't extend that into our jobs.

Whether you are a claims manager, stay-at-home-schooling mama, teacher, lawyer, dental assistant, mechanic, plumber, counselor, chef, coach, independent consultant, accountant, painter, photographer, cashier... whatever you do, you are placed in your workplace by God; for God's Kingdom.

Your work is important to God.

He wants to use you exactly where He has you. Hearing that really helped me.

I struggle with the feeling of inadequacy. I find that often I am comparing myself with others. I'm not good enough. Why can't I be more like that? Am I as good of a mom as her? Am I doing enough for my team and customers? She just planned ANOTHER date night with her man?!?

But when I let go of social media, I started comparing myself less. Almost to the point of no comparison and it's amazingly peaceful.

After hearing that I am exactly where He has me, I can be confident in myself. I can know that being at home with my girls is my biggest mission. Serving my family joyfully is my calling right now. Leading women to understand they can be successful through direct sales is another mission of mine. Knowing the truth that comparison is the thief of joy. It causes discontentment which is a sinful behavior.

I want to let all my readers, friends, family, customers, team members know that YOU ARE EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE MEANT TO BE. I want you to know that I am not perfect. I don't have it all together. So if you have ever compared yourself to me, I'm sorry.

Hugh said, "We won't have a meaningful life without work... but work must not be the meaning of your life." Our relationships with Christ and others is the meaning of our life. But what we do today, and HOW we do it EVERY DAY, matters eternally. We were made to work... and we will be working forever. It's not WHAT you do... but HOW you do it.

I encourage each one of you to go to work tomorrow - - whether at home or in an office - - and serve others with an eternal perspective. Serve joyfully.

I've realized that it's time to be responsible with what we've been so graciously given... and what we do with it.

NOW... ON TO THE WINNER of the PIONEER WOMAN HOLIDAY COOKBOOK!!!!

I used random.org to pick a winner. There were 28 comments.... and the WINNER IS......

Jesica RokohlNovember 7, 2013 at 4:37 PM

I LOVE LOVE LOVE to make homemade Blackend Chicken Alfredo! {My hubby loves it too :) } 

Jesica Rokohl, Houston, TX

Congrats Jesica! Please email me your address and I will get your goody sent your way!

How did you all like a giveaway?!? Pretty fun right? Be checking back because I love to give and am excited for more opportunities to gift some of my favorites to you!

Have a lovely Sunday evening... I'm off to work on my Sunday 7 and plan out our CRAZY busy week! It's time to get back on the planning game.... I haven't used my planner in 4 weeks! SCARY! (so unlike me... I think my mind was way overwhelmed to even think about compiling thoughts and appointments... now that I have more time and clarity, I think I'll be on time more :)

XO.
Jari

Our night.

Hey you! Don't forget the scrumptious GIVEAWAY! I'll be doing the drawing tomorrow night! Just enter here.

Now onto tonight's regularly scheduled program. (smile!)

Want to hear something funny? (and pretty ridiculous actually...) Joel and I watched a suspense movie late last night after the girls went to bed. I do NOT like any movie that has suspense, drama, conflict, etc; it serious makes me have stomach aches. I tense up so much and just shake the whole time. I woke up this morning with what felt like a twisted ankle! The only reason I can think that my ankle hurts is because I was shaking and clenching my toes during the two hour flick. What was the movie?!? Don't laugh.... WHITE HOUSE DOWN.

So tonight... I was in charge of picking the movie. Grown Ups 2 was the winner and really... so far, it's not a winner in my book. Pretty crude and funny.... more disgusting than funny though.

Apparently it's a movie watching weekend at our casa. I can't take much more of it though.... I think I'm going to bust out the Project Life and create an album for 2013. I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. It's unreal.

I'm so thankful for all the every day moments. Even movies nights when the movies just aren't great and the Halloween candy is inducing a sugar coma and somehow you end p with a twisted ankle. But I would change my company for the world. 

Ok... go sign up for your chance to win the cookbook!

Nighties!

XO

Jari

Peace & Quiet

I've tried to be an early bird.... But I just keep missing the worm. I really am okay with that. 

I've tried to go to bed a smidgen earlier and get up before the rest of the house to have my 'me' time. 

But I just can't stick with it. There is just something about the stillness of the night. The quiet. The peace. 

In this season of my life I'm going to just go ahead with the fact that I'm a night owl and that's when I can be alone with my thoughts, prayers and books. 

No sounds (except the occasional barking of the neighborhood coyotes). Deafening silence really. Just me. And some sleepy loved ones. 

My time to dig. 

I'm so thankful for nights like this. When I'm still awake to write this post on my phone (yes, I write this blog almost every night on my iPhone) and soon to be nose deep in God's Word. 

What a beautiful night. 

What's your favorite time of the day? Morning or night?

XO

Jari

I Cook!!! + Giveaway!!!

Its true! You read that correctly.... I cook! 

Honestly, this sounds so stupid putting it into words but before I have up social media I rarely cooked for my family. 

For breakfast the girls would make toast. 

Lunch would be sandwiches made by whoever wanted to eat it. 

Dinner was prepared and cooked by Joel. Don't even ask about snack... That was a free range pantry thing. Whatever you found to eat was free game. 

But this past 10 days have been different. I found this beauty one day while schooling the girls at Barnes & Noble. 

I've always loved Ree. I've been following her blog for over 3 years; learning a few recipes here and there, but what made me really fall in love was that she is madly in love with the Marlboro Man (her hubby Lad) and she homeschools her kiddos. 

Plus she is so funny. So when Food Network launched The Pioneer Woman Show, I was overjoyed!

I had tinkered around with a few of her recipes here and there but since I have gotten this book, I have made a meal EVERY.SINGLE.DAY! Each recipe from this book. And they are delicious! 

I can tell that this new found love for cooking is greatly appreciated by the whole family. The big girls are so excited every time I walk in the kitchen now. They love to help make the menu and have even made a few of these desserts on their very own. They are going to make fine wives one day!

But what I love most, is serving my husband. I am so happy that I am making the time to be a better wife and mom. I love texting him photos of the new breakfasts and lunches. I love watching his face light up when he walks in the door from a day at the office when he gets a good whiff of what's cookin'! He likes to cook but I know it's a blessing to him to have a meal served to him too. 

I'm finding so much joy and worth serving my family (in a way most of you do or have done forever) by making delicious meals for them. This is new for me and I am so thankful for the cookbook that has helped me!

So what's better than ONE Pioneer Woman Cookbook?!?! 

TWO Pioneer Woman Cookbooks!!!!

I have ordered the brand NEW Pioneer Woman Holiday Cookbook so I could have another book filled with mouth watering recipes for the whole year!

And I have ordered an extra!!! 

I am giving away this book to one lucky reader.

To be entered into this giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment telling me your favorite meal to serve your family. Please add your name and city, state to your comment. 

Share with your friends too! 

(Your comment must be left on this blog post... Not on the Facebook feed) 

I will be drawing a winner on Sunday!

Ok... Off to bed... Dreaming of holiday meals and pioneer woman sloppy joes (ta-die-for!)

XO

Jari

Homeschool Organization

We've been at this homeschooling thing for a few years now and I'm still working on the right organization that works for our style. 

I've tried having an area set up like a 'real school,' but that was in the unfinished basement. It gets too cold down there in the winter time and there is not enough sunshine in the spring. 

So school has been brought up to the dining room table since about this time last year. I like it. I think the girls do too. But we battle with the many distractions of life when we are up in the living space. 

I seem to think I can do all of the housekeeping in between giving spelling tests, science experiments while an almost 11 month old is clung to my ankles. Fixing dinner and paying bills while reading about the Choctaw Indians. Placing Scentsy orders while teaching long division to an 8 year old (oh Lord give us the patience and grace to make it through one more lesson!)  

It is very difficult teaching time management to the big girls when I have a hard time modeling it to them on a daily basis. But we'll get there. It's a work in progress. Life is a work on progress. And so is my organization. 

Yesterday I got completely fed up with how the girls' schoolwork was just overflowing their plastic bins. That and the fact that Avin fell on a bin and totally bruised her whole cheek... Sweet baby girl. A fair skinned baby doesn't stand much of a chance with hardwood floors throughout the house!

So off to Target we went after church to find a way to make to get all the schoolwork organized for us. 

This is the before:

And after:

Doesn't it look so much better? A few simple magazine files and a pretty pattern and we are set! Day one using them and they still look just as neat and tidy! 

And their even in the closet just above the scarves.... So pretty. 

I am so thankful for the opportunity to homeschool. I know it doesn't work for some people, and others would never want to do it... But for our family, it's the perfect fit. 

I know moments like this and forever bonds wouldn't be the same if the big girls were away from the house for most of the day. 

That will just melt a mamas heart to a puddle! 

I am so grateful for our time together. I take my role as mom and teacher very seriously while still sneaking in a few fun things now and again. (Painting toenails and sledding is in the agenda for tomorrow!)

XO

Jari

Little Shoes

Many times throughout our day, I find myself tripping over shoes. Stacked up at the door, strewn all over the laundry/mud room, and even on the stairs. 

I find myself getting frustrated more often than not about all the shoes (mine and Joel's included) lazily left wherever they are kicked off. 

But not today. Today I found joy in the little shoes. And the big shoes. All these pairs of shoes remind me of the blessings that pitter patter across the floors. The experiences we have on the field or at the office. The different shoes represent many seasons and memories we've made in them. 

Some of the shoes have been around a while. Like my aunties cowgirl boots that I have been wearing frequently. The hunting boots that have seen the remote forests of Montana. The cleats with mud left on them share memories of playing with friends, learning disciple and respect for the game. The flip flops that remind us of little rays of sunshine this past summer as the snow is falling tonight. 

The memories of an infant baby turning toddler who is  learning how to do life in these sweet shoes. 

Today I am thankful for shoes. And all the stories they tell of their precious owners. 

XO. 

Jari

Thankful

Someone said Eggnog Latte is out now at Starbucks!!!! Is it that time already?!?! Oh yes it is!!! And I'll be indulging tomorrow morning! 

I know I said last night that I'm ready for Christmas music and the tree to go up... And I am, but I really want to spend November reflecting on things I'm thankful for. 

One of the very reasons that I had to break my addiction to my online world is because I was sitting in my home, surrounded by uncountable blessings but found myself losing joy. How can that be? 

I was in constant comparison with others. I like that shirt. Look how clean her laundry room is. She made that?! Wow... She lost how much weight in how long? Her business is growing out of control! There is no way her kids know 2 languages... Is there?

I was trying to keep up with others while letting everything around me go. 

I read today "if comparison is the thief of joy, than gratitude is the way to get it back."

So that is my goal this month. To share the many blessings that I have taken for granted far too long. To stop wanting more and more, bigger and better, next bright and shiny object or experience. 

I want to soak in the now. Relish in the blessings. Make snow angels in the experiences I'm living now... Right here in this very season of my life. 

I'm not sure where this little 'thankful' series will go, but I'm looking forward to the journey. I'm looking forward to the joy. 

Being present in the life that God has placed before me. I'll be intentionally looking for the moments that bring me joy. I'll be documenting them and sharing here. Will you join me? Let's share here... Daily. 

XO

Jari