an early thankfulness post

As my readers will have noticed this year, life has been...crazy, chaotic, congested, colorful (I admit it, I got stuck in alliteration there).  But some of the things that have happened recently have made me realize a few things.  Or rather, one big thing.

I am immensely blessed.

Regardless of what has happened in my life this year, I look at my situation and I can do nothing but praise a very gracious God for all His many blessings.  I have a healthy family, roof over my head, and a new baby on the way.  Oh and by the way, we are expecting #2 kiddo summer of 2013.  =)

Hito figured out how straws work and now wants to drink anything that has one - including dad's milk tea.  =)

How ungrateful am I that these thoughts only come to mind during holiday season?  And these are blessings that I have always had!

So I am going to leave these lyrics here as a little reminder for us to think of these things all year long!

If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep
Counting your blessings.

"Count Your Blessings" by Irving Berlin

Have a beautiful and thankful day!

back to the grind...

It has been a while since a normal blog post has come from this keyboard.  Many thanks to all my readers who sent very sweet notes of prayers and encouragement as you read about my grandmother passing away. Unfortunately, two weeks after posting that note, my grandfather also passed on.  It has been an emotionally charged month and I am still working out some of those details in my head and the ramifications for my life.

But I will say that I am so thankful to be striving for a normal blogging schedule again and hoping to be here more regularly.  I am excited to write and catch up on all my reading that I haven't been able to sit and do with family affairs and illnesses going on (oh, and did I mention that my whole family got the flu right after coming back from taking care of my grandfather's affairs?).

And if you haven't heard it before, I'm going to tell you again.  Don't sweat the little things.  We live in a world that has unseen events and circumstances right around the corner.  Whether they are good or bad, it is never too soon to tell someone you love that you still love them.  Again.  And again.  Enjoy.  Love.  Dream.  And enjoy.  People, places, good cups of coffee, baby kisses, and corn mazes.

1) Corn maze with my mom, sister, and cousins (currently behind the camera)
2) Grandma and Hito walking around the pumpkin patch
3) And a moment of mom and kiddo just enjoying...

Have a beautiful day.

one year...

Can you believe it?  One year.

Tears, dirty diapers, bruises, laughs, smiles, pictures, and joy.  Lots of joy.

And one year has gone by so fast.  This kid...

He likes any food you give him.

He likes people.

He loves the beach/water/pool.

He loves cuddling.

He loves walking, crawling, moving.

He is mine...for a short period of time, entrusted to me by my God to train and raise for His glory.  God, help me to do so...

Have a beautiful day and thanks for sharing one year with me!

Perfect joy in the little things...

I decided to link up with Lindsay from Aisle to Aloha for her "it's the little things Friday" link up party to make my big announcement!

1) Our first baby was born on Friday, Sept. 16th! 

That's right.  This lady has been missing in action on her blog this week because of a little bundle of joy that is definitely a little thing that is a huge thing now in my life.  But words cannot describe how lovely it is to have this little person...and to feel so rich and love on this little guy.  So our little Hitoshi is making life interesting and joyful all at the same time!  But God has been so gracious to our growing family and it truly is perfect joy just to hold him...

2) Adorable baby clothes and being able to buy things like this now!

A friend of mine opened a very sweet Etsy shop a little while back but I had not bought anything because we were not finding out if we were expecting a boy or girl (this momma wanted it to be a surprise).  And now that our son has come, I can't decide which outfit I like best!  What do you think?! (I might have to get them both if you don't help me!...)

loving the polka dots on the giraffe, right?!

but the plaid bear is soooo cute!

I'll see you at the link up party!  Have a beautiful day and great weekend!

12th Deal til Christmas

I can hardly believe we only have 12 days until Christmas!!!  And to get in the mood, I pulled this picture out from last year!

me and my bestie in December of 2009 at Disneyland!

Along with all kinds of wonderful goodies to be planned, I have the immense honor of being able to provide gifts for others!  There is something that makes me so full of joy that I get to hand make jewelry that is going to give joy in so many different homes this Christmas!  If you have never handmade gifts for anyone, you are missing out on some amazing experiences!  But I know not everyone is equally gifted in this area and that is part of why I LOVE Etsy and other handmade outlets.  I can make jewelry but I cannot make things like this or this or this or this.  So even though I could try, I know my attempts would not be anywhere near as wonderful as these artists!  But supporting them and getting great gifts?  Now that is a joyful thing!  =)

But on to today's deal!  The 12th Deal til Christmas is 25% off Nancy Necklaces!  Although I designed these with bridal parties in mind, I think they are really cute for more than one kind of occasion. So for a classic design for many occasions, I think these necklaces are great.  And you can get them for 25% off today only!

Have a beautiful day!