Just for the Joy of It. | It's a Vivas Thing!

Jun 30 2010

It’s been an Honor to know you, my friend

Today's Just for the Joy of It is a bit different then my others. I say this, because though my heart is saddened, I will have joy.

A very dear friend of our family is in his final stages of living here on earth and on his way to be with our Maker. And as I sit here, wondering if the call will come soon, I smile as I remember his smile, and what he has meant to our family.

We met Vern and Lois many years ago. I honestly don't know how long, but we were immediately drawn to them. They have that wonderful sense of humor that doesn't come along too often. Vern is known for wearing his silly t-shirts with saying on them that are meant to make you laugh. I remember when my hubby turned 40, I wanted to get him some t-shirts like our *old geezer* friend. I call them the Vern t-shirts! To make hubby's celebration even better, it was Vern that lent his wheelchair to us so that we could wheel my *Over the Hill* husband into his home. These days, I wear my husband's t-shirts a lot…and I always think of our old geezer friend when going to put one on. (He even has Geezer 1 on his license plate.)

Things about Vern that have brought us joy:

The way his face lights up when he sees us. Seriously, nothing makes you feel better than knowing that someone is thrilled to see you.

The way he could talk your ear off.

Knowing that he adored my kids as much as they adored him.

As we pray for Vern during these last hours, we rejoice that He will be free from his pain and dancing at the feet of Jesus. I came across this song tonight. I've never heard it before, but it touched my heart. I hope it brings you joy.

About an hour after I posted this, Vern went to meet his Maker. You were loved, and we'll miss you much.

Jun 24 2010

Things that bring me joy

I haven't had a lot of time to blog this week. It's been kind of busy with Vacation Bible School and such. I don't have any pictures, but I do have a few words to say. 🙂

Serving in the kitchen and bringing meeting new people has been joyful.

Swimming laps with my new *BFF* and going to bed exhausted has brought me joy.

Having breakfast with a *newish* friend has brought me joy.

Having my oldest son show up unexpectedly always brings me joy.

Our Wednesday nights with Miss Kathleen ALWAYS make me smile.

But, I think the thing that has really warmed my heart this week is…

That the Talented One is working with four year olds this week at VBS. Completely out of his comfort zone, and not feeling 100%, he has still been there each morning to teach them about God.

B-boo has gotten up early and left the house each morning by 7 am to get to the church on time. 🙂 She's been watching the little ones, then helping with the 5th and 6th graders. And loving it.

And the Smart One. It's been so much fun to watch him up on stage helping to teach 260+ children the dance moves to *Saddle Ridge Ranch.* And then, he goes and helps with the preschoolers.

And the younger ones spend the week learning new things about Jesus.

The week is almost over, but it's definitely been full of joy.

For more Just for the Joy of it, click on the picture below.

Jun 16 2010

She did it!

My brave little Drama Queen had some serious fear of diving off of the high dive this week!

Until today.

After excitedly asking if I'd gotten a picture of her diving, she quickly added,

"Mommy, can you put my picture on your blog?"

Hmmmm….is the joy from the dive, or from the fact that she wanted her picture on my blog! ha ha

Jun 10 2010

Games

I love it when I don't look forward to a week, and then, all of a sudden, God gives me little things to help make it so much nicer.

Like unexpected quiet times.

Unexpected moments with my children.

Unexpected moments with friends.

Last night we had a pre-celebration for the Talented One's birthday. One of my dear friends spends every Wednesday with us. B-boo and I used to go to her house every Wednesday while the little ones were at AWANA. Then I got sick. So she started coming to my house instead. The best things ever…because my whole family just loves her visits!

Last night, she brought brownies and ice cream…and marinara sauce. We invited some of my son's friends over and we had spaghetti and dessert. The Good-Looking one came over, too, so it made for such a nice evening! We spent the evening laughing and playing Mexican train. I was exhausted, but it was fun.

That's the kind of unexpected moments that I like...Just for the Joy of It!

May 13 2010

Joy of Chocolate

Those of you who follow my blog can look forward to reading about something joyous on Thursday as part of Good, True and Beautiful's, Just for the Joy of It. And as some of you state you love to read about my family, I am happy to report that after over three months of being barely coherent by 8 am, I made it back, baby! Twice this week, I have gotten up at 6 am to get the two oldest to high school and then enjoy Bible study with the Smart One before driving him to school, too. Thereby letting my beloved hubby sleep in!

This is cause to celebrate! I've always been an early riser. I am up by 6 am most days; sleeping in for me is 7ish. I've not taken anyone to school since my surgery/illness. So, we had an extra scoop of joy this week….all of us!

But the REAL joy (sorry kids) came from a new discovery. B-boo and I were picking up some stuff in Wally World when we passed by the…dare I say it….chocolate aisle. I have a real fancy for chocolate. Especially good chocolate. Especially delicious dark chocolate. But not too dark so that it is bitter. It has to be just right.

And then, I spotted it! Werther's Original Caramel Chocolate, Dark Cream. I cannot not even begin to explain to you how truly delicious this amazing new product is! I could eat a whole bag in one setting! It is just the right amount of smooth, creamy, chocolaty flavor. It is not filled with caramel, so you taste more caramel than chocolate. It is swirled in together, making it just melt in your mouth! It is so new, I couldn't even find a picture of the bag on the internet! And it isn't in just any store, either. I know…I've looked!

This is as close to the bag as I could find; same color, but it's wrong, because the bag I bought says dark cream on the side and Caramel Chocolate instead of Chocolate under Original. I'm thinking that this is very important because I'd hate for one of you to go dashing out to the store in search of this joyous chocolate and pick up the wrong bag and then become upset with me over it!

Here's hoping your taste buds find some joy this week!