Personal Post Monday - Life makes me happy!!

For those following my blog - you know that occasionally I post personal posts - because this blog has become such a fun place for me to go back through posts and reminisce.  So I've taken to trying to contain those posts mostly on Mondays - and I give the disclaimer Personal Post Monday - so if you're not interested in my personal life - don't read on - but please come back for future creative posts.

 

So there is a lot going on in my life - my kiddos now in two different states, Paul and I getting ready to retire, listing the house, getting ready to move, transitioning my Stampin' Up! business and just life in general.  Sometimes it can really overwhelm me - but I try to practice thankfulness and joy in all circumstances - and I am so blessed it doesn't take much to find those.  So I wanted to share some simple things that bring me joy.  First - I LOVE COFFEE - I know you all know that - but I just really like saying it.  And I LOVE Coffee mugs - have a ton of them.  This beautiful one is from my only sister, Sharon and it brings a smile to my face every time I use it.

It starts out with the black images in the first picture - but when I add my hot coffee - these are what I get - isn't it lovely.  Just a little "coffee" magic to make me think of my sis -and that makes me HAPPY!

Another thing that really brings me joy is God's creation around me - and clouds are one of my favorite things.  I have soooo many pictures of the sky and clouds and I am sure I will continue to take them.  Here are a couple I took recently from my front porch. 

Love that beauty - just makes me HAPPY!!

And finally today - I'm sharing some of favorite people - not all though as Jenee and her kiddos are in Arizona and I miss them terribly - but I do get to see these four little adorable faces on a regular basis.  This past weekend Papa and I had the four King kids overnight, and pretty much the overnight ritual always includes this big yellow bowl full of popcorn (Papa's and the kids favorite treat).  Just look at my handsome hubby and those beautiful kids - talk about making me HAPPY!

So I leave you today in the midst of my stress, and tiredness, and yes, a bum knee that I get to see the orthopedist about this week - with this thought ~ Look around you and take time to find happiness and joy in the little things!!  Any day with a smile on your face is a good day! Thanks for stopping by - see you soon!! ~Maureen

Green Hills and Blue Skies

Spring is one of my favorite times in Southern Cal.  The weather is warm (but not hot!)  The clouds are amazing - rain has made the hills green.

Below are clouds hanging over the hills in the morning.

Just want to let everyone know my autoimmune is really giving me a run for my money.  Feel like I've been hit by a MAC truck most of the time.  So forgive me as I take a bit of a break for blogging.  I'll be back soon, God willing.  ~Maureen

I LOVE CLOUDS

I know I have shared clouds before - but I really do love clouds.  I am just mesmerized by them.  So I wanted to share a few pictures I took this last week. The top one I just took today.

 This a couple nights ago.

 This one on our way to a date night.

 and finally - this is one my daughter sent me from Prescott, AZ.  So beautiful!

See you soon!  -Maureen

Convention Continued

A lot of you who follow my blog know that I LOVE clouds.  I tend to always look at the sky (better looking up than down - correct :)  Sometimes the cloud formations make just feel soooo close to God - and that's way these did.  I was really having trouble with my autoimmune - and walking was difficult - but then I looked up and saw this amazing picture in the sky and I felt such peace.  Isn't it beautiful?

Here's a quick picture of the note I left on the wall at SU's message room - It was really difficult to even find a small part of the wall that had not been written on - so I had to stand on tiptoes behind the door - but I did it.  The Crazy Stamping Ladies left their mark.

Finally a quick picture of all the new goodies I got to go home with - isn't that CRAZY!!! This is why you have to bring an extra suitcase when you travel to convention.

See you soon!!! ~Maureen

Clouds over Simi Valley

Okay - so I know my friends and family will think these pictures are crazy, as they see clouds like this nearly every day.  But in the clear skies over Simi - this is a rarity - and I LOVE clouds.  The images make me feel close to God.  The pictures below were taken last Friday as I was going to an off campus event - I was feeling awful - but these clouds lifted my spirits - the top picture is my very favorite!!

Can almost feel God's love radiating here!

 

Can you see the elephant :) ?

Here's the lane on the way to the conference center - it was so lovely.

And a view from the hill on the way out of the conference.

 Thanks for letting me share something that makes me happy!! See you tomorrow!  ~Maureen

More clouds

Recently I shared my love for clouds with you. We had another great day of clouds on 10/6 when a storm passed through just north of us. This second picture shows an amazing puff of clouds - the setting sun cast a slight pinkish glow on it - it reminded me of a big puff of cotton candy and there is a hint of a rainbow at the bottom of this picture. Here is a better picture of the rainbow - right over my house. It was so beautiful - such a wonderful reminder of God's promises to us. Enjoy!

Clouds over Simi Valley

Last week I was on my way to a workshop and when I parked and got out of the car, I was amazed by the clouds in the sky. I love clouds! They are simply sooooo beautiful. When we were in the midwest the clouds were amazing, but so often out here in California - they seem to look the same day after day (when we even have clouds.) But these were just so lovely to me, that I had to snap a couple pictures and share them. Hope you think they are as lovely as I did.Enjoy the majesty around you today and remember the God who gave it all to us. For this is the day that the Lord has made - rejoice and be glad in in!