{Enjoy}

Most people know that I'm an anxious person by nature...about trying new things, meeting new people, going someplace I've never been... ...but Friday I decided to take a risk and host a Willow House party.  It sounds fun right?  Getting to have your friends over and oohing and aahing over pretty home decor!  I'm not one to host parties unless it's for our family for the kids' birthdays...and even then I get those nervous butterflies in my stomach about the planning and having people over.  So the Willow House consultant and I set a date and I planned the party...but turns out...everyone else had other plans...or let's be honest...alot of people don't really want to sit and look at...um...let's be honest... kinda expensive home decor {and if we're really being honest..I am one of those people too!  But let's be honest some more...hosting your own party means free stuff...you can't lose there!}  Anyway...no one came to the party except the consultant... and Dan and the kids...ha!  But we still had fun!  I got to order some pretty things {my birthday is coming up!} and I {enjoyed} the time to sit and chat and get to know a new friend!  And if anything...hosting a party means the house is clean {for a short time} and I have an excuse to make some yummy food!  {Dan appreciates that aspect of party planning!}

{I didn't get a pic of the whole spread...but we have some delicious left-overs!}

...these are so good...and so dangerous...I can eat all of them!

{...if you like pumpkin pie...then you'd love the orange Pumpkin Spice Hershey's kisses...yumm-y!  they really taste just like pumpkin pie!}

Anyway...I had so many different things I wanted to express in this post, but I can't really put them into words...

I learned of two families this weekend who are going through some very scary, devastating and uncertain health circumstances right now...one who has been battling cancer for several months...and one who underwent a very unexpected surprising heart surgery.  I sometimes take for granted how quickly things can change in a flash...and when you hear of these things happening to those who are close to you...it really helps you appreciate what you have...right now!  Because you might not have it tomorrow!

So I just want to remember and be thankful and {enjoy} all the moments that I can spend with my family.

I mean...I like pretty things and surrounding myself with pretty home decor...but the important things are those that you can't buy...like the laughter {and sometimes tears} you get to share with your kids...

...getting to hug them any time you want...getting through those sleepless nights, because really they will pass way. too. quickly...

...and getting the chance to savor the moments when they are asleep...

...getting excited when the Tooth Fairy visits...{for the seventh time!}

...enjoying the sunshine on your face...

...{or fur}...

...roasting marshmallows and hot dogs around a campfire...

...taking a hike through our favorite park...{again!}...

I sometimes...{unfortunately too often}... have to stop and remind myself about what's important.  Not if the floors are always clean and the toys are picked up...or if I get a shower today...

It's important to give...{and recieve}... hugs and kisses...tell your friends and family that you love them...say your prayers...encourage your kids and tell them what a great job they did today {even if they got another yellow for talking in class...ahem...}...remember to be silly...

...and stop to admire God's work everywhere...

I really dislike that it sometimes takes someone else's heartache or tragedy to remind myself to appreciate what I have.  We had a wonderful weekend enjoying this beautiful weather and spending time together...and every time I looked at my family...I just couldn't imagine anything happening to any one of them or myself. 

{Enjoy} every second!  Be anxious for nothing!  Thank God for all your blessings...and even for your hardships to help bring us closer to Him and know that through  Him we can endure all things!  {Hugs!}