Photo A Day Moments: Week 5

5.28

the weather today

5.29

a number

5.30

my personality

"so many different pieces make up the whole of me"

5.31

something beautiful

Photo A Day May

Photo A Day Moments: Week 4

5.21

where I stand

(...this was a hard day for our family, so I am using this photo as a filler since we were unable to get one for this prompt)

 5.22

pink

 5.23

technology

5.24

something new
(Also a hard day, refer to previous picture...)

5.25

unusual

5.26

12 o'clock

 5.27

something sweet

Photo A Day May

Beautiful Life Moments

We said goodbye to Tyler's sweet grandmother this week. She had just recently turned 90 years old.

(Taken just a little over a week before she passed away)

We have been thinking a lot about her beautiful life and the example she has been to Tyler's family.
I have been so touched by the love and care expressed for her, and wish I could have known her better.

Although these moments have been very bitter-sweet, I can't help but think that it is these kinds of moments that give us a great opportunity to develop our ability to love as Christ loves, and to increase our faith in his plan for us. These moments are a great reminder to cherish our time and cultivate those relationships that make life so wonderful.

Photo A Day Moments: Week 3

5.14

grass

5.15

love

 5.16

what I'm reading

 5.17

snack

 5.18

something I made

(...well, grew)

5.19

a favorite place

 5.20

something I can't live without

Photo A Day May

Good News, Good Food Moments

On Friday, I found out that I will be re-hired at my school, and get to keep teaching Kindergarten. (Yay!!!)

As part of our celebrating, we went downtown to the Living Traditions Festival, which is a fun cultural celebration with performances, craft stands, and a food market. We were especially interested in trying some of the foods from different countries.

We tried as many things as we could before our stomachs were full...and our wallet was empty. :)
It was so much fun. 

Basque Churros

Sudanese Kabob and Chicken Sheia

Filipino Pancit and Pork Barbecue

Tongan Otai (Watermelon Juice)

Salvadoran Papusas

We loved it all, but if we had to pick favorites, mine would have been the Filipino pancit or the Salvadoran papusas. Tyler also liked the papusas, and the Sudanese sheia and kabob.

Good news. Good food. Good company.

Great day. :)

"Happiness Is..." Moments

Last night, my cute baby sister was in her last high school musical: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. This particular sister just exudes happiness, both on and off stage. She is so bright and positive. I was sitting next to my Grandma, who commented that "it would be so sad if she ever had to play a depressing or sad character, because that just isn't who she is!" It is so true.

The final number in the play is all about finding happiness in the simple things...always a great reminder.

I am a big believer in choosing to find happiness in life, no matter the circumstances. It is not always easy, but it really can be just as simple as focusing on the positive things, no matter how small. I'm thinking of starting my own personal "Happiness Is..." list as a daily reminder to focus on the positive and count my blessings.

Charlie Brown says it best:

"Happiness is anyone and anything at all that's loved by you."

Photo A Day Moments: Week 2

5.7

someone that inspires me

5.8

a smell I adore

(on the man I adore)   :)

5.9

something I do everyday

5.10

a favorite word

(or seven...)

5.11

kitchen

5.12

something that makes me happy

 5.13

mom

Photo A Day May

Mrs. Incredible Moments

It was Teacher Appreciation Week.

Not only did my students bring me beautiful flowers, cute notes, and lots of snacks and treats...

 ...they made me Mrs. Incredible.

It was a good week to be a teacher. :)

Photo A Day Moments: Week 1

5.1

peace

 5.2

skyline

 5.3 

something we wore today

5.4 

fun

5.5

bird

5.6

me

Photo A Day May

Moments of "Surprise!"

I have a pretty sneaky husband when it comes to planning a surprise.  He gets really excited about planning them and I like being surprised, so it is definitely a win-win in our relationship.

Yesterday we were on our way to a thank you BBQ for an event that Tyler recently volunteered for. Before we left, Tyler said "Hey, I left our laundry at my parents' house. Is it okay if we stop by there before we go to the BBQ?" I agreed, of course, because we need our laundry and I like visiting with his family.

When we walked in, the house was decorated with balloons, tables and chairs were set up on the deck, and everyone was busy with various preparations. His sister said something about "the guest of honor" arriving, and it didn't take long after that to realize that there was no thank you BBQ. 

Tyler planned a surprise Graduation Party for me, in light of the fact that I finished my Master's degree last semester and decided not to walk in the commencement ceremonies this past week. He invited a big group of my family and friends to join in the event, and I was so touched by everyone's kindness, love and support. He even put together my graduation attire, complete with a Master of Education hood!

It was such a great surprise, and it meant so much to celebrate this milestone in my life with so many wonderful people.

Photo A Day Moments

I don't normally get into trendy blog things...

but this one sounded like a fun way to be creative and use my camera more often.

(source: fatmumslim)

Every day for the month of May, I will take a picture using these prompts.
Tyler might even help sometimes. :)
Update: I had initially planned to post my photos every day...
but really, posting something every day is just not my style of blogging.
So, instead I will do a post at the end of the week, with the photos for each day.