Every week I like to take a moment to showcase the moments that brought me the most joy. Sometimes they are awesome activities and other times it’s a sweet moment between the kids. There are always moments that can fill us with joy if we choose to see them with a thankful heart.
(Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Possibly several of them. I will earn a small commission if you use my links to purchase a product but your purchase price does not change. Check out the disclosure policy to find out more. Thank you for supporting My Joy in Chaos.)
I didn’t take as many photos this week. We are working on a new system for chores and I’ve been more hands on with the kids training them in the different areas plus the little boys alternated being sick and grumpy. Nothing major – a decent fever and super tired – but enough to throw them off their normal chipper game.
1. Free ice cream
Our local PD have teamed up with Dairy Queen for an awesome program during the summer. If an officer catches a kid riding a bike, scooter, skateboard, or on skates while wearing a helmet the officer can issue a “ticket” good for a free small ice cream cone! The kids and I were “pulled over” the other week on a bike ride so we went out for a super special dessert last Sunday night. For small cones they sure are huge! I love that our community rewards safe choices.
2. Friends
A good friend of mine had a meeting at her church and asked if there was someone that could take her kids for a couple hours. I offered because we are always home and I just love her sweet kids. They all had a blast carrying water across the deck from one bucket to another and between the water table and the watermelon for snack everyone was dripping wet when it came time for them to leave.
You May Also Like:
3. Bonfire!
You know you love my super awkward crazy face in this picture. I was trying to be stealthy and snap a picture while walking down a hill. It didn’t work. Several friends gathered together for a midweek bonfire and dessert party. This needs to be a regular thing but all the sugar might do me in! But bonfires all the time would totally be my jam. As long as the bugs aren’t bad. I got bit right on the forehead and can’t stop itching! But this was so much fun and I love having a group of women that can laugh, learn, and do life together.
4. Family bike ride
I got back on a bike for the first time in over five years a couple weeks ago when I took the kids out by myself. The big boys didn’t know how to ride bikes and we didn’t live in a safe area to learn so once they outgrew the trailer and I got pregnant with Mercedes we simply stopped. Now that the big boys are rockstars on their two wheelers and Mercedes is more confident on her training wheels we decided to give a family bike ride a try. We traveled over two miles total with a stop at a park around mile 1.5. I think the more we do this the better it will go. She still isn’t fully sure of herself and panics if the sidewalk curves or bumps or a sprinkler is getting it wet. She’s only been riding this bike for a month or two so I’m sure as she gets more practice in things will get better. I’m looking forward to longer and more frequent rides as it’s a great time together and a wonderful chance to promote a healthier lifestyle.
Where did you find joy in the chaos this week?