on a few thoughts & snapshots...

[my sister Nikki, playing photographer.]

I'm feeling truly content at the moment. For many reasons. I just thought I'd share a few (or, as it turns out, ten):

1. Jay came home last night after a weekend away, and we were all snuggled up on the couch - laughing and happy. Those are the best moments in a marriage. The moments where we are truly ourselves, when he decides to give me another ridiculous nickname, when I do something silly that makes him laugh (and perhaps question my sanity, too - but whatever), when he kisses me on the forehead and says he loves me. I'm a true believer in the idea that it's the little things in life, the little moments, that truly carry us through our days.

2. Um, I started running again. Kind of. For, like, the fifteenth time this year? Oh, well. It still counts.

[my nephew, Jonas - so adorable that I would like to request an exact replica when we have kids someday.]

3. As, always, I've been doing a lot of thinking about finding contentment in myself, and the person I am. There are days I feel like an absolute goddess, and there are days where I feel absolutely disgusted. For the most part, I'm okay. I guess that sometimes I just think that I'll magically wake up one morning with a wonderful body image and incredible self esteem. Until that happens, I do appreciate days where I'm simply content with being me. I just wish they would last longer.

4. I've come across a bit of extra money and some free goodies recently, which is enough to provoke a happy dance that lasts a good thirty minutes. I'm not even kidding.

[my incredible sister-in-law, with two of her kids.]

5. When it comes to the current state of my baby fever, I'm actually doing okay. Jay and I had a great conversation the other day (at happy hour, where all great conversations are to be had, obviously). After our recent trip to visit family, and since most conversations had been peppered with questions about whether or not we were planning on having kids soon, I really wanted to talk with him about it again. I was expecting another eye-roll and a response about how I seriously needed to calm down with the baby fever thing and why are we having this conversation again AHHHH?! Instead, he ended up being thoughtful, explaining exactly why he simply doesn't feel ready. And, really? I got it. I finally understand where he's coming from. I think that guys just aren't as well versed when it comes to their feelings. Who would have thought, eh? Right. Anyway.

6. I absolutely adore my online friends (I'm waiting for the day my husband stops judging me for it, too). I'm looking forward to meeting up with a few Southern California bloggers again soon, I'm planning on doing a split photo zine with the lovely Jane Boston, I'm coming up with a post for Hair Thursday at the request of Whoorl (who is a total gem), I've received a few etsy orders from blogging friends and it always makes my heart explode with joy, and Ashley is going to be in the area soon and can I just say how excited I am to meet her? Hurrah for lovely, blogging goodness!

[my neice, Lucia, with her mischevious grin.]

7. I am feeling so incredibly encouraged, in so many ways. The feedback to my faith post was just more than I could have ever asked for. I've had some great talks with close friends, and was especially thankful to have some extra time with my sister-in-law and mother-in-law over the holiday weekend. Creatively, I have been challenged and inspired so incredibly much recently, which is amazing. I feel like almost every part of my life is getting better and better.

8. I have a few current obsessions that bring me more joy than perhaps they should: unlimited good hair days thanks to my flat iron, seasons one and two of Weeds, the theme song to Weeds (which I have had stuck in my head for the last three days), the Jack Johnson station on Pandora, 7 layer dip, putting together a pay-it-forward package for a lovely friend, and chai lattes with vanilla.

[a photoshoot with a small, plastic elephant is perfectly normal - I swear.]

9. I've had a lot of time to myself lately, which has been nice. I've been able to regroup. I'm one of those people who needs some serious "me" time, and it's definitely felt good to not have to be anywhere or do anything lately. Also, Jay was gone this past weekend, which meant I was free to sleep like a spidermonkey and have the whole bed to myself, which I'm ashamed to admit I sometimes look forward to. Because it is awesome. (And sometimes I like to sleep diagonally, and when my husband is around he doesn't seem to enjoy that. Not sure why.)

10. Things are coming together. As they always do. And it just feels good to realize that.