my happiness journal

My lovely sister-in-law gave me a 5 year happiness journal. Essentially this is a place to jot down one or two lines about the day. The book holds up to five years of one-liner memories.

My first few entries go something like this:

- Hayden Sam and I went to the park & DQ. Hayden said "shoo fly"
- Road trip to Milbank - Hayden talked the entire ride home
- You love to point out boats as we drive by the lake or in town. Sang "Jesus loves Me" at bedtime.

I am really enjoying this journal. It is so easy to forget the little things that Hayden is doing or even what Sam and I are up to. I wrote on a calendar for every day of Hayden's first year. I love to look back at these days and remember the love, the hurt, the tiredness, the joy - all of the emotions. I pray I will be able to keep up with my happiness journal to watch our journey as it unfolds.

Our journey is taking a new direction as Sam will no longer be "Officer Minor" as of the end of the month. It's exciting for him to be closing this chapter of his life and moving on to what he's always dreamed of - Farming.

I am so excited to watch him start enjoying life and his work much more. He is so pumped about all of the opportunities he has with agriculture. He is a hard worker and will do great at whatever he sets his mind to. Two and a half years ago he decided to take on the role of Officer and he has poured many hours into the people of Brookings. It will be hard for him to say goodbye to his coworkers but this is the best decision for him and our family.

Hayden is up to new things every day. Today she was naughty at daycare and spent some time in the play pen for "time out". It is very hard as a mom to not be there for her every moment. I struggle with where the best place for me is. I enjoy my job and I enjoy my daughter. I am so grateful that I am able to enjoy both and I don't have to choose between one or the other. I truly think I am a better mom because I work and I'm a better employee because I'm a mom. God has been very faithful in teaching me about place and carrying out his will wherever I am.