Finding joy in the simple things

This is NOT a post I want to write.

In fact, it has taken me all week to get up the strength to type it.

If you've been following the blog for a little while, 

you know that my sister's dear friend, Gina, 

was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.

For the last year and a half, she has been fighting hard.
She has had very little good news throughout her journey.
When one treatment option has failed, she tries another.
Two months ago, she found out that the medication from the clinical trial she was on wasn't working.
So she went back to regular chemotherapy drugs.
This week she found out they're not working either.
Now she doesn't know what to do.
She's running out of options.

As she has experienced these ups and downs, she has done her best
to find joy in the simple things, like taking her kids to school, eating lunch with them,
or laying in the hammock.

Seriously, don't we all need to stop and enjoy those simple, every day moments?

So here are some every day moments I captured of my dumplings one afternoon.

1. Watching the birds that hang out in our front yard.

2. Sharing some love.

3. Coloring a picture.

4. Watching a BrainPop video on the iPad.

Madeline just had to show me her "new" boo boo.

And I just ADORE this shot- how Madeline is resting her head on her brother's shoulder.

{That's a temporary tatoo on Madeline's leg, in case you're wondering.}

And yes, that is a yogurt mustache Madeline is sporting in these photos.

Real life.  Simple moments.

I'm cherishing these in my heart.

How about you?

What are you doing to enjoy the simple, every day moments?

And if you have a moment, would you please lift up Gina and her family in prayer?

Thanks a bunch.

Linking to:

Simple as That  Show Off Your Shot