Joyful

My name is Joy --and this blog will be all about the simple joys in my life - my family, my friends, my business, but most of all --my 2 little girls!

Joy...It's all in the name!

I grew up in a suburb right outside of Chicago - Berwyn, IL. I believe where I grew up shaped who I am today - we were a close knit community where family values were important. I attended college in Waukesha, Wisconsin - Carroll College. There, I majored in Communication and minored in Art. It is at Carroll that I truly flourished...I was very active in my sorority (Chi Omega) and began taking classes in electronic imaging - this is where my love of graphic design began! Senior year I met my husband (also a Carroll grad) and there you have it... My past work experience is quite broad - I've worked in Radio promotions, HR, and Higher Education. The past few years I've enjoyed creating photocards for different events. This passion has grown more into other avenues: creating stationery, invitations, and other ventures --- and that's where I get to share with you my love of all things creative - SIMPLE JOYS by JOY! Thank you for taking the time to get to know me! I am eager to create or become a part of your life event by making it just a little sweeter - a little more thoughtful and most of all memorable.

My 2 Favorites

Easily my favorite 2 Simple Joys - my daughters. Meet Mackenzie *Kenzie* Elisabeth (4) and Alexa *Allie* Delaney (2)...they are my life, my love, my greatest creation to date!

Weddings, Birthdays, Etc.

Below you'll see a sampling of some of my work...weddings, birthdays, babies... I Love being a part of people's life events - adding a hint of creativity to the mix!

A couple of assistants!

Simple Joys - the business could not possibly function without the help of two fab and fancy assistants...Meet Rachel and Samantha!
I've had the pleasure of knowing Rachel and Samantha for some time now...while working in higher education, they were a few of my student workers....from there, I recruited them to babysit for my kids. In a matter of time, Rachel and Sam have become permanent fixtures in my home--my girls ADORE THEM - and frankly, they make my life a lot simpler than it could possibly be. Both seniors and ready to graduate college, I am hopeful we'll keep them on as part-time Simple Joys by Joy assistants! They cut, glue, stuff, wrap, sell....they are my front line and I don't know what I'd do without them! And...if you thought the Argyle sweaters were coincidence and matching red/black outfits- HECK no! They are that precise and adorable and planned to dress alike at an Open House Event!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Decisions

In life, we are faced with decisions --- sometimes they are as easy as "Coke or Pepsi?" --and then there are others, the types that effect others and their feelings.

For me, I firmly believe people make decisions that are right for them, and while I may find disappointment in them, I genuinely support the decision-maker when I am left disappointed from time to time.

Unless this is in regard to my hubby - because isn't he supposed to make me happy? JUST KIDDING! We all know that any man will simply make a decision based on what's in it for him or what it will do for him ---it had to be said. For the first 5 years of my marriage we played "Monty Hall's Let's Make a Deal".....what will you do if I do this? Now we both try to make decisions so not to piss each other off.

...Anyhow, last night I was faced with a decision... and it ended up involving my daughter and time with her. When faced with any decision that goes up against my two favorite "Simple Joys" - it is a no brainer, the decision will always be won by my two little darlings. It's not even a question.

But here, I hurt someone I love to no end, a very near and dear friend. It wasn't the decision to not go and be there with her....it was simply the decision to be with my daughter in a moment where she wanted to be with me.

Maybe, too, I'm still broken. Losing my dad was a hard time. My time with my girls, and decisions I make are those made not only with my head, but with every inch of my heart.

After leaving my job of almost 8 years, many things in my life have changed...but the one thing that remains most important to me - my two little girls...leaving that job - one which I was married to, and one that also took much of my time - emotionally and the presence of me, allowed me to really stop and look at how lucky I am to be able to spend time with my kids. When I stop and remember days from when I grew up...it's the small things. I hope my children will remember the same.

The other night, the decision I made, was in one of those moments....one of those moments that my daughter will look back and say, "I got to be with Mommy".

1 comment:

  1. Where is the thumbs up button on this thing? I STILL remember little things like that my mom did for me. Not sure what you are talking about here, but one thing holds true (for me) Noah is my #1 and he always comes first. I am sure that your near and dear friend understands.

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