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!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Really?

I can't resist, I need to vent!

Now, I know money is tight and we are on a pretty strict budget, but as my birthday came and went I received a card from "the hubby" - one that asked me if I wanted a 'fuzzy navel' and on the inside there was a nasty piece of lint talking about something on the inside of his belly button. Humorous? Yes.......no gift --not even a little thing --not so humorous.

I mean, COME ON! SERIOUSLY? Not only is this shady-cat, but it's a bit frustrating since I married someone where birthdays are a big deal. I can't even begin to share with you what could/would happen if I failed to acknowledge the birth of my husband. The first year of "dating" his feathers were ruffled when he learned I would not be taking off the day from my professional career!

His birthday--It's bigger than xmas! I mean, truly --- when I first learned of his deep appreciation for his special day, I had to wonder early on....this dude is worse than a chick! This past year has been rough on us all....but for his birthday a few months back I kept the secret that I'd had his mom coming into town earlier than he'd expected (inlaws = Florida) ---so I had that surprise and then went out to purchase his much hinted about laptop he wanted...NOT my fault that the district ended up footing the bill for one so he took my birthday gift back.

This year, treated to an awesome lunch by my brother we spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out and shopping, we went to Tiffany & Co. so he could shop for his girlfriend. I was very tempted to purchase a pair of earrings for myself ---but in my mind I thought, "nope! I am sure my husband has something great in store!" - what planet was I on? Lesson learned: Never go with your gut in regard to gifting from the hubby.

So, ladies, I ask you ---at what point is it ok for your husband to only give you a birthday card with nasty belly-button lint --even if it is just cotton and dirt? Let me answer that for you -- NEVER!

And as for Christmas? I think that lint is coming out of my card and getting regifted. To him. For Christmas.

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