"To be at home with oneself,

family and friends - 

Bliss"

-Valerie Sjodin

Yes, I believe it is bliss. I enjoy being at home with myself. It holds an atmosphere of peace and comfort. This past weekend I wasn't alone much. It was a full house and very celebratory indeed! With so much brokenness in our families, I think I came to expect some things I had hoped for to be absent, or elusive at best. It is not so and I am so thankful! We celebrated our grandson's first birthday in our home. Both sides of the family gathered to celebrate Caleb's life as well our participation in his life adventure. It was just plain fun and relaxing, (even in the midst of the Superbowl blipping in and out). I am so grateful! Here a few group pics:

When Caleb's mommy, Jennie, was little, she began to say something at bedtime that caught on with all of us - even to this day! 

"Goodnight, I love you! Have a good sleep. See you in the morning."

- Jennie Sjodin

I painted a painting for him with the saying on it. There are some other fun things too in the story of the painting. An owl lives in some of the big trees close by and we often hear it hoot. The girls named the owl. It turns out most of the neighbors have their own name for the owl. It's been adopted by a good group :) 

I've also included the event with some pics in an online Art Journaling group I joined recently:

The Documented Life Project

. Actually, I've joined two groups. The other one is on

Identity

and the study of the book of Ephesians. I've started them both in the past week or two and will be blogging about them soon. In The Documented Life, I have decided to include some things I rarely include : photographs, Washi tape and stamps. And another thing - I am giving myself the freedom to be messy, because sometimes Life just is.