What Makes ME Happy

A seasonal bouquet of flowers for no reason

My son’s laughter

Hearing the sprite’s heartbeat

Taste of fresh hot jam

Family days

My Dyson vacuum

The smell of rain on warm pavement

A chat over coffee with my Mom

My husband opening my doors (car, home and public) every day

A day of exploration with Auntie L

The first signs of vegetables in my garden

A date night thought out and planned by my husband

Family dinners with Adam’s (our) entire family

Warm sand on my feet

A long uninterrupted visit with my girlfriends

Definite change of the season

Planning surprises

Hosting parties and dinners

Baking a new dessert

Enjoying the dessert so much I bake it again

The color purple

A hug that lasts a little longer than the usual

Children sharing knock-knock jokes

Reading a child’s book

Uploading pictures off of our camera

Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread Latte’s from Mocha Express

Tulle skirts on little girls

Weddings

Homemade pizza

Dancing in my kitchen

Chocolate Cake… triple layered chocolate cake

Gelato

Double Margaritas on the rocks, no salt with a splash of OJ and Amaretto on the side

Crisp white wine on a warm afternoon

Sharing a glass of Shiraz in candle light and talking late in the night

Sunday morning breakfasts

Showers before 9:00

Uninterrupted sleep

Flip flops

Getting Kaden up for his day or from a nap… when he is smiling
A new dress

Pedicures

A new haircut style

Writing

Gift giving shopping

Candles lighting our home

Festival of December

Witnessing and experiencing the goodness of people

Papa’s Bean Dip

Freshly washed sheets on the bed

Hot chocolate

A text from Binks

Our cards from the Cowan’s

Lengthy texting conversations across time zones

As I write this, I have learned so very much brings me happiness…

There are days we need to be reminded in the simple happiness’s of our daily life. I had not realized how many there were in my life. I quit typing out the list, which was quickly taking on a life all its own. Let me be honest, as Domestic Goddess and Loving Mother I put my happiness towards the bottom of the list. Writing this list serves as a great reminder bringing ME back to the forefront, even if for only a few minutes. In starting the list I smiled and the smile grew as did the list. As I smiled I admit that I closed my eyes imagining I was experiencing some of these gifts. I was able to hear Kaden’s laugh even though he is not with me. I saw our family sitting around the Church’s dinner table. I smelt a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I felt warmth in my the summer sand as I wiggled my feet. I laughed at a recent knock-knock joke. I reflected on our favorite children’s book. I looked out the window in thinking about my time zone friends. All in all, it opened a flood gate of 'feel goods' in writing a silly and simple happiness list.

I hope my children know what makes them happy taking nothing for granted. I am not naïve. I know this is something learned over time and it is learned through teaching. I believe this lesson has great value in not only becoming a grateful human being, but knowing who they are as individuals. As their mother, I promise to do my best to instill appreciation in nature, family and every day kindnesses. I am not religious, but I am spiritual. I think to know ourselves we must know what makes us ‘tick’ able to recognize what forms our inner core. May my children realize happiness is found all around them; and it is their responsibility to take time (schedule it if needed) to smell their own roses even picking a few for their lasting enjoyment.