What Makes You Happy?

Another tag--- I really like this one. My good friend, Tera, tagged me awhile ago (sheesh, has it been almost two months? How did that happen?). I've been intending to do it for a time, but I really wanted to think about it first. That and the aforementioned lack of quality computer time. I figure it's about time to make it a priority to add my current contribution to blogland. :) Anyways--- on to the good stuff! Happiness tag!

If you get tagged, you have to list 10 things that make you happy. What are the things that tickle your fancy, make you smile or still give you that butterfly sensation? What things do you seek out and truly enjoy? The only rule is that you can't say your kids or your spouse...it's too easy.

1. My testimony of Jesus Christ and His Church bring me my greatest happiness, that abiding peace. Knowing who I am, a daughter of Heavenly Parents, the divinity of motherhood, and my Savior's love for me and each person carries me through the storms and trials of life.

2. A well-written children's picture storybook. I love children's books. The simple pictures and story bring me back to the innocence and joy of childhood. Phoebe and Chub is my absolute favorite. We bought it at the grand canyon when we went there 3 years ago. The pictures are gorgeous and engaging and the story is charming and pure . It tickles the fanciest of my fancies.

3. Fresh flowers-- especially daffodils. I would love a colorful, thriving flower garden someday. I think flowers make almost everybody happy.

4. Empty garbage can (and diaper pail). Obviously it's nice to throw away something and not have to worry about it toppling to the floor or getting a mess on the wall. But, at our house, my wonderful husband pretty much exclusively shoulders the responsibility of taking out the garbage (one nasty chore). An empty garbage can also signifies his diligence, respect, and love for me. Dropping a diaper into a freshly changed garbage bag seriously makes me fall in love all over again.

5. People with disabilities. Working and playing with people with disabilities, particularly mild/moderate developmental disabilities, truly gives me that joyful butterfly sensation. I long ago dubbed being with such special people a passion, just based on that feeling. I loved being a counselor at Camp K and treasured my time as a special needs seminary teacher. Since having kids, the boys have become my priority, but someday, when once again my time of life allows, I want so much to jump back into that volunteer field, at least a little bit. I just love it.

6. A comment on my blog. Okay, I know this is a shameless hint-- but isn't it true? Seeing that teeny number climb up a little gives a small bit of satisfying validation. And, as a shout-out to faithful commenters, comments are always a sweet bit of upliftment as people share thoughtful tidbits of support or optimism . Knowing how much I love a comment, I've recently made a commitment to de-lurk. Most bloggers know I stopped-by anyways, with all these stat counter things. I've found no one is freaked out that I read about their life, but usually rather pleased. Besides, commenting has become a small, but easy opportunity to "create a smile." Who doesn't appreciate a quick word of encouragement?

7. Ben & Jerry's Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream. Mmmmm... I thought it sounded rather disconcerting, too, but was intrigued so I bought it anyways. It's delicious. It tastes just like fall. Autumn+Ice Cream. Does it get better than that?

8. Crossing off something on my To-Do list. If you know me well enough, you know I'm a list-maker. I've been attempting to refine the art of To-Do-Listing to make it a tool of enhancement rather than discouragement-- visually prioritizing the bazillion things I want to accomplish in my day, week, life. Oh-so gradually, I'm getting better at trumping my idealism with healthy realism and there's nothing like crossing off something I've accomplished, especially if it's been on my list for a long time.

9. Benjamin's Drawings. Okay, so I know I'm not technically suppose to count my kids since they're a given source of happiness, but this is being more specific right? I just get such a kick out of my son's imagination as exemplified in his art. You cannot look at his drawings of happy faces and not grin ear-to-ear. Try it. It can't be done. They're just too cute.

10. I'm at ten already? But there's so much more.... a desert storm with lots of thunder and lightening, a foot massage after a long day, Jonathan's belly laugh, riding my bike or a good swim, tweaking a recipe to "perfection", when something goes unexpectedly smoothly, a casual forest mountain hike, a picnic at a duck pond, finally getting over morning sickness (or any sickness, for that matter), laying on the roof of the car on a starry night, kittens, feeling loved and appreciated, creating something beautiful or cute or creative, our 4-in-one copier/printer, EFY music, an unexpected kindness from a stranger. filling a need--- the list goes on and on...when you think about it, amongst the daily travail, life is truly full of so many joyful things. I needed this reminder. Y'know, it really is a wonderful life.

So, it was actually a great uplift to stop and "count my blessings". Since I'm especially interested in what others have to say (it's so fun to see what makes others happy, too!), I'm going to be more specific in my tagging this time. :)

I tag: Mari, Mollie, Amber, Shanna, Jo, Jenni, Kim H, Sam, Kim N., Amber, Grandma Doris, Erica, Julie, Kayla, Heidi, Amy H., Linda, Jenny, Kjera, Susan, Emily, Kierst, Sarah, Calli, , Amy S., Flo, Shannon, Jodi, Liora, Angie, LeAnne... and you-- everyone is welcomed to join in... I'm curious what tickles your fancy. ;) Take your time (it took me long enough...), and please let me know when/if you make the post--I'm excited to read it! Just imagine how HAPPY it would make one feel to read all these happy blogs! I'm grinning just thinking about it. :)

Happy happy tagging!

Tag-- I'm it once again. :)

My friend and former BYU roommie (go cougars!) tagged me with this tag some time ago. You can depend on me to fulfill a tag... eventually. Blocked computer time is rare luxary here. Anyways, this one's kind of interesting--- seems to be trying to get me to reveal my dirty housekeeping secrets-- or just help prove none of us if perfect, but rather, especially with little kids, it's just all about survival. ;)

THE RULES: You have to take 10 pictures of the following things and you have to do it right away. No straitening, cleaning or wiping you kids nose (I mean it!). then you tag 6 others.

1. KIDS: It's "quiet time"-- since foregoing his daily nap, Benjamin watches a show of his choice for an hour or so. Here he's watching Thomas the Train. Yes, he just may be picking his nose. Sigh. We're working on that.Quiet time is simultaneous with Jonathan's nap time. I'm afraid I will not take a picture of him sleeping because it will wake him up and thus shatter my much needed (if brief) afternoon break. But, here's a picture of what he would be doing if he were awake.

2. BATHROOM: This is the boys' bathroom, which I suppose is fairly obvious with the duckies. We are actually lucky enough to have a master bath, too, but that's a dirty housekeeping secret I'm not willing to reveal. ;)

3. CLOSET: Oh, happy storage space.

4. FAVORITE SHOES: This is random, but here ya go! These are my "hot momma" shoes (as dubbed by my sweet sister). It's true, my calves look fantastic with them on--- good enough reason for them to be my favorite, eh? Dustin loves them, naturally, but won't let me wear them to church because he thinks they're too sexy. ;)
5. SELF PORTRAIT: Here I am, just previous to posting all this, outside attempting to kill the ants in the backyard for the 13880898001th time today. We've tried a bunch of other strategies (short of forking out moula for the pest guy), but those nasty buggers are resilient. We gotta get rid of them ASAP so our boys can enjoy this amazing weather. Wish us luck.
6. LAUNDRY ROOM: A little insert in the kitchen. We are SO lucky (blessed!) to have a good washer and dryer set right in our home. What would I do without it? It truly makes life so much easier.
7. THE KITCHEN SINK: Complete with breakfast dishes.
8. THE FRIDGE: Did you want to see the inside? Sorry, resident eyes only. ;)
9. FAVORITE ROOM: Our bedroom is my nightly respite from the daily storms of motherhood. :)
10. DREAM VACATION: Another random. :) Ummmmmmmmm.... golly, y'know, if I had more mental energy to be imaginative, I could probaly describe a European tour or African safari adventure or Hawaiian beach trip, but honestly, a week at a super luxurious resort or cushy cruise where everything is taken care of all the time sounds about right for now. I am truly grateful for the wonderful life I lead, but a break is most rejuvinating now and again. :)

I'm done. You're turn! I tag the first 6 bloggers who read this. ;) Leave a comment and let me know that you joined in on the fun. :)

PS: This post will make much more sense with this clarification--- it's actually Monday, October 13 at about 2pm, rather than Sunday night. ;)

Prop 102 (Calif. Prop 8) and other great articles on the subject

I support the state proposals to define marriage as one man and one woman.

Here is a great article expressing the position of our Church, of which we support whole-heartedly.

These propositions are about preserving God's divine establishment of marriage and the family. It's about preserving the rights of children to be raised by both a mother and a father. It's about preserving the religious right to voice one's own beliefs, which may be in jeopardy. And, perhaps most importantly, it is about preserving the acceptance of traditional family values in our already demoralized society.
For a great article see protectmarriage.com,also www.preservingmarriage.org for more good info.
-Dustin