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!