Thursday, August 21, 2008

Things That Make Me Happy

They say it's the little things in life that makes us happy. That certainly holds true most of the time. You know you' ve had a good day when you can sit down at the end of the night and think of good that has happened that day, big or small. Then there are days when life throws you a curve ball and you have to deal with it whether you like it or not. Some days the good things don't always come to you.........some days you have to search for the good things and find ways to make yourself happy. I've had some hard days lately, but am trying to focus on the positives......I've found 5 things that make me happy this week and wanted to share them.

Caprese Salad. What can be better than Fresh Basil (from my herb garden), fresh mozzarella (on sale nonetheless!), and home grown tomatoes (from my mom's garden because herbs are apparently the only edible thing I can grow). Drizzle a little EVOO (extra virgin olive oil for you non-Rachael Ray fans) and some black pepper and you have one yummy lunch.

School supplies. Yes I had to buy myself some things too. Why should the kids have all the fun?? Back to school time is also my time to get re-organized. I had to get these folders to go along with the matching binders I bought last year to keep all of my "stuff" organized. I found these awesome notepads at Michael's when I was in FL. Both are magnetic for the fridge....I can keep a list of "to do's" for every day of the week and keep a list of what we will cook every day that week and the ingredients I'll need to buy on the side. Let's see how well I keep up with that craziness!

When I'm upset, I organize or clean. I've put off the computer area all summer because it was horrible and I just felt overwhelmed every time I went near it. Even sitting at the computer I could feel my OCD telling me to take care of the clutter but the rest of me yelling "Nooooooo!". Sunday I broke down and went through EVERYTHING. Now look how neat and organized I'll be. Just ignore the fingerprints on the computer screen. I didn't say I cleaned it too!
How do you know fall is on the way??? Candy corn, baby!!! One of my many guilty pleasures......candy corn mixed with dry roasted peanuts. Yummy. Whoever thought of putting those together was a genius. I was at HyVee on Monday and saw the candy corn and it made me smile, had to buy it.

Another sign of fall........Pumpkin Pie Spice Coffee Creamer, Dianna and I's coffee addiction. Why they don't just sell this stuff year 'round I'll never know. D and I could probably keep them in business with it ourselves. When the holidays are over, I start stocking up for fear of coming to the store and seeing that it's gone for another year. Oh my sweet sweet pumpkin pie spice, come to momma. Some days it's more like "would you like a little coffee with your pumpkin pie spice creamer?" Yeah, I've got it bad.

And one bonus "Happy". Last but certainly not the least....My Dad. I love you Dad. You are always on my mind.

Look at all of those crazy grandkids. How could that NOT make him happy?? :)

What Makes You Happy????

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

yes yes yes please!! lovin the "simplicity" of your HAPPINESS!!!

Anonymous said...

The first day of school. The nervous smiles you get along with the hugs. It is great to begin a new year. What other job do you get to start all over every 9 months and it will never be the same?

Have you tried freezing the "Pumpkin Pie Creamer?" I wonder if you can and get it out in March?

Anonymous said...

Great Post Kel...made me smile and tear up too. You know you have the true key to happiness.... YOU have to make YOU happy, and it is not anyone elses job but YOURS!

We call candy corn and Peanuts "the RECIPE" I've been making it for years, and for a long time people would ask me for the recipe.

Not much better in life than home grown tomatoes in summer time OR new school supplies, OR any part of a really CLEAN house...You've picked some great positives for the week. (you can keep the pumpkin pie creamer, but if you make a real pumpkin pie, I'm there for you)

And as for your dad...we all love him, he make us all smile (or laugh hysterically) but that might just be him!!! Of course YOU get the distinction of being his one and only "daddy's girl".

Mary said...

Wow! I am glad to know that others struggle to find the positives in their days at times. Thank you for the validation! But, right now, my family makes me happy. I love all of them sooo much!

Kat said...

That salad looks divine!!! And I must try that coffee creamer. I have the vanilla carmel one right now.

The boys and I had a BLAST playing at the beach for a few hours today. That made me happy. :)

Shonda Little said...

I have some things for you to organize, for your own happiness, of course.
Have you ever tried the Creme Brulee Coffee Mate? It's pretty freakin' good.

CFC Flames '04 said...

What a wonderful, wonderful post! :)

No matter what happens my Ethan ALWAYS says "Look on the bright side." and then points it out to us. He is SO positive. Where he got that from, I don't know...

Deb said...

'the RECIPE' is one of our households favorites too! :-) Awesome post Kelly! Have a joyous day today!

Sandra Carvalho said...

I hear you girl!
And your computer area looks great!I'm needing some cleaning to clear up my mind too...
And your dad's pic is just lovely!
xoxo

Munchkins and Music said...

That looks yummy! And good job on your computer area looks good !!

Anonymous said...

I still enjoy the first day of school...even with none to watch go. I think of my days of going back to QC and seeing my friends after the summer.....always happy thoughts. Hugs and stories from the grandkids ALWAYS makes me happy.....and sitting on the porch swing reading a good book

dianna said...

My Fam
My BEST FRIEND :)
Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer
Craft supplies
David Cook grabbing my *ss

4funboys said...

I'd love a plate... to go please.

yummers!

ps... I'd also love you to come my way the next time the mood strikes to clean and organize!!! What a great space.

I've so many things to be happy about... but this weekend... I'm still not thinking about those things. I need to though...

OHmommy said...

Oh yes. Candy corn makes me VERY happy.