I wish it weren’t true. But it is. It takes major events for me to consider my life. Sprinting through my days, my perspective is set on the finish line. I suppose that isn’t terrible. But, I regularly fail to notice the happiness.
There are many gifts in my life that just make me smile. I believe they are from the Heavenly Father himself. Scripture says they are in James 1. (It is no surprise that once again I am learning a lesson directly from the words I’m trying to memorize…)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17
With these words in mind, I’m going to rehearse some of the things that move me to happiness – good things sent from above. I realize that happiness because of “stuff” is not a proper end – I can’t look to things to make me happy. But, I do believe that it is really really important to recognize the big and little things alike that God has given and be grateful for the love He shows in very unique ways. So, for this Tuesday its a list…
Happiness is…
My house, in all its “lived-in-ness” that makes it our home. Including the messes that my children make daily.
The piano, some fingers make music with it, some make noise, but I can’t deny that it all makes me smile.
Isaac. Emily. Mackenzie. Michael. My loves, who make life completely and entirely full.
The brightly colored floral duvet that is on our bed. for snuggles on chilly days and early mornings. or for springtime in my heart, even when it is gloomy out.
For the books and home school clutter that litter my dining room each day.
Brownies, fresh bread, cupcakes and other goodies- experiments from my kitchen that bring satisfaction and a bit of comfort too.
friends and family, near and far, who love and care, and do life with us. whether its over the phone or in person, they bring so much joy to the daily grind.
my husband playing his guitar with our own offspring gathered around helping. it makes my heart swell.
open windows and autumn’s fresh air, apple cider and fresh from the oven snicker doodles. This is fall – the best time of year.
There is more. much much more. and I don’t really have pictures for any of this – I’m not a real blogger without the photos, I understand. But, maybe I’ll capture a few joys on photo later today and post them. I plan to count my happinesses all day. all week. maybe even all month. hopefully longer.
just one of my heart-happy blessings, learning time with Isaac…
daily portion 
Did I tell you about my conversations with Isaac on Friday? So cute. When I told him I was going to write names on the cups, he said, “ok. My name is Isaac. i-s-a-a-c. Two A’s right beside each other.” Then, he had to check my work, “did you put too many A’s. Just two. That’s right.”
Then he told me that when he was a baby he did not cry when he took naps. He just went to his room and closed his eyes for a very long time. Now he doesn’t take naps except for at night and he calls that going to bed.
Then he launched right into this, “then one time, I woke up and i was free[3] years old and I wasn’t a baby anymore, I was Big Isaac, but I was wittle still but they called me Big Boy Isaac.”