Happiness 101

So my LEOW pal Natalie from over at Martin Enterprises decided to award me with the Happiness 101 Award. Not sure if thats because I am just bursting with so much happiness or maybe because she just hopes that I take some time to reflect and share the things that I'm happy about. Think I did this not that long ago but my list is always changing as I'm sure most of yours are too. Here goes:

1-Little Munchkin has been sleeping really well. Thank heavens! What a difference sleep makes. FOR EVERYBODY!!!

2-This Sunday Cop Dad and I will be going on a long overdue date night. Not sure how it will go but we will give it a shot. It's been about 7 months since the last one.

3-Started drinking coffee again. Last time it bothered Little Munchkin too much so I waited til now because the books and LC's said age can make them less sensitive. Feeling human again, I get so much done and mommy is so much happier with her coffee.

4-Going to start making recycled button necklaces. I am asking people for old buttons. I saw these cool necklaces at The Morton Arboretum Store and thought, 'I can do that!' Now just trying to get my materials together to start making them. Then I was going to try to sell them on Etsy maybe give a % to a police charity? Dunno, just brainstorming for now. Maybe I can sit in the garage after kids go to bed, make necklaces and listen to some music and reconnect with my inner artist? Just thinking about it is making me happy :)

5-Will be hitting the gym starting tomorrow. It's been forever. I used to go daily and it made such a difference mentally and physically. Had to stop with pg, then it's like been impossible to go and get shower and do all my other duties. Now, we are going to try again. Amen!

6-Want to go back to church. Haven't been there forever either. Before it was like everything/everybody was fighting my want and need to go. It's just plain necessary for us. Makes us happy!

7-Getting projects done!!! I Got flexible drain pipe laid in front by new driveway by myself. Then replaced tub spout cause the old one was leaking tons of water down the drain when you flipped the shower switch on. Hot water ran out really fast and water pressure was low. All good now! Also just trimmed hedges in front too. They were ridiculously huge. Done!

8-June is raise month! Can I get an Amen?!?! We are so tight. Which is fine but gets harder when you have more expenses. This is a big increase in the steps, no mansions or trips to Rome just ease of paying for life expenses. More peace of mind. Hallelujah!

9-Got a new sprinkler and 2 boxes of popsicles. Filled up the kiddie pool and can now sit under the umbrella with Little Munchkin on the blanket (she can sit up now!!!) and watch Little Buddy. Bring on summer!

10-Tango is cured! Finally! Long story short. Tango had bad smell, major hair loss constantly, always scooting butt around (Ewwwww!) Thank God we don't have carpet! Big scabby, bloody sores around mouth and reocurring bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. F-O-R Y-E-A-R-S!!! Our vet just kept telling us that some dogs were like that. But he wasn't like that the first few years we had him. AND he said that he may want to surgically remove part of his lips so it didn't keep getting infected?!?!

Switched vets. Found two problems in less than 30 minutes. Two major infections!!! Our old vet never swabbed him for anything! He has been on meds for the last month. Got rid of plastic bowls. Changed food. He is better than he's been in years :) Poor doggy, bad old vet, bad owners, good new vet, happy us! All problems are gone!!!

11-Sweet baby moments, funny toddler conversations, brotherly/sisterly love, playing in the yard, walks, exploring nature, opening windows, cooking on the grill, zoo, forest preserve excursions, eating anything on the deck, dancing in the kitchen with Little Buddy and making baby laugh, talking things out calmly with Cop Dad, watching the garden grow, watching birds & bugs & critters with Little Buddy, talking to another mom and realizing I am not a weirdo but totally normal, I could go on. Doesn't take much, I'm easily thrilled!

12-Almost forgot, bedtime is getting easier. Little Munchkin sits in her Bumbo and watches me get big brother ready for bed. No more crying and screaming. Ugh, so glad that she's grown out of that.

Thanks Natalie! Feel free to take this and run with it. Award yourself or someone that would appreciate it.