30 things that make my heart happy

One of the things I want to do more of this year is to really focus on all of the little blessings that make my life joyful. I want to remember that the feelings these things give me are really touches from God, carefully selected to make me smile. Tonight I started a list (in no particular order) of some of those simple things that just bring happiness to my heart.

• photos of my kids that reveal their personalities


• the sound of coffee grinding


• handmade gifts from my kids


• the first day of flip-flop season


• downy-fresh, high thread count sheets on my bed


• the threat of a huge snowstorm


• an empty laundry chute (well, empty of clothes, there are always a couple of kids in it)


• a lit up Christmas tree in the dark living room


• the smell of freshly cut grass on summer evenings


• when God directs me to a Bible verse that speaks specifically to my situation


• the smell of sunscreen and chlorine on my children


• thunderstorms


• the nights David blows the hairdryer on the freezing cold sheets right when I get in (yes, he really does)


• doing pedicures with Riley


• a clean house


• being outside late at night when it is snowing


• true worship experiences


• a night with my girlfriends


• David on the morning we leave for vacation


• the smell of a just-opened package of diapers


• pulling our kids out of bed for a surprise ice cream run


• campfire roasted marshmallows


• redecorating a room


• finding an incredible bargain


• the smell of fresh paint (reminds me of a new baby on the way)


• hanging out in the library with my kids


• date nights with David


• the sound of my kids laughing together


• watching David karaoke (yes, Honey, watching..not hearing...sorry...love you)

So, what makes your heart happy?