It’s time for another happiness report. I’m going to be honest here… I haven’t had a completely happy time of things lately. I guess I’ve never had a close family member die before, other than a grandparent, and I am surprised at how hard the grief from losing my brother is hitting me. My heart aches in a way that I haven’t experienced in a really long time (which means I am so blessed, right? It has been many, many years since I’ve felt this kind of heartache.)
Through this experience, I am trying even harder to find happiness in the little things. What’s listed here today may not seem like much, but even the smallest of joys in times like these can make a huge impact.
Leah, my 2 year old, is slightly obsessed with herself. Recently, she has taken to carrying this mirror around, looking into it, and saying “Leah pretty”. It makes my heart melt to see her loving herself so much. Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had that kind of positive attitude about ourselves?
Thanks to Pandora (which I love) I recently discovered music artist, Shannon Curtis. If you like soulful, beautiful music that really makes you feel, then you will love Shannon Curtis. Her album Boomerang & Seesaws is amazing and I love every song on it. Make sure to check her out!
Speaking of music, I got so tired of being without music in my bedroom / bathroom that I got rid of my clock radio that I’ve had since high school (which was a looooonnnnggg time ago) and finally got a docking station for our bedroom. It’s funny how such a simple change can bring daily happiness!
Don’t tell my Keurig, but I had a one day love affair today with Starbucks. I had to get my annual Pumpkin Spice Latte fix… nothing says Fall like the first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season and fall makes me very happy!
That’s it for now, my friends. Thanks for stopping by! I hope you’ll let me know what’s been making you happy lately. Take care!
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Well, all of the above make me happy FOR YOU! Let’s see, for me:
* I washed my hair! That made me happy.
* I just got back from seeing family. That made me happy.
* I went on a most crisp run this morning. That made me happy.
* I washed my hair! Oh, wait. WELL, it made me happy, what can I say!?
Kristen, as always, reading your posts makes me happy! Knowing that Fall is right around the corner makes me happy. And, just simply seeing my children smile, well, that makes me beyond happy.
Awwww, your daughter is beautiful! I love the way kids love themselves! Glad some happiness is coming your way.
I’m so sorry for your loss Kristen, I had no idea. You gorgeous daughter is definitely something to smile about though 🙂
I too have a Keurig. My hubby bought me one after our second daughter was born. Its the best! But I will never give up Starbucks 🙂
Ahh the pumpkin spice latte – reminds me on the fall when I was getting pregnant with my daughter – it was just after 9/11 and I was living in Manhattan and trying to understand what had just happened – to New York, America and the world – there is something so comforting in those flavors even today 10 years later. Hope time heals the pain of grief a little – in the meantime take a leaf out of your daughters book and look in the mirror and tell yourself how pretty you are!
I could really feel the melancholy & beauty in this piece. Thank you for sharing so truly. Your raw choice for the bright moments will surely carry you through. Warmly – Molly
Lately things that have been making me happy are:
*Taking showers (usually happens only during my son’s naptime), but it’s amazing how being clean and smelling nice helps my psyche.
*Cuddling with my son… he’s been more clingy lately and instead of thinking of all the things I need to be doing, I’m just enjoying it. Amazing how wonderful that time spent together is!
*Spending time together as a family… Labor day was great and my husband, son and I got to spend the whole day together.
Aw…so sweet! Love how lil’ ones can brighten our day! I too have lost loved one, and it’s not easy living somedays. But thankful like you, through music and my daughters brings so much to be thankful for! ASAP=Always Sending A Prayer
Oh DITTO! on the Starbuck’s Pumpkin Latte! Love this time of season 🙂
Need to get me one of those lattes! I just emailed you my happiness report tonight 😉
{{hugs}}
Reading this post brought me some happiness! 🙂 I just love that Leah!
I like your new alarm clock (hehe, mine is from childhood, bought as a twin to my sis’s, who was a teen at the time, I think. I think it could be called “vintage” now….).
You’re so lucky you can stream Pandora! During an insomnia bout, I was able to listen to it during the no-download-limit zone (satellite internet has its downsides) and discovered a nice, chillaxin’ song by All India Radio (not sure what the song’s called, sorry!). I’m also on Spotify — if I ever find out how to invite, I’ll send you one, okay?
Some happiness for me:
❤ Happy news from friends
❤ 18 eggs today from the girls (our hens), one of which weighed past the borderline for Extra Large on our ol’ egg scale! (I tried to take a pic, but it didn’t turn out well.)
❤ Discovering some (new to me) songs that I wouldn’t have thought I’d like but do. One is Bethe Bethe Kese Kese by Gaudi/(sampling?)Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
❤ today felt like fall!!! Yay!!! 🙂
❤ a bag of almonds to munch on, yum!
xo
Kristen, First off, I am sending you a big hug – because loss is never easy. Second, I am sending you a “high five” -because you are insightful enough to recognize the joy and grace of simple pleasures – those are what keep us going through the tough times and when you get right down to it, really are what life is all about.
Since I’ve yet to experience the Pumpkin Spice Latte, I think I’d best go in search of one.. a definite simple pleasure that I need to have in my life!
I think of you often and know it must not be easy but I have to believe that little tow headed girl can help to make things better. She is absolutely beautiful Kristen.
And do you know who Audra McDonald is…she of Private Practice? I’m sure her trips to some exotic land are actually her turns on Broadway, I think I love her voice above all others. Take a listen on iTunes; she is amazing.
I’m not so much a pumpkin spice latte as I am a gingerbread…but sure wish I could just call and we could meet there. Take very good care.
Love that photo of Leah. Priceless! Baby kicks are making me happy lately. Sometimes they are annoying, but it reminds me of our precious little baby who will soon be here!
Thanks for sharing Your true feelings! Love that Leah loves herself, may she always! I need to go and get one of those yummy lattes! What’s making me happy these days. Is that the lord answered our prayers and we got past one of life’s tests. Life s good again 🙂 hugs from Conroe, Texas!
P.s. Your blog always makes me happy and hungry 😉 lol
I am so sorry about your loss, Kristen. I wish you peace, strength, and happier times 🙂
And I hope the pumpkin latte was amazing going down. I need to pick one up. I dont even love pumpkin but those are so good!
I’m glad you’re able to take pleasure in the small things. I am definitely going to check out Shannon Curtis’ music. My mom lost her sister years ago and I remember how painful it was. I admire you for being able to share your feelings with us. Xo
Oh my gosh I ADORE the pumpkin spice latte! I didn’t know they were here already! Guess I know where I am going in a bit!
Love that your little one carries a mirror ~ so sweet!
I love your Happiness Reports!!
Leah melts my heart!♥
what makes me happy lately?
my friends
my new jeans (they’d make me a LOT happier if they were a size smaller lol)
my new camera lens
This cool morning breeze is making me happy today; seeing pumpkin-everything pop up everywhere is definitely happiness and hearing that the pumpkin spice latte has arrived is double happiness. Glad to hear that you are finding happiness in everyday! I really enjoy these posts that you share!
So fun to see Leah growing! I remember holding her when she was only a few months old I think. She’s a beauty!
The docking station – brilliant! We have music in all areas of our home except our bedroom/bath. And I too have a very old clock radio. Very. Old.
I’m thinking today may have to include a trip to Starbucks for the same. ; )
I can’t wait to splurge and have my first pumpkin latte of the season! Might have to do that this week 🙂 And good music makes like SO much better!
Things that make me happy:
– you
– listening to Jacob talk after football practice
– watching Kelly read
– getting a hug from Ella
– Leah’s smile
– the change in the weather
– the girls wearing winter p.j.’s because it is < 70
You make me happy 🙂
Ah Kristen you are on the right track my friend. Let the light shine in!!
When I was facing the days without my mom there with me and when the weight of her absence was too hard to bear I too turned to those things that lifted me. I let the tears flow and knew Mom would want me to keep going, be happy and remember she was gone from sight but always with me.
I found strength in the things that made me smile and gave the courage to keep going. This song by Carmen is and was one of the things I always turned to in those darker days. It’s up lifting beat and words get down to my soul and in those days when missing mom hits me the most I put this song on and find my self dancing and crying and laughing all at once.
Maybe it’ll help you on those days too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYfk4F0GuLI
Peace and Light!
Tara
I love seeing sweet Leah loving herself! It just proves what great parents she has that she feels so confident in herself.
I love this post. ♥
I’m thankful for:
*kiddo feeling better after 2 days of sick
*getting new carpet, although it took kiddo throwing up on it to do so
*morning temps in the 50’s
Listening to Shannon Curtis now…love her! Perfect for this rainy day. Thanks for introducing her to me. Your daughter is precious. With my daughter about to turn one, I’ve been thinking a lot about what being a mom means to me. It is just beyond amazing. So amazing. That’s what makes me happy. 🙂
I admire you for posting your happiness reports! We lost my stepdad in a horrible construction accident on Christmas day ’09. Grief can consume your life. Even though it’s been over a year & a half it’s still a struggle. So thank you for inspiring me with your happiness report!! The simple things that make me happy:
My 2 1/2 year-old’s face lighting up from the simple things like petting his dog or playing trains and tractors
This absolutely beautiful day!
The Pioneer Woman’s pancakes made with freshly laid eggs & covered in freshly picked peaches.
My hubby’s laugh.
All three of my boys getting along & actually playing instead of fighting.
Have a great day! You & your family are in my thoughts.
I think it’s hugely admirable that you’re taking the time to find happiness in the midst of what’s obviously such a hard time. Know that all of your readers are thinking about you, too–maybe a little more happiness?
The post from Husband. Knowing your brother is, along with Grandma, watching over all of us. My grandchildren. Enjoying a beautiful, somewhat cool, day here. Feeling really good. Hoping you take the suggestion above about looking into the mirror and knowing you are pretty. Enjoying living with Dad. Friends. Having God watching over me and my family. Your pictures on Instagram.
I am so sorry for your lost Kristen, I wish you and your family Peace and Strength.
What a lovely post and your daughter is so beautiful…
Thanks for sharing your feelings with us, its so true happiness does not need big moments only; we can find it in little small things…
For me
Your post and blog makes me happy,
Seeing my kids smile makes me happy,
Waiting for fall makes me happy,
A silly thanks from my husband makes me happy..
Being alive and surrounded by family and friends makes me happy…
you. these happiness reports. your family who loves you enough to come here, read your words and leave you affirmation as to what a gift you are to them. your instagram photos of what is going on in your day – for sharing your life w/us. for lessons learned, even when they are hard. the love of my life, my professor . . . and that, in itself, is enough.
Kristen,
I have been thinking of you. You are so generous with your happiness and everything you share here- thank you.
Wishing you and your family blessings and more happy moments.
XO, Heather
Knowing you makes me happy. Love this *happiness report* we all need a reminder to stop. and pay attention to the little things that make us smile.
Needed a reminder to do just that today. Thank you sweet Kristen. Thank you.
Big, warm, HUGS to you.
Okay my heart melted seeing your husband’s comment! Knowing that you have the love and support of your family and friends during this difficult time makes me happy.
Hugs! I’m sorry you are going through such pain. This is not the end, I believe you will see your brother again. Your daughter is beautiful and bravo for you looking for the positive things in your life.
I forgot my happy things….
My dogs when they find out it’s time to eat (kibble again). They bounce and do doggy yoga.
Chubby baby toes.
Looking at beautiful food pictures. It makes me happy not hungry. Weird.
Your blog.
It’s amazing how the little things can keep you going when times get tough. For me, happiness is having time to read, having time to myself, and then having the kids come home from school.
It is truly essential to celebrate the little things…. I too am having a love affair with my Starbucks pumpkin spice latte:)
When my brother died 32 years ago (!), it changed my life forever. Just so you know, it’s ok to feel that life as you knew it will never come again. Finding happiness in the real, true, daily events is the only way through…
I think the littlest things are what tend to make us the happiest… if we just take the moment to notice and enjoy them. love that photo of Leah looking in the mirror… precious!
Kristin, I always love to read your happiness reports. Leah & her mirror are precious. I have never heard of that singer, but I will be in the lookout for her CD now 🙂 Hang in there friend. I know you have been sad. Perhaps a few more pumpkin lattes will help ease a tiny bit of pain.
I applaud you for being able to create a happiness report when happiness is probably one word you wouldnt use to describe this time in your life. That first photo of Leah literally melted my heart, its a beautiful photo and such a meaningful sentiment that goes with it, if only we could all be like her indeed 🙂
I just found out I’m about to have my very first angel-grand-daughter. Now that’s no small HAPPY! My two grand-sons can’t wait to welcome their new cousin in February 2012. Love and best wishes to all.
Your daughter is scrumptious and I am so thrilled to hear that the pumpkin spice latte is in season once more. I’m also sorry for what you’re going through. I went through it earlier this year and I promise it will get easier and make you a better person.
I’m happy that we’re using the duvet for the first time this fall but we’ve still got the windows open, so the temperature under there is PERFECT. Cozy with the need for coziness.
Bad zombie movies from Japan (Wild Zero) and good zombie movies from Norway (Dead Snow) are also making me happy right now.
And I’m happy for you that you can find some small pieces of happiness these days.
That photo of Leah looking at herself in the mirror is just brilliant! I hope she keeps that positive self image her whole life..:) it’s typically the little things that make ne happy: the first smell if autumn, a really good coffee ( I want that spice latte!) or a really good meal with loved ones..
Thanks for linking up Kristen! I featured your post in my wrap up http://tidymom.net/2011/never-forget/
Have a great rest of the weekend.
I’m late to this, but just wanted to say that I loved your list of little things. It is so hard to see these things when you’re feeling so sad, but I think it’s wonderful that you could find these things to list. And your husband’s reply made me smile too. Very sweet.
Cheers to pumpkin lattes!! I’m so happy that autumn has finally arrived here. 🙂 Bring on the hoodies, warm drinks, and cozy moments around the fireplace. Praying for you and your family today. Still thinking about you all often…
Thank you for introducing me to Shannon Curtis. I’m always looking for a good female soulful voice. I can’t get enough Adele lately. She makes me sing and makes me cry.
I’m glad you are finding happiness in simple things. It’s a challenge sometimes. Your daughter and her obsession with herself is adorable. Absolutely adorable.
Totally agree about the pumpkin spice lattes. Happiness in a cup!!
Thanks for sharing such a personal account, it’s very touching and affirming of our shared happiness and sorrow. And Leah IS pretty!
Thanks for sharing such a personal account, it’s very touching and affirming of our shared happiness and sorrow. And Leah IS pretty!