The excitement of a trip across the country to see your friends and learn something new! It’s arriving at a grand hotel in a faraway city, and the first thing you notice is the beautiful light fixtures.
It’s enjoying regional cuisine, like fried green tomatoes . . .
. . . and wanting to bring home even more of the local specialties.
Happiness is meeting up with old friends you’ve missed so much, who just happen to live way too far away from you.
It’s sharing a long lunch with the nicest ladies . . .
From left: Ashley, Rhoda, Myra, Beth, Chris, Sarah, Shaunna, Traci, Layla
It’s making new girlfriends, but then acting like old ones.
Ashley & me
Happiness is when other creative people share your sense of humor . . .
. . . and discriminating thrift store hunting with the very best thrifters.
me, Chris, Myra, Rhoda & Sarah, pic shamelessly stolen from Beth
It’s goofing off in antique stores with the funniest friends.
Traci & Rhoda
Then spying a pretty find at that same store . . .
. . . and bringing it home to make it part of your home.
Happiness is crossing over the Sierras in a plane which means you’re almost home.
It’s waking up to the best surprise from a husband who missed you: all the plastic lids matched to all their plastic mates and organized into separate baskets. Just because he knew you’d appreciate it so much.
It’s watching your daughter craft a new masterpiece . . .
. . . and your son build his next of many skyscrapers.
Happiness is the realization that an orchid is actually reblooming in your home for the first time in your adult life. And the tenacity of that lone flowering plant in your kitchen window that completely ignores the fact that it’s winter.
It’s starting a new project over the weekend, one you’ve been meaning to get to for awhile.
Happiness is not a coveted ticket to the Academy Awards, but instead it is receiving a much more exclusive invitation: a 5 o’clock picnic on your staircase landing.
Happiness is realizing that when you wonder what you should write about, all you really need to do is count your blessings.
And because we should take Nothing for Granted, I received a touching email from the mother of Christie, a reader who’s third unborn son was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called truncus arteriosus. The newborn will require open heart surgery in his first month of life, and several surgeries after. Please take a moment to send all your thoughts and prayers to Christie and Jonathan during their troubled times.
What makes you happy lately ?
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You are truly blessed! Looks like a lot of fun!
Awesome Kate! Your kids look so happy!! Now I want to have a picnic on our stairs!!!
Major prayers for Christie & Jonathan and their baby boy.
After a day of dealing with the terrible two’s, I’m thankful that at least he’s healthy. Feisty, but healthy.
What a lovely post, Kate. Looks like Nashville treated you well.
Hate reading about that precious baby…will be thinking about that family.
Blissdom was a blast – I had no idea you were there. I must be pretty out of it. It was my first blog conference, and it was great – but what really made me happy was coming home. And getting to room with (and meet IRL) one of my first blog friends!
i’ve been a blog stalker of yours for a bit, now, and while i’m not much for leaving a comment, i had to this time. this post was delightful. beautiful. poignant. sweet. simple. thoughtful. and so appreciated. made me think and gave me inspiration for my own blog of sorts. thanks!
It’s too bad you didn’t get to see the hotel with her Christmas fanciness. It really is beautiful during the holidays – even more than what you saw, I promise. I grew up in Nashville – and still go home every holiday and make a special trip to the Opryland Hotel with my kids to see the lights.
Looks like you had a blast! But it looks like you had more fun after you got home. :D Enjoy this time – they grow up too fast.
Such a wonderful post. Especially the bit about the staircase landing picnic. Such a precious and familiar scene. Thanks for sharing. Trip sounded amazing. Will definitely add the dear baby to my prayers.
I love my life…36 years married, 3 grown children and 2 grandgirls, family, friends, and I’m also happy when I read blogs and and that includes CG. And tonight I’m tickled because it’s nearly time for our annual cruise…Caribbean, here we come!
Kate your posts never cease to amaze me!! So much fun and a super cute family!
Kate, come and join my new amazing giveaway by Splenderosa!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
What a beautiful post! My happiness is in waking up each day, having the gift of creativity and the funds to see my ideas through, all my loved ones, solitude, shelter, food, warmth, and health.
Funny shot ! I like it ! :)
What a sweet post, Kate. I will keep Christie and Jonathan in my thoughts and prayers.
What a sweet time! I’m praying for the wee li’l baby, his loved ones and the medical staff.
God Bless you!
Julie M.
Wow! How many hours in your day? You are one busy wonderful woman!
Looks like you had a fantastic time!
I so want that complaint department sign for my desk at work LOL!!
I was a newbie this year at Blissdom, you ladies have the right idea…next year I’m determined to get outside the hotel for some fun outings. :)
Kate, love seeing the pics from Blissdom… you all look like such fun ladies, can’t wait to go and meet you all in person someday :)
My thoughts are with that little baby who needs heart surgery.
Beautiful post, Kate! Will be praying for that sweet baby.
My thoughts and prayers are with Christie and Jonathon. I can’t imagine what that couple must be thinking. :(
A great post…I love to see little glimpses of bloggers’ lives. LOVE the pic of the kids and their picnic. Looks so much like what goes on at my house. Crown and all. :)
Precious post, Kate! I love your pictures.
You definitely have so many blessings to count!
And I count you as one of mine! ;)
Beautiful post. You made me stop and think of my happiness. So many blessings.
Love this post and all its happiness. The best things are often the simplest we just need to take time to enjoy them.
Thanks for this post today. It’s always great to be reminded of how blessed we are and that happiness is available when we decide to BE happy!
Wish I could have been there with you guys–looks like you had a great time together! And I have to say that a husband who organizes the Tupperware and lids is a keeper. :-)
P.S. Have you mentioned when your segment with Nate will air? I don’t want to miss it!
Ummm….meeting you at Blissdom? Made me very happy. Such a sweet post!! xo
I have that same carnival glass dish. It incorporated perfectly this Christmas, and will get left out year round because it makes me smile!
http://uneviechic.blogspot.com/2010/11/it-beginning-to-look-lot-like-christmas.html
What a sweet & thought provoking post … Thank you for sharing! Will definitely keep the sweet baby & his parents in my thoughts & prayers.
– Lauren
http://www.thepaintedcottageonine.blogspot.com
What a great way to start the week – thank you
Kate, I’d say your husband is a keeper. And that means he’s an excellent match for you, because you’re most definitely a keeper. What a beautiful post you’ve written here. Thank you for the timely reminder to count our blessings. And thanks for letting us know about Christie’s urgent need for prayer. I appreciate your willingness to use your platform with such kindness and generosity of spirit.
I loved this post!! Thanks for reflecting and sharing!
YOU make me happy. Seriously had a blast with you, and your hilariously sweet, fun, awesome self. Your children are adorable, love your carnival glass, and so glad you had a safe trip back. Praying for that family and their unborn child.
SO sweet! Thank you for this post Kate, it made my day. :)
Gretchen
You made me smile so big this morning! :-D
Thank you for EVERYTHING Kate. Miss you already!!!
Happiness is recognizing the good life when you’ve got it… awesome post! :)
Blast Kate! You got me all teared up first thing in the morning! I live in those Sierra mountains and I have three sons, so those two REALLY got to me. Lovely post and I will send a prayer out to those parents.
Great post. Made me miss those late afternoon “picnics”. Happiness to me is when my grown daughter actually wants to talk to me about her new boyfriend, working in my husbands office and we havent killed each other yet (in fact we enjoy it, who knew?) and a casual Mexican dinner out with friends. That pretty much sums up a perfect weekend. Its good to force us to think about the good things every once in a while…thanks
What a great post Kate, I guess this means you are not going to LA Feb 28 since you were already at this one? I’d love to meet you at some point. I did not know about this blogger conference. . .
Your kids are so adorable!!
x
Maria
Hanging with you last week was a highlight for me, my dear friend. Thanks for being YOU, love you girl!
Kate – it’s alwasy nice to see people reflect on what is really important. And our family will be praying for the unborn and their parents. God will be with them, whether they notice or not.
As for what makes me happy? The full sprint and jump on dad “Hello” hug and kiss when I first see them in the evening after work and their school. Takes all of the stress away, even if it doesn’t last too long.
How fun! And I especially love the picnic on the stairs. Isn’t it great being a mom : )
What a beautiful group of women. Must of been a blast! You have a gorgeous family ~ Praying for the little one and his parents
What a lovely post! And a good reminder of the important things in life – like our little people.
What a fun trip, I love seeing everyone’s pictures!!!
I think your hubby gets the award for the week!!!
Prayers for the little one, we have two friends that have gone through this, I’ll stop by her blog!
Take care
Kristin
I love the pictures. Thanks for sharing them and it looks like you had fun!
Beatuiful Post! I also have the goblet looking glass that you placed on your mantle. Mine is in the a really bright turquoise-ee blue. Glad you had fun at alt!
Great post! :) It was so fun finally meeting you.
Wow, it looks like you had a fabulous time and have much to be thankful for. Seeing your kids hanging out, playing, picnics at 5pm…I can’t wait to do all those things once we have a family one day. Your home seems like a cozy one where all are welcomed.
Thanks for sharing your joy with us! :)
Warmly,
Karla
Looks like you all had a fabulous time!! But, there’s still no place like home. Happiness for me lately has been my hubby coming home early to help out because he knows I’ve been a bit stressed lately!
HOW fun! I am so jealous!
PS
LOVE fried green tomatoes!
They just don’t do it right here in Colorado!
A great post indeed! I was thinking the same thing earlier- how we post all of these fun and helpful things each day- but there are so many things that are musch deeper and more meaningful- thank you for taking the time to share and reflect!
What a lovely post. It makes you happy.
Such a lovey post…I stopped the other morning and actually found myself counting my blessings..something I don’t seem to do often enough. I am truly blessed with 2 boys that I adore…a wonderful husband, friends who make my world go around…the list goes on…my home is evolving to feel more like me and that makes me happy as well…
Thanks for sharing Christie’s story. My third child, also a son, has a CHD. He was not expected to breathe his first breath, but he turns 2 on Feb. 19 so I guess he proved them wrong, huh?! I checked out Christie’s blog and left her a comment that we other heart moms are out here for her… and BTW, I love those light fixtures too!
Your white scarf from the first few photos is making me happy :) Where did you get it? It’s so true that you can’t take anything for granted. Life works in such mysterious ways, that I just have to take a second to be grateful for what I do have each day.
Many prayers to Christie and Jonathon. That’s true, we should never take anything for granted.
Love this post! Cute pics from Blissdom! And your kiddies are adorable.
Looks like a lot of fun!