Ten things that make me happy :-)

I recently was inspired to do this post after reading my friend Maegan's blog, which I might add is creatively cute and funny. So, thank you, Maegan, for the idea!

In no particular order and, trying my best not to be too general, here are ten things that make me happy:

1. Weekends-who doesn't like the weekend, right?! Of course I love the no-work aspect of the weekend, but what I really love are the early family traditions that we have already set in place. These include (frozen-turned-baked) pizza and a rented movie on Friday nights (and sometimes carry-out from a Mexican food restaurant in Rowlett called Pancho and Lefty's), homemade breakfasts (with an occasional run to the donut shop in our neighborhood) on Saturday mornings and Saturday errands/housework that has become more fun (and more challenging, for sure) with a little one around, church as a family on Sundays (best day of the week!), and some good 'ole grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup on Sunday nights. Sometimes we change the menu up a bit, but I will confess that we do have these go-to, quick and easy meals around here. Although they may be predictable, falling back on these little family rituals makes me happy :-)
2. Seeing Jameston's face light up when he sees me: Whether it is when I get him out of his crib in the morning, pick him up from daycare, or open the car door by his carseat. One of the best feelings in the world is seeing him recognize me and grin ear-to-ear. I guess it sure beats him crying when he sees me!
3. Watching Brett as a Dad: I think the second best feeling in the world is watching your spouse transform into an even better person. He was a great guy before we became parents (that's why I married him :-) but it is truly awesome watching him learn and go through this process of fatherhood. Oh, and it makes me so happy seeing him and JW together! Can't wait to continue this observation...I know, like item #2, it will only get better :-)
4. Helping people hear: Sure, I would like to be able to stay at home with my little boy, but I chose to go to school for seven LONG years (and now we're making up for it with my student loans). So, for now, I am a working mom, and both jobs make me so happy! It is wonderful to be able to give people the gift of hearing. I am blessed every day by my jobs as a mother and an Audiologist.
5. Spending time with my sisters: Although I am separated by them in age by six and ten years, we are the best of friends. If I need a good laugh or some reminiscing of sorts, I can always count on them for that. It is such a blessing to be going through motherhood with my middle sister, Lynnlee! And Brett and I are humbled that my youngest sister, Maggie, has decided to move in with us as she starts her first semester of college. Even though I am the oldest, they have taught me so much already in life.
   Okay, so after five sappy ones, here are five not-so-serious things that make me happy:

6. Mexican food: Any bad day can turn better if I can get my hands on some chips and salsa, guac, chicken fajitas, just about any kind of Mexican food (see #1). And it makes me even happier if the dish is prepared by someone else :-)

7. Being outdoors: Whatever form it may be (except when I was mucho preggo last summer), being outside trumps being cooped up inside in my book. I am hoping that we have a house one day with a wrap-around porch...a girl can dream, right? That would make me happy!

8. Sleep: Now that I fall into the category of those who are sleep-deprived, a good night's sleep would make me a very happy Mommy! Although it's happened maybe a handful of times in the last 9 months (since we were blessed with a firstborn who has not been the best sleeper), it's oh-so-worth it! So, I still "sleep when the baby sleeps," especially on Sunday afternoons, when we usually all try to get a nap in :-)

9. Pictures: old, new, mine or someone else's. I love looking at photos, because I think special occasions can be summed up perfectly with snapshots. I have been known to take out our wedding album and old scrapbooks and peruse them every now and again, just as a reminder of those special times. I hope to develop my photog skills in the years to come, so that I can provide our kiddos with reminders of their special memories.
10. Vacations: 'Nough said!

I hope you enjoyed reading!

Now, what ten things make you make you happy?