what makes us really happy!

[Asteria]

In light of the blood boiling elsewhere - how about what makes us really really happy. Discuss....

My children, my dog.

Large G&T's in sunny gardens
Long overdue catch-ups with old friends
Pictures drawn by my DS
Sitting in front of the fire with a cup of tea and my DS, whilst watching a really good DVD

Sunshine, warm duvets, not having to do the school run, when DD runs to give me a big hug, a gummy smile from DD2, biscuits and time with my wonderful DH.

Listening to my dcs laughing together - it is rare but beautiful when it happens.

My dog's face when he is running off the lead.

My ds's pictures - he draws all the time and has some amazing ideas.

When my dcs run down the playground and hug me after a day at school.

When my dh brings home an unexpected gift eg little bunch of flowers, Maltesers etc.

When my dcs fall asleep on me - again rare now they are older but still magical.

When dd plays her violin just for fun, not as homework.

CHOCOLATE!

Ha ha - x post Asteria but how funny we both love our boys pictures.

Watching my labrador puppy chasing leaves in the wind
The birthday party that my friends threw for me the other day and realising that I have really really good friends
Losing half a stone without even trying to!

My 9 yr old dd and I learnt a new clapping game from the internet. That made us laugh!

In short, my family and dearest friends whom I love to bits. Especially when we are all just sitting around having a laugh and giggle.

Carrots - we clearly have very creative and fabulous DS's!
Feeling so much better for focusing on the things that I enjoy - although I have a list from here to eternity of things that I dislike!!

A sunny, crisp, cold day and walking the dog with the bird singing and the sun on my face.
Good music! (and going to gigs)
Spending time with my dh.
Getting the giggles with my dd.
Snuggling up in bed with dd for 5 minutes in the morning when we really ought to be getting up but it's too cosy and warm.
The smell of baking (and eating the cakes!)
My garden in summertime.

A hug from DD.
DD's dirty laugh - magnificent snigger for a 8 month old.
A good book and the time to read it
My oldest friends
DH (most of the time!)
The Maytals
Cake

My garden - seriously, I LOVE pottering around out there inspecting the new shoots and ordering dh where to plant new bushes etc gardening.

Saturday mornings when there is no school run and ds climbs into bed with us :)

Private messages on mnet and fb.

Frosty but sunny winter mornings.

Snuggling in bed with dcs when I read their bedtime stories.

The welcome the dog gives me when I come home.

Chatting on the phone with my Mum or my best mate.

Asteria I also lost half a stone without trying to - very very happy that day!

Jaffa - I also love the morning snuggle! My DS and I have perfected the 15 min out the door morning on school days so we can snuggle till well after 8 in the morning!

Yes, I third the morning snuggle - bliss

What a magic thread - thank you op.

Chocolate most of the time, except when I'm eating it bathed in a sweat of guilt because I weigh too much already

3yo DS volunteering that he "really does like you, mummy" (his highest accolade)

Singing

HAving a great chat with good friend(s)

DH having a day of not winding me up and us having a good laugh together

Watching rainbows and butterflies

DS "helping" me with stuff; and DS tidying his toys away without being asked; DS saying "thank you" in public with no reminders/prompting.

DS in general really, when he's not whinging about something!

family
friends
music
good books
walks alone
good food
finishing a project

Thumb - I also love singing, despite being horrendously out of tune.
Listening to my DS sing along to the radio - how does he know ALL the words?!
Big hot baths with a good book (until the puppy decides to join me!).
Loud supper parties with friends.
Picnics by rivers
this place any time of the year - it is so gorgeous and children love it. So much nicer than horrid indoor play places. We took friends and had a flask of hot chocolate to stave off the cold in Dec

Carrots - thank you re "magic thread" - I'm feeling so cheerful after reading everyone's posts

My lovely DD makes me happy. Most of the time.
She has a really unique way of looking at the world and makes me laugh. A lot.
Breaking the seal on a new bottle of gin.
Unwrapping a new packet of Marlboro.
Not having to defrost the car.
Long summer days. Roll on please.
My generous and kind DH too. Mostly.

DD most of the time
DH a lot of the time
our Pet Rabbit when he cheekily lets himself in through the cat flap to complain its cold & then does a "Benny Hill" around the house.
Sunny Days
Rainbows
Watching our Cats play together
looking at something I've just made/painted etc & thinking it looks good
Giving & Eating Good Food

oh & spotting rare birds & insects, or getting close to real wild animals :)

A toddler, learning to speak, when they say

"Lub you"