K is thankful at 4

We did not plan anything special for K's birthday. It fell on a Wednesday, and just after Easter break. Most people were still trying to get back into the groove of life after that long break.
I wanted K to feel special, in some way , on her special day. For kids - dates are days - how do they actually tell the difference between yesterday, today and tomorrow?
I bought some balloons from National Bookstore and I scattered it around her in the morning before she woke up. I also put up the birthday buntings (thanks to Trisha of  Paper Treats!) that we used at her school treat - and added balloons for extra flair.
When K woke up - in her sleepy state - she asked:

K: why are there balloons on the bed?
Me: remember what day it is today?
K: (scratches her head)
Me: it's your....
K: ... Birthday!

Her reaction was priceless. With a big smile, K gives me a big hug and says, "thank you mommy! Thank you for my balloons!"

Later in the day, she got some new books as a present from us, and she got to have raspberry ice cream with extra candy sprinkles on top. Each time, she was thankful. It was a simple day, with none of the initial shebang I was hoping for (what mom does not want a big birthday event for her little princess?). We did not get to go to the pool for a swimming party, nor did we have time to have a romp out at the park. She had balloons when she woke up, she had special "decorations" that she did not want put away... and she had mommy for the day as I took a break from work. These simple joy completed her birthday. My prayer and wish is that she would continue to appreciate these things when she turns 7, 18, 35 and 67! Happy birthday K! I'm blessed to have such a grateful child as you.

If you're happy and you know it

I came across this inspiring article by Lisa Earle McLeod on not putting our own happiness on hold. I felt a connection to it immediately - because it's exactly how I choose to enjoy my life, by being constantly happy, BY CHOICE. My husband says I'm one of those irritatingly shiny, happy people of the world. I choose to find the good in every situation I end up in. I choose to smile, regardless of what tomorrow might bring. I find that it's a lot easier and healthier to look at the glass half filled rather than half empty.

Lisa (first name basis!) writes that research has shown that there are three factors that contribute to daily happiness and they are as follows:

1. Being part of something that brings meaning or a sense of purpose.

2. Being with family and friends.

3. Being kind and helping others.

She's so right to say that these things are all available to us right now - whatever situation you may find yourself in. I looked again into my daily routines and I realize the things that make me smile all do fall into one of these categories.

- The time I spend w my husband and kids - those precious minutes before bed are the icing to a long day.
- The sense of accomplishment after finishing a major presentation (regardless of how much nonsense went into the process - sometimes!) - and seeing that we've met our numbers.
- Answering a question from a twitter friend - or sharing articles with them.
- Smiling at the next person who walks in to my office and asks for a signature on a document.

Think of your day - what makes you smile? Those little pockets of sunshine are what makes you happy. Go ahead, take charge of your own hapiness. You deserve it.

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