What I'm Thankful For

Today, I am joining The Knight's Place for a What I'm Thankful For link party! 

I am thankful for so many things, but these are just a few that I am thankful for at this very moment! 

I am thankful to be married to an amazing man that works so hard for our family & loves me  even with all my quirks for the last 16 1/2 years! He is the love of my life and I can't imagine life without him!

I am thankful to live in a small town where I drive to work on country roads. I love the simple beauty of barns & fields. 

I am so thankful for beautiful sunsets. Watching the sun rise & fall remind me of my aunt Nan every single day. Whenever I see the sun peeking through, I feel like she is giving me a nudge that she is watching over me. 

I am so thankful for my family; they are my world. I am so blessed to have two healthy beautiful children and a wonderful husband. 

I am thankful to have moments to read books with my children in their nice warm beds. Reading my old chapter books together has been such a gift these past few weeks. 

I am thankful for craft time. My children share my love of crafting. I love seeing them create & use their imaginations. 

I am so thankful for these two goofy, loving, huggable, cuddly kiddos.

I am thankful for random evenings. On Tuesday, we decided to run to the grocery store at 7pm to pick up one ingredient to make Puppy Chow. We usually save it for Christmas time, but decided ...Why Not? Delicious treats don't have to wait for special occasions. 

I am thankful for wonderful neighbors & friends. This week, the kids and I made our favorite muffins to share with our closest neighbors & my coworkers to let them know we are thankful for their friendship! Sharing kindness with others makes me feel SOOOO good inside, I can hardly describe it!

Have a blessed & Happy Thanksgiving! 

What are YOU most thankful for? 

If you would like to JOIN US, click the link below!

most happy when...

Usually when I  discuss happiness or how to choose happy on my blog posts, I am giving people ideas on how to choose happy or one of my many favorite happiness quotes. But today, I decided to get feedback from some very dear mom friends of mine that I have known for the last 8 years on my online mom's group! I absolutely LOVE hearing how each individual person identifies with their own happiness! 

Happiness is something I work for on a daily basis, it isn't always easy for me to choose happy when I am having a hard day or my children are making me crazy, but I try to get past it if I can and find happiness in some of the simplest things. 

I am excited to share with you their view's on when they are the most happy! ENJOY!

Ellie- 35, Colorado... I'm most happy when I am creating something new and learning new techniques for creating the new stuff. If life gets in the way of creating I get cranky. I'm constantly learning new stuff and applying in to things I can create. I love the learning and planning process. A successful execution is the cherry on top but the planning and learning are the most fun for me. The most I will use a pattern or plan for is inspiration and a learning block to get me where I want to go. I create with wood, fabric, thread, yarn, paint and lots of variations in a theme, purse making yes, silk ribbon embroidery, yes, they both fall under fabric along with lots of other things. 





Manda- 39, Florida ... I know I've made a difference in other people's lives. When I see my children make good decisions, I know I've made a difference. When I've helped my fellow man find hope for the future, I know I've made a difference (jw.org), when I've helped other women  find answers to their health problems, namely PMDD, I know I've made a difference. (thepremenstrualproblem.wordpress.com) When I see the difference I've made in their lives is when I am most happy.



 




Stephanie-33, Wisconsin...I am happy when taking long drives on county highways, usually with my kids. This is when I get to spend time in a place where I feel totally comfortable and adequate just being myself. I feel a little bad that my happiest activity doesn't really involve my husband, but the experience wouldn't be so sumptuous if it included Ozzy's Boneyard or a lot of conversation. Instead I listen to the music that moves me, I share it with my kids, I fulfill a little bit of wanderlust, and I enjoy the scenery. I have a lot of self doubt that often manifests as anxiety about how others are judging me. Even sharing this paragraph makes me feel self conscious. But an hour or more away from home, driving through the farmland that just feels right in my bones to buy fresh donuts or the world's best steak and eggs with American fries- my messy house doesn't matter, my attire is always perfectly great, and I'm a good mom.



Ashley-28, Wisconsin... I'm most happy when... I can sit back and enjoy life for a minute. The biggest way this happens is seeing the rare moment that all 3 of my kids are not only getting along but playing together. I love seeing them work to make each other laugh. I'm not talking a simple giggle but rather big belly laughs. True, genuine happiness coming from them- seeing that they don't have a care or issue in the world and I can simply enjoy being in the moment. I was an only child and never had the chance to experience having a sibling. I love seeing their bond- the good bad and ugly sides. How vastly different their personalities are, yet how similar they are deep down.



 

Sandy-36, Louisana...I am most happy when I realize that, sometimes, I really am getting this parenting thing right. As a stay at home, homeschooling mom, my job has become my three boys. I devote a large part of myself to their education and, some days, I feel like we take for granted our time together. Days like today, when we can stop schooling for the day, and I ask the kids what they want to do. Nine times out of ten, they want to do science experiments. They definitely know the way to this biologist’s heart. As I watch them play with others, taking turns, sharing, and being kind, I realize that they do listen to lessons I teach and they just may become the kind adults I’m striving to raise. My heart swells seeing the things that I overlook while we are in the trenches of our day to day routine, such as their love of learning and the sweet, sweet hearts.  

Nicole-31, Wisconsin...I'm most happy when I get to sit down and go through the day's pictures. Yes, I'm that mom that's snapping pictures all day. Constantly telling my kids to smile and look at the camera. But i'm also that mom who sneaks quick pics without anyone knowing. I'll check on my sleeping baby and risk waking her just to get that adorable picture of her snuggling her favorite stuffed animal, that I'll cherish forever. I'm the wife who sees my husband letting our daughters "braid" his hair and I just have to whip out a camera and savor the moment. Some would say I'm living life through a lens, and that may be true. It's also true that I'll never stop. Because as I lay in bed at night and go through the pictures I've taken that day, my heart smiles. I am so full of love and joy as I see all the moments, emotions, and memories I was able to capture. That is when I'm most happy.



and finally.....

Me- 33, Wisconsin... I am having a hard time knowing where to start. There are so many different aspects of my life that make me happy. I am most happy when I do something good to help others. It gives me the biggest smile & makes me feel so good. I have realized over the years that random acts of kindness can make someone's day, someone's week, or even someone's life. I am also most happy when I spend time with my husband & my kids in the great outdoors. I love to explore & love teaching my kids about how incredible nature is!  
These are a few other times when I am the most happy...  
- When I can laugh with girlfriends and have no sense of time or urgency to be anywhere!
-Saturday morning quiet time in the living room with my kids & making breakfast together!
-I'm happiest when I have things to look forward to. I am a planner & I just love looking forward to fun plans & trips as a family. Sometimes being a planner is a blessing & a curse.

When are YOU most happy? 

I would love to hear from you in the comment section below!

sometimes choosing happy is...

I apologize for being MIA lately. Between our Colorado vacation, working full time, spending every moment we can outside and life in general, I have not been spending much time on the blog. I promise I have a lot of fun posts coming up about our vacation, What I Wore, DIY posts and exciting news coming soon!  

I read this beautiful quote this morning on Instagram, that I can't wait to write on my chalkboard at home:  "Many things are good, many are important, but only a few are ESSENTIAL". What an incredible quote to really explain so many aspects of life!

Today, I am sharing how I choose happy sometimes...

//sometimes choosing happy is going to the new Minion movie instead of doing chores

//sometimes choosing happy is playing baseball outside with the kids instead of writing a blog post

//sometimes choosing happy is relaxing with my husband on the couch instead of updating my social media  

//sometimes choosing happy is remembering that long summer nights are what lasting memories are made of

//sometimes choosing happy is trying a new smoothie at Jamba Juice

//sometimes choosing happy is taking moments for myself and not feeling guilty about it

//sometimes choosing happy is sipping an ice cold mojito while catching up with my best friends

//sometimes choosing happy is smelling a fresh bouquet of flowers on my kitchen table 


I could go on and on...but you get the point.  I hope you are taking time to Choose Happy this summer and enjoy it with family & friends!  Have a great day & remember to take a BIG deep breath, hold your head high & Choose Happy! 

How are YOU Choosing Happy right now?

7 things that make me HAPPY

Happy Friday! Today, I am sharing 7 things that make me Happy!  Some may be big things, some may be just the little things. But this week, these are the things that came to my mind that make me HAPPY! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.


1. Beautiful sunrises & sunsets from the courtesy of my own driveway

2. Warm cozy socks on cold winter days

via 

3. Sharing delicious Trentadue Red Wine with my girlfriends 
I am so blessed to have wonderful friends. I bought this bottle of wine 2 1/2 years ago when I went to Sonoma!

via

4. Ingenious husbands that help out when you are in a pickle
Thursday night, I decided to try a Pinterest recipe for a green eggs & ham treat for Dr Seuss week at school. It didn't work so well, as you can see.... so my hubby advised me to try melting white chocolate instead in a bowl & then pouring it onto the pretzels with a spoon. I added a little coconut oil and we were good to go!

Pinterest fail

Hubby for the win

5. Daily morning cuddles from my adorable children

I wish I had photos of these moments but at this time of day, there is not a cell phone in sight. I just love feeling them crawl into bed with me saying "morning mom, I love you" and squeezing me tight. These moments will be engrained in my mind forever and I dread the day that my kids are "too big" for this special morning time.

6. New shoes!
I bought these adorable Keds shoes for vacation and I can't wait to wear them! They are so comfortable.

7.  Friday's - T.G.I.F. 
It has been a long week and I am looking forward to some down time, a nap and possibly a big glass of wine this weekend! 

What makes you happy? 

Happy Friday

Happy Friday Choose Happy friends! 

I had every intention of writing a fun blog post last night & it just didn't happen. I decided after my workout that relaxing sounded like a better idea. Working full time, being a mom, wife, friend, blogging, working out and life in general...Some days it's more important to take a moment to myself. 

 After being followed by Jessica Turner on Twitter yesterday (I was just a tad bit excited!), I read a little bit more about her new book that I had just heard about on Instagram called The Fringe Hours. I can't wait to read it now and I encourage you to order it too. This book is about carving out time for yourself by pursuing your passions & practicing self care. I believe this is soooo important and try to do this myself as much as I can! 

 
Have a wonderful weekend and remember to Choose Kindness and Laugh often! For more great photos like the one below, Follow me on INSTAGRAM!

7 things that make me Happy

Happy Friday! Today, I am just sharing 7 things that make me Happy!  Some may be big things, some may be just the little things. But this week, these are the things that came to my mind that make me HAPPY! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.


1. Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Mmmm... I eat it with apple slices, grapes, crackers, burgers, red wine, you name it...I can make a pairing with it! It is Delicious. I am lucky to have a cheese factory so close to my home!

2. Cuddling in my warm quilt in my bed on cold mornings
I love my bed, it is so comfy & warm. My grandma bought us this quilt for a wedding gift 9 1/2 years ago. We use it for fall & winter because it is so comfy & warm! 

3. Saturday morning breakfast with my family 
So blessed to have a helpful little boy in my life. He is only 6, but has a heart of gold & always loves to help mom! 

4. A fresh haircut 

I feel like a new girl. Last week I had my hair cut, thinned and a demi glaze. It's amazing what a fresh haircut can do for you!

5. Dance parties in the kitchen

My kids LOVE music, I mean LOVE it. The first thing my daughter does when she turns on the Ipad is turning on the Itunes for her favorite tunes. They get that from their Dad! ha  Sometimes we have random dance parties in the kitchen while I am making dinner! It always shakes things up, especially if one of us has had a hard day!

 

Last nights crazy dance moves & selfies to Alien Ant Farm while dinner was cooking. 

6. Fresh flowers 
I love fresh flowers on my kitchen table, no matter what time of year it is! It always brightens up the room!

7.  Love notes from my children 
I will keep these notes forever. My son was coloring and working on random art stuff at the counter a few weeks ago. I had been doing dishes and other chores in the kitchen. He yelled to me & his sister to come to our rooms to see something. After a few minutes, I headed down there to see what he wanted to show us. He had made us both I Love You notes and taped them to our doorways for us. He was so proud of what he made. I was overjoyed and taped it to my closet door where it will stay. Love that boy!

What makes you happy? 

Choosing Happiness Link Up - Day 6

Good Morning & Welcome to Choose Happy!

Today is the sixth & FINAL day of my Choosing Happiness Link Up Party. This Link Up is intended to learn more about what makes everyone happy, what happiness is to different people & learn how we can share our happiness with those around us. I hope this post series inspires you to Choose Happiness & to help spread it those around you. This link up will take place every Thursday from October 2nd through November 6th.

What I learned from my Happiness Link Up:
 
Week 1: Happiness to me means being content with what I have & living each day to the fullest potential, because I am not guaranteed tomorrow. Happiness isn't a thing, a person or a gesture. Happiness to me is an every day journey of trying to be the best person I can be & be happy doing it!

Week 2: My purpose in life is to make people smile, make someone's day a little brighter, & make those close to me feel that they are loved. Hospitality was born in me. I learned a great deal from my grandmother & my mother.

Week 3: I can make a difference in other's lives. One simple way I can do this is by simple acts of kindness. A smile, a touch, a kind word or a simple gift can go such a long way. 

Week 4: Even though I didn't have my own happiness story for the week, I was reminded that I was still having my own happy moments & so many people around me had their own happy stories, that in turn were making me HAPPY too!

Week 5:  I was reminded by all of my FAVORITE happiness quotes, that I am so blessed. Blessed to have amazing family, wonderful friends, and love this life God has given me. I choose every single day to Choose Happy. "thanks Nan"


 
Thank you so much to those who joined my first link up series! Thank you to those of you who gave me wonderful comments & feedback. I hope to do another link up series later this spring! I am still learning about this whole blogging world & appreciate all of you!

{via}

 

Thank you again for joining me for my Choosing Happiness Party these past 6 weeks!

Read past Choosing Happiness Link Up posts
Day 1 Choosing Happiness Link Up
Day 2 Choosing Happiness Link Up
Day 3 Choosing Happiness Link Up
Day 4 Choosing Happiness Link Up
Day 5 Choosing Happiness Link Up

 Would you like to JOIN ME?  YAY!

 

Here are a few rules: 
1. link to your specific blog post, not your blog’s main page.
2. please only link Happiness related posts.
3. please link back here to me so your Happiness posts make sense to your readers. 

 grab a button from my sidebar (see the code box?).
4. check out as many links as possible & leave comments!  

I know I will be inspired by so many of you, I guarantee you will be inspired too

An InLinkz Link-up

Choosing Happiness Link Up - Day 5

Good Morning & Welcome to Choose Happy!

Today is the fifth day of my Choosing Happiness Link Up Party. This Link Up is intended to learn more about what makes everyone happy, what happiness is to different people & learn how we can share our happiness with those around us. I hope this post series inspires you to Choose Happiness & to help spread it those around you. This link up will take place every Thursday from October 2nd through November 6th.

Below you will find some of my Favorite Happiness Quotes that have been posted to my blog in the past year. I have also explained what they mean to me! 

What are your favorite Happiness quotes?  I would love to hear from you in the Comments below.

  {via my Instagram}

 Being creative makes me happy! I love to create on the Rhonna Designs app, create invitations, create blog posts, create through DIY projects & decorating my home!

{via}
This is such a great organizational chart for happiness. Are you happy, If not...change it! You are the keeper of your own happiness.

 

{via}

This is true...it really is. When I am happy, I feel better!

{via my Instagram}

This quote reminds me of all of the amazing reasons I have to be happy. I am so blessed & thankful.

{via}

 This one is hard at times, trying to see the good in a situation that you might not normally want to. Seeing the good makes you feel so much better than seeing the negative.

{via}

 Staying true to myself & not being someone I am not is very important to being happy. If you are always trying to be someone you are not, most likely you are an unhappy person.

 

{via}

  There is no one "thing" in this world that will make you happy or one "place", it is a continuous journey that each of us has to work on ourselves. My happiness is going to be different from Jane Doe's happiness and that is fine. We are all different people and different experiences make us happy.

{via}

 I love this-Not every day is good, but there is good in every day. Even though I might have a really bad day at work, I might be able to come home & receive a big huge hug from my kids. That moment is when I realize all the good that is in my life.

{via}

 Choose Happy. This is what I try to do every single day. I have bad days too...but I always try to remind myself to CHOOSE HAPPY & find the positive in my life. 

{via}

 When I grow up - I want to be HAPPY too!
 

Thank you so much for joining me today & listening to my random Happiness!
 Have a wonderful week!

Next week's topic idea: What did you learn from the Happiness Link up? 

Read past Choosing Happiness Link Up posts
Day 1 Choosing Happiness Link Up
Day 2 Choosing Happiness Link Up
Day 3 Choosing Happiness Link Up
Day 4 Choosing Happiness Link Up

 Would you like to JOIN ME?  YAY!

 

Here are a few rules: 
1. link to your specific blog post, not your blog’s main page.
2. please only link Happiness related posts.
3. please link back here to me so your Happiness posts make sense to your readers. 

 grab a button from my sidebar (see the code box?).
4. check out as many links as possible & leave comments!  

I know I will be inspired by so many of you, I guarantee you will be inspired too

An InLinkz Link-up