Happiness is..

Here are a few things that make me happy, in no specific order:

• Knowing that my parents always have my back, right or wrong.
• Having friends that I have had for years that remain loyal and want what is best for Carter and me.
• Learning how to love again, and moving forward fearlessly. Although I thought my life would be a little different than it is, I wouldn't have it any other way.
• Having a great job with staff that I love and that respect me.
• Having a son, making me a mother and completing my little soul.
• Having extended family that is just as close as my immediate family.
• A long kiss good-bye that used to be a secret, now everyone knows. (Took 9 solid months of detours, crappy dating life and encoutering some real winners..Now I am here and ready!)
• Chicken enchilada soup....mmmmmm.
• A long run to relieve stress.
• The drive to see my man, full of anticipation and excitement. (Ask Dani, she has never seen me such a hot mess.)
• Knowing that when I tuck Carter in his bed tonight, he has clean sheets.
• Easter weekend with my family.
• Waking up to my bestie 2 inches from my face. Yes, she sleeps over almost every night, in my bed. So what?!
• Feeling the breeze with the windows down in my car.
• When my mom says in her text messages, "I love u."
• When my dad says, "I love you Zoooskie."
• When my step-dad calls me his daughter.
• When my step-mom lets me know that I can tell her anything and she will understand. She calls me her daughter and I love it.
• When I get the feeling of moving on.
• When I get a text message from someone I didn't think I would hear from.
• When Carter says,"Mommy, you are so pretty."
• When someone tells me I am a good mom.
• When I cook a great meal and everyone eats til they are sick.
• Feeling safe....on a lot of levels.
• Believing in things that the naked eye can't see.
• Looking at old pictures and missing the memories tied to them.
• Seeing Whitney remain happy and positive through treatment. (Whitney is my hero.)
• When he has my lipgloss on from a long kiss. (Good heavens he looks great in my lipgloss, maybe even better than I do!)
• When Carter snuggles with me. (Busy 2 year-olds never snuggle.)
• Laughing until I cry. (Lately it has been a daily occurance.)
• Thinking about being a mommy again someday.
• Knowing that someone believes in you.
• Looking deep into someones eyes.
• Reading body language when they are telling you the direct opposite.
• When I close payroll.
• When I hear a song that is my life. I can almost always find meaning and direct relation to music in my life.
• When my grandparents talk about the day I was born.
• When I think about the day I had Carter. There were so many people there to see him. Not a soul in the room could help but grin from ear to ear.
• Finding a quote that fits me.
• When I am able to let go of stress; Especially if it has to do with something I can't change.
• When I completely cross off my list of tasks that I needed to complete that day.
• When I walk in the house and smell Mr. Clean, Bleach, Lysol and Laundry Detergent.
• A sweet little note from someone I care about.
• Chocolate.
• Getting a massage.
• Coloring with sidewalk chalk.
• When I can be the voice of reason for my friends.
• When my friends and family can be the voice of reason for me.
• Whitney cancer-free and healthy.
• Sunkissed skin, a swimming suit, a pool, my baby and a hot summer day.
• The smell of his Lucky cologne.
• Christmas time with the people that I love.
• A wet, dirty little boy kiss. (From Carter only, please!)
• Positive affirmation when I need it the most.
• Music on my ipod.
• The color pink. It truly warms my soul.
• Brand new babies. I love new babies. And Kids.