Are you happy?

WARNING: very long, and lengthy post..but there are pictures! :) 

Are you ever just happy to be living the life you're living?

Sometimes I realize that I have a million and a half reasons to be more than joyously happy! But... I forget them, push them aside, and complain about the mundane, boring, everyday things that I have to do and get me down.

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Why do I do that?

My Heavenly Father has blessed me so much in my life, I have absolutely no reason to not wake up every morning with a smile on my face.  

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I am currently reading a Dr. Laura book...yup, that's right..Dr. Laura! She's insightful! This book is seriously changing my life! She talks about how if you want to be happy, especially in relationships (ex. marriage, syblings, parent/child, etc.) then first REALIZE your blessings, and then serve those around you. 

hmmm...

Where else do we find such profound advice?...click HERE to see! seriously...do it!

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Here are some reasons why I'm Happy: 

MY RELIGION

I am Mormon.

I know where I came from, why I'm here, and where I'm going. I know my purpose in this life. I know God lives and loves me. I have direction, comfort, and peace.  I will be with my family forever, nothing brings me more happiness!

A HEALTHY BODY

I gotta be honest...I sometimes dislike working out! Mostly, when I'm about to start, I don't love it, I actually complain and try to talk myself out of it! But really, when all is said and done, I feel AMAZING after pushing myself and trying to be the healthiest I can!

MY EDUCATION

I went to this FABULOUS school...BYU-I, made great friends, had AMAZING, life-changing experiences,  gained an outstanding education, and GRADUATED! I never thought I'd actually be a college graduate, but with a lot of hard work and support from my parents, I DID IT! 

MY 4th GRADERS 

This was taken on Halloween (if you couldn't tell). Most days, they contribute to my happiness..some day they make me go crazy! But all in all, I really enjoy the opportunity I have to mold, and shape them into responsible citizens and people.  What brings me the most happiness in my job is when I teach a new concept, and they understand it. I get to teach them  skills and qualities, that they need for the rest of their lives, how cool is that? 

MY FAMILY

Well, obviously! I was so blessed growing up with these people! I have AMAZING parents, and such good examples from my brothers and sister! Our little family is growing, and I'm so glad! It just keeps getting better and better! 

My COUSIN KATIE

don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for all my cousins and EVERYONE in my family makes me happy! But Katie has been a big blessing in my life lately...she took ALL our our wedding pictures like this one here..

 

 and did a fabulous job! She's very insightful too...she's my go-to girl for advice! :) 

NATURE and MOUNTAINS

This summer as I was traveling back and forth from Idaho to Utah, I would reflect on the nature around me. I've been very blessed to live in Idaho and have BEAUTIFUL nature scenes everywhere, and now here in Utah, I get to see the Wasatch Mountain Range every day! Whenever I see beautiful sights in nature, I always think to myself, "How could anyone see this and not believe God loves us?"

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The list of things that makes me happy goes on and on...

*My apartment*

*My friends*

*my ability to speak Spanish and USE it*

*FOOD!!!!*

*Music/Singing*

*singing with my hubby*

*cuddle wars with my hubby*

*ROAD TRIPS*

*Chick Filet (and the free food we get cuz Dan slept out!)*

*CAMPING*

*cooking*

*playing the piano*

*temples*

*missionary work*

*showing the people I care about, I love them*

*reading the scriptures*

*writing in my journal*

*spending time with my mom and sister*

*flying in an airplane*

*being a Chadwick*

*scrapbooking*

*making stuff :)*

*laughing...mostly at Dan ;)*

*watching movies*

and last but not least...THIS GUY makes me HAPPIEST OF ALL!

Isn't he cute??!!

See...look how happy I am!

What makes YOU happy?