Happiness is....

Growing up, I always loved Holly Hobbie and her spin-offs with their cute little phrases.

Some of my favorites:

"Happiness is having someone to care for."

"Love is the little things we do for each other."

"No road is too long when shared with someone you love."

"Happiness is sharing."

"Happy is the heart that dreams."

Yesterday I was cooking dinner while Paul worked on a puzzle on the kitchen floor and I was filled with happiness.  Here are some "Happiness is..." phrases of my own.

Happiness is making dinner for your family while watching your children be creative.

Happiness is teaching your daughter a favorite pastime of your childhood.

Happiness is seeing your daughter wear a crocheted cap with pride.  I know for a fact that my grandmother made this and used it as a flower pot cover.  (Please don't tell Claire that fact because it makes me so happy to see her wear that flower pot on her head.)

Happiness is having an uninterrupted adult conversation.

Happiness is catching up with old friends.

Happiness is scheduling your Mother's Day massage in July.

Happiness is listening to your children explain the world to each other.

Happiness is taking your children to an art museum and hearing their thoughtful interpretations of the art.

Happiness is sharing a gelato with your favorite preteen.

Happiness is spending a week with your niece that you love so much and then returning her to her mother.

Happiness is your best girlfriend replying to your cranky emails.

Happiness is sharing your maternal struggles with another mother and knowing that you are not crazy or alone.

Happiness is hope.