The Tree of Happiness

Bridal Shower Cupcakes, originally uploaded by Flying Time Designs.

Oh boy…

Catherine of She's Sew Slye has given me the Tree of Happiness Award.

I'm supposed to list 6 things that make me happy.

Just 6? Lots of things make me happy, especially kind people like Catherine. (By the way…thanks for the award).

Since it's hard to decide on just 6 things that make me happy I'm going to cheat a little.

My six things are very broad categories with some specific examples given of each.

1. My family (of course)
I love it when I have all three of my kids trapped in the car with me for about a 20 minute drive. (any longer and they'll be plugged into their iPods and off in their own little world) Conversation seems to flow easily and I learn all kinds of things.

2. All things warm and cozy
fuzzy slippers, a dog sleeping on my feet, a hand-knit scarf, chocolate chip cookies just out of the oven, a good cup of coffee or hot chocolate, a campfire and a toasted marshmallow, a comfy old sweatshirt, flannel sheets…

3. Early mornings
I get up at 5:00 am. I love the peace and solitude of that time of day. I love the excitement of a new day. I love feeling like I'm ahead of the game by beating everyone else out of bed. I love seeing the sunrise.

4. December
Yes, it's a crazy, busy month, but I love it! The decorating, the shopping, the baking, the crafting, the wrapping, the get-togethers, my birthday, my son's birthday, and especially Christmas day. Nobody messes with Christmas day.

5. Severe Weather
Okay… I don't wish for any injuries, property damage, or ruined plans. But I love the excitement of a good thunderstorm. I love watching the dark clouds roll in. I love flashes of lightening and loud cracks of thunder. I love it when the power goes off for a while and I love the feeling in the air outside when it's all over. I also love a good blizzard. There's nothing better than waking up to white-out conditions and knowing that no one will be going anywhere that day.

6. A great idea

I love it when I get an idea for something I absolutely must make immediately. Something so wonderful that it cannot wait! I love having that drive to create.

So that's what I love. Now I'd like to hear what these friends love: Merry Moon Designs, My Polka Dotted World, Blossom Hill, Within the Corners of My Kitchen and the newly discovered Vintage, Pretty and Shabby.

I also love orders and etsy! I had fun making those cupcakes in the picture for a bridal shower yesterday and I thought I'd show you this cookbook I just listed on etsy. It's so cute!