50 things that made me happy in 2016

I usually avoid writing these posts, not because I don't have a lot to be grateful for (because I do), but because I always think someone said it much better before. But this year I found this challenge on Oh My Heartsie Girl and I decided to accept it, so I'm making a list myself.

Original instructions for this challenge come from Dawn at Tales from the Motherland:

Here’s how this works: set a timer for 15 minutes; timing this is critical. Once you start the timer, start your list. The goal is to write 50 things that made you happy in 2016, or 50 thing that you feel grateful for. The idea is to not think too hard; just write what comes to mind in the time allotted. You may find that if you use numbered mode, and just type what comes to mind, like me you will have enough time for more than 50. When the timer’s done, stop writing. Finish whatever sentence you’re on, but don’t add more. If you haven’t written 50 things, that’s ok. If you have more than 50 things and still have time, keep writing; you can’t feel too happy or too grateful! Add the photos, links, instructions, etc after you finish the list––the timer doesn’t matter for getting these details down; it applies to the list itself.

To join us for this project: 

1) Write your post and publish it (please copy and paste the instructions from this post, into yours) 

2) Click on the InLinkz tool at the very bottom of this post. 

3) That will take you to another window, where you can past the URL to your post. 

4) Follow the prompts, and your post will be added to the Blog Party List. Please note: the InLinkz will expire on January 3, 2017. After that date, no blogs can be added.

Here is my list:

1. My Husband (12 years and counting)
2. My Children
3. One more year with my mother. She's 84 so each additional year is a blessing
4. Family, close and extended
5. Friends
6. Love
7. Good health 
8. Home
9. Work
10. Seeing my kids happy and well adjusted in school and in life 
11. Birthdays and new babies (not mine!)
12. Going to the beach all year round
13. Collecting seashells
14. Sandcastles
15. Finding time for crafting (Ok, so I would like a bit more of this, but I take what I can)
16. Finding time to read (same as above)
17. Finding time to work out (not easy, but doable)
18. Books in general
19. My computer and tablet. I'm not addicted, but they just make my life a lot easier
20. Music (I'm partial to the 80's, but that's me)
21. Singing along (I'm a terrible singer, but everyone else just has to bear with me because when I love a song, I sing along)
22. Old movies (and not so old movies too, but there's beauty in the classics)
23. Writing my blogs (seriously, this is therapy for me)
24. My blog readers and everyone else who has supported me in this journey
25. Family trips
26. Spring blooms
27. Long summer evenings
28. Good memories
29. Summer vacations
30. The joy of children on Christmas morning
31. Taking pictures 
32. Playing games with my kids
33. Kissing my kids goodnight and getting to see them first thing in the morning
34. Dawns and sunsets - I love looking at the sky, no matter the season or the weather
35. Rainy days spent at home (not so fun when you have to go out for work)
36. Taking some time to unwind at the end of the day, after everyone else is asleep
37. Smiles and laughs
38. A good joke
39. The drawings my daughter makes for me
40. Simple, easy dinners (especially if someone else prepares them)
41. Pool time in the summer
42. Playing in the snow (not that there's a lot of snow in Portugal, but you take what you get)
43. Having my breakfast made almost every morning (thank you husband)
44. Still fitting into my wedding dress (I've worked really hard for this)
45. Cooking (not my favorite pastime, but I'm working hard there too)
46. Going through old photo albums and refreshing memories
47. My sewing machine (and all other machines that make my life easier)
48. Shopping for the perfect gift for everyone
49. Upclycling
50. Happy endings and new beginnings

Now write your own post and add it below, or just browse around to read what others are grateful or happy about:







And here's to a 2017 full happiness!