10 Things that make me happy–and some awards
There’s nothing like a bout of sickness to make one acutely aware of what really matters in life.
We tend to 
take our health for granted-until we get sick, that is, and then we’re begging to be able to enjoy life’s little pleasures. Recently flattened by a vicious bout of stomach flu, I had plenty of time to reflect while lying in bed on what really makes me happy.
Thanks to Lynn from Cookie Baker Lynn who passed along this award recently and named Under the High Chair a blog that makes her happy. Yay!
For this award we are supposed to list 10 things that make us happy and then give the award to ten bloggers who brighten our day.
Ten Things That Make Me Happy
1. My boys.
2. A good book. Currently reading: A Homemade Life by Molly Wisenberg, The Gastronomical Me by MFK Fisher, Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder (with Noah).
3. Entertaining.
4. My kitchen. Everything about it, from the view out the windows to its entertainment-friendly layout.
5. Enjoying nature and passing my love for it onto my children.
6. My faith.
7. Coffee.
8. Raucous ultra-competitive game nights with friends–usually Agricola or Settlers of Catan.
9. Travel.
10. Connecting with family-over coffee, around the table, over the phone or online. Always with good food involved…
OK, so we’re supposed to pass the award along to ten bloggers that make us happy. Easier said than done, as I have so many favorites, and ten is just not enough.
Regardless, here are ten who I am passing this award onto and you should check out:
Aww. Thanks so much! You make me happy too!
What Shaina said!
I may have to turn this into a happy series.. happy food, happy people, happy blogs…
Well, this is just gorgeous. What an incredible honor to be included in such a group! Thank you!
And I love the gorgeous shots that illustrated your happiness.
You're too sweet… Can't wait to pass this one on!! A.xx
All of those things would make happy too:D
Awwww shucks, thanks Aimée! I'm honoured!
Please tell me the multi coloured striped squares are some sort of dessert! What are they?
I enjoyed reading your list and most of them would make my list as well.
I wanted to know what the multi-colored food item was in your "entertaining" picture. Thanks.
I'm glad you are feeling better 🙂 I love reading your list of things that make you happy. I was really shocked to see that you enjoyed Agricola and Settlers of Catan. We play a lot of games in our house and those are two of favorites too. We are also big fans of Ticket to Ride and Carcassonne.
Hi Brandy and Colin's Mom- Those are a layered jello dessert that a friend brought over.I think it's just layers of jello, alternated with layers of cream/gelatin. They were popular with the kids!
Hi Nanny- We're huge Agricola fans! I've heard good things about Ticket to Ride. Another favorite is Puerto Rico, have you played?
so beautiful! Love your art and your kids are adorable.
Thanks for the bloggin!
What a lovely list…I share some of those same loves (especially reading a good book and entertaining) and I just can't get over that view out your window.
Yes! to Settlers of Catan, gotta love that game.
Thanks Jan! Oh hey, although we do have lovely views from our windows, the photo in the post is not one of them!
If you look closely, you might recognize that it is Mount Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies.
We drove by on a summer road trip last year. It's spectacular!
You guys need to give "Stone Age" a spin, it's another game from Germany (like Settlers) and is SO fun!
I was having a pretty nutty day when I read your post. Thanks for the reminder of what's important:)
When life gets me down and I start turning negative I always play the "What Makes Me Happy Game." Thanks for including me in your list. And indeed, it might be time for me to make another one myself
Even though I'm not a jelly fan, those little striped cubes of awesome look so amazing! Those boys are nothing to sneeze at either!
So sorry you have been sick. I hope you feel better soon… Love you
This post is so sweet. I'm happy just reading it. 🙂
Great post!
Very sweet post!! Your boys are so adorable!
Hey, we're reading Farmer Boy, too!
Very happy post. I love the pictures of your darling boys.
Sorry! I have not had internet. I did get your twitter message on my phone, though. 🙂
Thank you so much!! You're toooo sweet. I love your blog. Great post, as usual. I'm so sorry I'm behind. Ugh. I'm sure you understand.
Your ten things are very similar to what my ten things would be. 🙂 Loved the sneak peek into what makes you tick.
Thanks for including me in the blogs that make you happy. I feel the same about yours. 😀
Oops.. I'm the anonymous one, sorry. I forgot to put my info in before publishing.
Have you played Stone Age yet?
wow it has been a while since I have visited and the boys are getting so big…they look great
My list would've been practically identical except for my kitchen. Much too small. I am absolutely excited like a kid at Christmas for us to finally get our backyard sorted so that we can have people round now that the weather is warming up.
I actually started a women-only boardgaming group on meet-up.com! It's a shame you don't live in the Bay Area. 🙂