Because this is a very good exercise to do on the regular. 
Join me in the comments!
The trees are getting leaves.
The myriad oaks in our neighborhood are still just sporting ugly flowers, but almost everything else suddenly has baby green leaves.
So, the world is beautiful as soon as you leave our neighborhood. Ha.
Sonia’s allergy shots are helping.
Last spring, it was too soon for them to be effective, but this year I can definitely tell that she is not as miserable as usual.
She’s still experiencing a few symptoms, but nothing like before.
The true test will be when the oak trees start spreading their yellow dust. Hopefully she will do ok.
(She’s been getting allergy shots since January 2018, twice weekly for 9 months, once weekly since, and after pollen season this spring, we get to go down to every other week. YES.)
Joshua’s safely in Amsterdam.
He’s on his first overseas trip, with a bunch of friends and he’s having a great time. I’m so happy for him and I’m having fun following along with his adventures on Instagram.
Lisey is all done with high school.
We’ve got everything submitted and now we’re just waiting for her diploma to come in the mail. Yay Lisey!
That’s two graduates for me now.
Sonia will follow in three years and Zoe in four years, so I can kinda see the end of my homeschool mom career approaching. What???
My kiddos are doing great academically.
Since I’m a second-generation homeschooler, I was never especially worried that my kids would have trouble once they transitioned into more mainstream education.
But still, it’s making me really happy to see how well my homeschooled kids have done at tutorials, in college classes, and on standardized tests.
(Zoe’s my only kiddo who hasn’t yet had outside classes, but I think she’s going to do just fine too.)
Joshua’s got a new place to live.
His initial place turned out to be not exactly the safest neighborhood in the world, and once he gets back from Amsterdam, he’ll be moving to a much less, um, exciting area.
Phew.
He needs a smaller bed now, but I found him a pretty great deal on a twin bed with storage on craigslist.
And since it’s coming from craigslist, he can always resell it down the road for about the same price it sold for. Definitely an advantage to buying used!
Mr. FG fixed my computer for me.
It randomly died on Sunday, and he figured that the power supply was the problem.
He picked out a new one for me, installed it, and I’m back up and running. Yay!
I have NO idea how to work on computers, so I’m grateful that he does.
_________________
Felicia says
My youngest get’s allergy shots as well and they are just…wow a miracle. This time last year she was beyond miserable. We couldn’t even drive to town without her having a major attack and now she’s outside nearly every day, even on windy days! with very little allergies to show for it. It by far has been the best money we have ever spent.
Things making me happy this week.
1) My husband comes home today after being gone for a week on business.
2) The sun has shone more than the clouds have blocked it. I’ve really missed sunshine over this last winter.
3) It only rained once this week!
Isa says
* My sick kid is out of the hospital (and our health, in general)
* The snow is finallyyyyyyy gone!!
* Santa Clarita Diet, which I just started binge watching last week on Netflix
* Getting a bra on sale+coupon : 7,50$ out of pocket, yay!
* No major water infiltration in the house this year. We have a small one but it’s well contained and we need to investigate on that.
Suzan says
I love reading all the comments. I live in the southern part of Queensland, Australia so we are moving through autumn.
1. We no longer need to run the air condiitoning 24/7. It is still quite warm.
2. We are due wet weather over the weekend. Once again it is welcome as our rainfall is low.
3. My children are well and happy.
4. I met up with a beautiful girl who live in England yesterday. It was looking like I would not see Lauren.
5. I found some fabric that I needed and seemed to have hidden from myself. Whew. I need to decrease the stash.
Deb says
Laughing at the weather comments. We are in Florida, 90 degrees today, in April! YIKES!
I am happy (thankful) that we live close to my parents. It is now my PT (some weeks FT) job to take care of their needs. It is hard and emotionally draining but I am thankful to be here and able to help. (My mom has a degenerative neurological disorder in addition to a bunch of other problems.)
I am also thankful that although my brother does not live right here, he is only a few hours away and would be here in a heartbeat if I needed him and we get along wonderfully! That is going to be very helpful in the coming days.
The flowers are all blooming and I just got some impatiens for my hanging planters. (hard to find non full sun plants that I like!)
We got new sun room furniture (with birthday money from my parents) and it is so nice out there in the mornings. I love it!
Most of all, I am thankful that Jesus died on the cross and rose again for my sins. I am thankful that my mom is a Believer, so even when her time on earth is done, we will see each other again and she will have a new body!
Jennifer Y. says
1. My son had a field trip to a local zoo. I can’t want to hear all about it when we get home.
2. I have been listening to a bunch of helpful podcasts recently. I am new to the podcast world. There is such useful and fun info out there. I have been listening to Before Breakfast every morning. Thanks for the recommendation.
3. I had pizza for lunch (office appreciation event)
Darlene says
1. The sun is shining and the snow is almost gone!
2. My husband cleaned the windows.
3. I made brownies and sent half of them with my daughter to her study group.
4. There are two books waiting for me at the library.
5. There’s a new cat in the neighborhood and he’s very friendly.
Kristen says
Ugh, that’s awful that you guys still have snow in April. I’m glad it’s almost gone, though!
Athena says
1. A tree we planted last fall but thought may not have made the winter has buds on it! Turns out it’s OK after all and we won’t need to find another tree.
2. I have a plan for my office/craft room that I’m actually happy with so now I’m motivated to finish getting that room together so I can work on things in there.
3. I’ve met my step gal 3/4 days so far this week!
4. One of our cats is back to behaving like himself. It’s been over a year and a special diet food has him feeling better and acting like himself.
Jenelle says
1. Family is coming into town for Easter and I am very excited that my mother (who has cancer) is making the trip out. This will be her first trip after chemo and radiation. She really needs to get out of her house and have some “normal” time with family.
2. The weather is finally warmer here. We’ve had a few cold days, but I think** we can say winter is behind us.
3. The spring semester is chugging to an end. I work at a university and I “enjoy” when the semester comes to an end. I love my students…but they turn into different people during these last few stressful weeks. We all need a break. (though I do work all summer long)
4. I’m allowing myself to buy some new-to-me clothes for summer. I’ve been wearing the same work outfits for ever and just need some new items to refresh my wardrobe (and feel better about myself). I love these trips to the Goodwill!
5. Those darn peanut butter easter eggs are really making me happy this time of year! I love those little suckers!
Amanda says
You’re happy things are making ME happy too! So much good news.
Here’s mine:
1) Our eleven-day-old baby is healthy and actually sleeping well. He’s our fourth and final. I’m soaking up every minute of baby cuddles, which is so much easier when one is not sleep-deprived. Like you, we feel like we are on the verge of the next phase in life. In four years everybody will be in school. The last decade of producing children has been a blessing, but my husband and I are so excited for the next phase!
2) Tomorrow our long-awaited and long-saved-for porch renovation starts! So in a couple weeks we will write the checks for the porch, and we just paid our 2018 taxes and our 1st 2019 estimate. These were big financial question marks until a couple of weeks ago. It feels so good to get them squared away.
3) My husband and I have been talking for a while now about the next hire for our business. We haven’t moved on it because we have been unsure exactly what skills we need and how to find the right person. Then a month ago a friend casually mentioned that her friend was looking for a job in our field. This person sent a resume and the best email I have read in a while. She feels like exactly the person we need! We’ll meet with her soon, so who knows. But it feels like progress to potentially have a person to help us “level up.”
4) We’ve also been in the process of building out a new office space and have been kind of stuck waiting for call backs. Finally we think we have found a good contractor for what we need, who was also recommended by a friend. The moral of the story: professional relationships matter!!!!
5) I have been offered, and I already accepted, an incredible fellowship opportunity. But it is a long commute, and I’ve been dreading how hard that will be for our family when it starts in the fall. But I think that must have been my eight-months-pregnant brain, because now I just feel blessed. It starts after the new baby and I have had months to cuddle before he goes to daycare. And I get to basically shut myself away 9-5 everyday and just research and write. No classes to teach. No job to do. I feel for the first time like a professional again since I left my first career to go into academia.
And one more!
6) My dad and I have always had a rocky relationship, but things have been manageable since I moved out of the house twenty years ago. Then a couple weeks ago, for the first time since I was a kid, he leveled a hefty dose of emotional abuse on me. This makes me happy because I see it as the beginning of the next phase of our relationship. I realize now I am not afraid of him, and I am going to love him enough to set clear boundaries for him in my life. He’s not a bad guy, but he is a bully, and I have learned that if I stand up to him, he can actually be reasonable. I think I can train him in the way I expect to be treated. I feel empowered. It feels like finally solving a problem that has always simmered in my life.
Nancy says
1. Tax season is over, so work hours are more normal.
2. Tax season is over, so I can work in my yard when I get home.
3. Tax season is over, so I do something other than work, eat and sleep.
4. I planted lettuce seeds yesterday, since tax season is over and I got home before dark.
5. I spent an hour with my 96 year old mother yesterday, just visiting, and not talking about work.
I’m a CPA, could you tell by my list?
Kristen says
You must feel SO relieved.
Kristyna says
Glad to hear Sonia’s allergy shots are making a difference! I got allergy shots for grass pollen when I was younger and I hardly have any symptoms for grass now.
Happy things:
1. My sick child slept through the night. Still sick today, but sleeping through the night is always lovely.
2. Because a child is sick, there will be some screen time today. I do love watching Shaun the sheep…
3. I made some homemade cherry gummies and can’t wait til they harden enough to eat!
4. It’s warm enough for perpetual bare feet.
Joanne says
I sold an unwanted hammock and a kids easel on Facebook, never done that before and although I was nervous it was a lovely feeling to pop those two crisp £5 notes into my purse rather than taking money out of it, now that doesn’t happen often! I’m trying to think of what to cook for tea tonight, there is very little in the cupboard other than pasta so I’m thinking those crisp notes might go some way to paying for a dinner out tonight. We have to drive 2 hours to the airport to collect our eldest son after his quick visit to Madrid to see his girlfriend. I think a treat is in order for hubby and I!! I’ll check our 2 -4 -1 vouchers before we set out and hopefully not spend too much oop.
Joanne says
Quick update! Just checked my Tesco reward card and found I have enough points to convert to £30 to spend on food, yay! Off to the Bella Italia about 1/2 an hour from the airport for yummy food and time with hubby!
Kristen says
Woohoo! Enjoy!
Kirsty says
I reader from Amsterdam and he couldn’t have asked for better weather!
Kristen says
Yes, he video called me today and told me it’s just perfect there right now!
Jennifer says
I finished spring cleaning my house last night, the final closet has been emptied, cleaned out, and refilled with less things!
WilliamB says
Congratulations! You must feel wonderful about that achievement.
kristin @ going country says
LETTUCE IN MY GARDEN, YAY! That’s the first, happiest thing, because I have to drive 160 miles roundtrip to get loose leaf lettuce, and even then it’s not as good as my own.
We’ve planted so many things here at our new house, and some of them are finally starting to come up. It’s always so exciting to do the “sprout tour” to see how everything is doing.
My 18-month-old daughter is juuuust starting to talk, and hearing a toddler say “oops” is about the cutest thing ever.
I bought one of those old-school manual, wall-mounted, metal pencil sharpeners that used to always be in classrooms to put up in our enclosed porch because the cheap plastic handheld kinds were always going missing/getting broken, and also never sharpened pencils well. Why it took me so long to spend the twelve bucks is now the question. Well, I know why–spending freeze thanks to some unexpected expenses–but it was a very worthwhile purchase to save me unwarrented irritation every night when it came time for my sons to do their homework.
Kristen says
160 miles for lettuce is a travesty. I can understand your joy!
Cathy W says
A few things making me happy today
1. My youngest, her husband and daughter are moving from TX to NC and will live with me for several months. I’m looking forward to having a toddler around!
2. My oldest and his wife are adopting 3 siblings through the foster care system. I met the kids last week and am so excited to have them join this loving family
3. I planned a trip to see my youngest grandson and his parents for the end of March
4. I’m planting the vegetable garden this weekend. It was always something my husband did before he passed away. I plant 2/3 flowers and 1/3 vegetables but I do it and I enjoy the tomatoes and basil.
5. I love spring and am looking forward to my daylily garden blooming
Thanks for the opportunity to write it all down and share.
Chris says
I’ve been a bit down lately, so it is lovely to read everyone’s happy things.
1) One of my sons had terrible grades last quarter and for the first time ever (he’s nearly 11) reacted woth dismay instead of indifference. His grades have now shot up and he has consistently turned everything in on time, a giant improvement. Not only that, he is also cheerful about it. I’m enjoying the change in his perspective.
2) The dogwoods and magnolias are blooming in my neighborhood and those are my favorite.
3) I just found 2 pairs of skinny capris that a) were secondhand and cheap and b) fit me and c) somehow make me look cute and spring-y in my sandals rather than stumpy like capris normally do. I can’t tell you how delightful this is.
4) Our oldest son is coming through on Friday on his way to visit his wife’s family for Easter and I can’t wait to cook for him and hug them both.
5) Our 16 year old went to prom this past weekend, which I never expected. He has autism but he was brave enough to ask a friend is she would go with him and they had a great time. I am overjoyed to see him thriving.
Susan says
As a teacher, #1 and #5 really make me smile!! Super!!
K D says
Spring is here. It looks and feels wonderful outside. Also, we have not had oodles of rain (I know that may change this weekend) so our backyard has dried out and it is so nice to go outside day after day without wetness.
Next week my husband and I will celebrate our 30th anniversary. We’ll take a day trip and then go on a longer trip this summer.
We have trips lined up next month for family events. One is a relative’s wedding and one is a milestone birthday. The first trip will be inexpensive as we used Southwest points for flights, are getting a great hotel rate because of the wedding, and got an amazing price on a rental car.
We have adequate income, good health insurance, and a home in a decent neighborhood. We have some disposable income.
Stephanie says
1. The snow is almost gone from my yard.
2. I love EASTER.
3. We were on the road and got groceries at ALDI! Yay. We live two plus hours away from nearest ALDI.
4. It is THE LAST quarter at school! I think I can I think I can !!
5. I am really enjoying LITTLE HOUSE RERUNS on prime.
Kristen says
SUMMER IS COMING.
Battra92 says
Probably the biggest thing that is making me happy (or is at least having me feel relieved) is that my parents and brother survived a house fire. Long story short, my mom was self cleaning the oven and either there was some grease inside the oven or something else happened (the fire department isn’t sure what) but the stove caught fire inside and the house filled up with smoke. My mom was smart enough to (when rushing to safety) turned off the stove and covered the vent smothering the fire and saving the house.
So the house is fine (but smells like smoke) but the stove is shot. They were able to at least get a good deal on a new one but I can think of better ways of replacing an appliance.
The other thing that is making me happy is that for the first time since October (I think) my wife and I are having a true date night tonight. Granted, she’s not going to see the movie I want to see but we’re going to dinner together and I plan on spoiling her with some extra spending money for shopping for herself.
Kristen says
I’m so glad they are ok! And also so glad that you are having a fun date night tonight.
Sarahbeth says
1. The baby leaves on our trees! Cheers me up every time I look at them.
2. It’s Holy Week, the significance of which which fill me with joy and thankfulness.
3. Warm weather! Our family has been spending days and evenings outside and it’s so good for the soul!
4. After exactly one year in our new house, I’m finally starting to feel calm and settled. It was a rough year, with two little kids, a new baby, and a move to a new house. But I think this year will be easier.
5. My girls, ages 6 and 4, have been having trouble getting along for several months now. I drastically reduced their allotment of screen time and voilà ! They’re getting along much better!
Mrs. Picky Pincher says
Great to hear that everyone is doing well! This week:
1. I’m about to take hubs for a massage to treat some back and neck pain. I’m happy that he’s doing something for himself.
2. The weather is absolutely gorgeous. It’s been in the 60s and 70s. Ahhh.
3. We have an Easter party with the family this weekend.
4. I get to work in a new coffee shop today. Woo!
JD says
I needed to do this! I’ve been in a difficult place lately.
1. The new blackberry plants have joined our older one in blooming and starting tiny berries.
2. Easter is almost here!
3. I finished sewing a little rabbit pillow for my newest grandchild. Aw, it’s cute.
4. My oldest grandchild made the National Junior Honor Society and started an after school Bible study with her friends.
5. My latest dishwasher keeps working. I had really bad experiences with my last two dishwashers, neither of which lasted 3 years, so I have been keeping my fingers crossed on this one. So far, so good.
And I’ll add #6. My workplace is going to order another logo shirt for each of us, which will give me three shirts in a year and a half of working here. I can pick out the style and color, even alter the logo colors to suit my shirt, so I always get something that is office-appropriate, to enlarge my office wardrobe.
Kristen says
My dishwasher is about 15 years old now, and I hate to think of replacing it! I’m worried anything new I buy won’t last as long.
JD says
My first one in this house lasted 11 years and I loved it. After my experiences with the next two that were terrible, buying this current one was unbelievably stressful. Even though we had bought the long-term warranty on the second bad one, most of the warranty amount was used on repair calls. The last time it fouled up, the warranty company mailed me a check for the remaining amount of my warranty ($157) and told me I was on my own to get it fixed or replace it.
Keep yours just as long as you can!
AMKChan says
Oh, my gosh we had terrible luck with our dishwashers too! one died, we bought a new one and then had to replace the control panel twice before we gave up and bought a third dishwasher. Meanwhile, my mother bought a very basic model about 22 years ago and it is still going strong.
Elizabeth MacLeod says
You’re correct in thinking that a new one won’t last. I had an appliance repair man tell me recently that no matter how much you spend on an appliance they are not built to last anymore. He actually recommended buying appliances with the least amount of frills because those are the things that cause the most problems.