What Makes Me Happy {Calypso in the Country}

The Mardi Gras season is officially over, and now it is time to get "back to normal."

I have followed Shelley from Calypso in the Country for a long time, and I am happy to have her guest post today for my series, What Makes Me Happy.

Hi everyone!  My name is Shelley from Calypso in the Country and I am so excited to be a part of Ron's, "Things That Make Me Happy" series!  I have been a fan of Ron's blog for many years and always enjoy swinging by to be inspired by his beautiful decorating style and his overall zest for life!  I thought it was very fitting for him to start this series...I mean, even his sign-off, "Cheers, Y'all" gives a happy vibe!

Since so many things make me happy, it was hard to narrow it down!  Here are a few things I thought would be fun to share...

Travel!  I love every thing about traveling from the planning stage to the trip itself.  It's so exciting when you can start that countdown to a vacation!

We try to take our family to as many places as possible with the beach vacations being one of our favorites.  Beaches are definitely a happy place for me!

But we also enjoy our winter getaways just as much!

As long as I am with my family, I think I can be happy anywhere.

We have always believed that experiences are so much more valuable than material things and I hope my kids appreciate that!

Open windows - especially in the spring!

I live in New Jersey where we get to experience a change of seasons.  While I love each season for different reasons, there is absolutely nothing like a spring morning when the temperatures are just warm enough to open the windows.

Ahhh, that fresh scent of spring air!  And if there is a breeze to go along with it...perfection!

I am practically beside myself if I can open the windows on a day the lawn was just cut.  I am virtually counting down the days until I get to experience that again!

Even my dog, Rosie can't get enough of an open window breeze!

Which brings me to the next thing that makes me happy...

My darling golden retriever, Rosie!

I love this dog more than I could have ever imagined!

Rosie joined our family five years ago when she was just 7 weeks old.  I was hesitant about getting a dog in the beginning because realistically, I knew I would be her primary caretaker.  I even started a series called the Weekend Pupdates which chronicled her first year with us.

Although, things were a bit challenging in the beginning, she has grown to be such an important part of our family and our hearts are bursting with love for her!

 She is always by my side, ready to play or snuggle.

If I am at my desk, you can bet this is what I will see under it!

My boys adore her and I am happy that they will look back on their childhood with fond memories of growing up with a dog!

Sometimes I wish I could make time stand still!

Which brings me to what makes me happiest - my family!

Although, I don't share many pictures of them on my blog, my husband and two boys bring me the most joy I could possibly imagine!

My main priority has always been to be the best mom I can be.  Whether I am volunteering at their schools, helping them with homework or just spending time with them, I am so aware of how fast the time will go.  It's already blowing by!  They are 10 and 13 and my 13 year old is now taller than I am!  How did that happen?!!  I hope that we are giving them the best foundation to someday go out into the world as well adjusted, confident adults.  They are truly everything to me and I love them with all of my heart!

I will end those thoughts with lyrics from one of my favorite Keith Urban songs...
Days go by
I can feel 'em flying
Like a hand out the window in the wind as cars go by
It's all we've been given
So you better start livin' right now
'Cause days go by
     - Keith Urban from "Days Go By"

Thank you, Ron for inviting me to share "What Makes Me Happy"!  I think if we all could focus more on the happier things in life, the world would be a much better place!

What Makes Calypso in the Country Happy, y'all!