What Makes Me Happy {The Happy Little Hive}

Welcome to my weekly series, What Makes Me Happy! Don't we all need a little happy now and then. I can certainly tell you that THREE days until summer break makes me one happy boy.

I'd like to introduce you to Melissa of The Happy Little Hive. Melissa is such a great blog friend. Take it away, Melissa!

Hi!  I'm Melissa from The Happy Little Hive and I can't tell y'all how HaPpY I am to be here today! I'm a longtime follower of The Uptown Acorn and was incredibly touched when Ron invited me to participate.  When he first shared this series I immediately fell in love with the concept.  Taking a moment to determine the little things that make you happy certainly keeps things in perspective.

Quite simply, Ron has inspired me to do just that...to keep track of what's made me smile throughout the day.  I picked up this happy, little journal and each night have been documenting the little things from the day that have made me happy.  Here are a few things I've repeatedly recorded since the series began.

My Morning Routine - I'm especially relishing my first cup of joe now that it's warm enough to sit on the back porch, listen to the birds, and watch our bees hard at work.  I love the quiet and sense of peace in preparation for the day. Bonus points if I've made a homemade latte.

Cooking - Greeks cook for those they love and I'm no exception.  Sharing the meal with loved ones makes it all the more special.  I especially enjoy making heirloom recipes that bring back memories.  Lamb chops and spanakorizo are my childhood in a bite.

Traditions - Big or small, I relish traditions of all sorts.  Something about knowing generations have celebrated and rejoiced in the same fashion brings me great comfort. Whether it's as elaborate as decorating Christ's Tomb for the Good Friday services, or as simple as choosing salmon colored geraniums because that's what my mama did, they certainly make me happy.



Dancing - My heart smiles once a week as I dance with the most incredible group of people.  This year I've been teaching the littles of our church the traditional dances as well.  Both are so good for my soul!

My Kiddos - This year marks my 15th year at my current school.  Not a day has gone by (even on the most trying of days when I am admittedly grumpy) that my kiddos haven't made me smile at some point -- even if it's a simile that compares me to Yoda.....

My Hubby and Family - My biggest blessings, by far, are my hubby, dad, and brothers.  Not a day goes by that I'm not beyond grateful to have them in my life.

Thank you again, Ron, for not only including me in this fabulous series, but also for inspiring me to remember to appreciate the little things in life, for they truly are the big things.

What Makes {The Happy Little Hive} Happy, y'all!