Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Seeds of Happiness




Once upon a time, a cute girl named Kate send me this little Seed of happiness, along with some questions. I don't do many of these linking things, but I loved this idea. And this little seed came on a day that was kind of unhappy (the day before this). So it was perfect. And we really love the cute little seed that came with it- especially Jax- who is obsessed with it. (and yes, I know he will stick it in his mouth... because he already did.)
#momoftheyear

Q&A

Who, what, and/or where can always bring a smile to your face?

My Jaxers, in the morning, right when he wakes up. There's something about mornings- hearing him talk (or cry) in his crib and walking into his room and seeing his face for the first time that day. And it's weird, but it always feels like I haven't seen him for an entire week. All I want to do is pick him up and hug him for an hour because I miss him so much. Mornings are special too because every morning he unfailingly wraps his arms around my neck and lays his head on my shoulder. Usually after that I walk past a mirror- either the one on our dresser or the one in our entry. It sounds weird, but I always want to look at him laying on my shoulder and have that I can't believe this is my life!!! feeling. And I always do.

How do you bring happiness to those around you?

Umm...this one is hard. And I guess it's kind of bad that I am having to ponder my answer to this question for forever. But, I think this counts: Lately, I have been trying really hard to communicate more with strangers. Not only saying hi or smiling, but also saying something. A sentence. I remember college, and I remember days where I would walk through campus and not communicate with ONE person. On those days I went home and say McKayyyyy ohmygoshhIhateschoollllllll. But other days I went to school and I walked through campus and I communicated with people. I talked to them or laughed with them or even just asked a question. And on those days I came home feeling so fulfilled. So, I am trying to talk to people more- and I want my kids to know how to talk to people too. And I think that brings happiness.

How do you brighten your worst days?

To be completely honest, most of my hardest days come from just being exhausted, and my cure to that is "me time." I get out of the house and go walk around somewhere (like TJ Maxx or Marshalls or something) and I just do that for a little while, and then I go home. By the time I get home, I miss McKay and Jax a lot- so I am nicer and more patient and we are all happier.

What business/charity/person do you admire for the good the do?

My dad, because he is always doing something for someone else. I don't know how many weekends growing up that he was helping someone move or dragging my brothers out of the house to do some service project. He also makes friends with EVERYONE. He will take us to a restaurant and the chef will like come out of the kitchen ask my dad how he is doing. And all of us kids will laugh and look at each other like what the heck?! Or we will be standing in line somewhere, and by the time we get to the front, my dad has found something in common with the person in front of us. He takes genuine interest in other people. That's the key I think- genuine interest. And I think that's one of the best ways you can do good for others.

What is the best advice you've ever given or received?

From my mom, to "stop worrying."

21 comments:

  1. I love your answer to how you bring happiness to those around you. I'm going to try to do that too, and it's hard because I'm reeeeeally shy around people I don't know, but I know even the days I real smile (not polite smile) at other people and they real smile back ...those days are good.

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  2. that seed is the cutest thing!
    i have to agree with Stephanie above. reaching out to others is hard if you are shy, but when you get to talking, it can be a really good thing and lightens up the mood. great answers girl.

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  3. I completely agree with all of this! I feel so much better when I communicate with others. You sound like such an amazing momma! Your little guy is so cute and looks just like you.

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  4. This is a really cute questionaire! Your lil guy is adorable! I like that you are trying to communicate more to strangers...there are so many awesome people out there!! That is so cute that your lil guy comes in and runs to you! Moments like that are why I want to be a mom one day! Great post! It's fun learning more about the bloggers behind the awesome blogs! =)

    Ergo - Blog

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  5. This is beautiful, and that little "seed of happiness" is too darn cute. :) you are such a great momma!

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  6. ohh so sweet. what a great post!!

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  7. this is awesome ali! glad you decided to do think linky post thing!

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  8. love how you decorated jax's room (such cute frames above his crib!!!). and you are seriously so cute that you talk to people you don't know more. i love that and i get so caught up with all i have to do that i don't stop to do simple things like that. thanks for the encouragement :)

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  9. very interesting post...nice photos & like how you answered!!

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  10. such a great idea...
    As always, loved your insight.
    I have to get out of the house often to walk around, gain inspiration, and just have a moment to myself.

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  11. I liked this post! and that question is hard - but I love your answer - trying to communicate more to strangers. That definitely brings joy to people!

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  12. Ali, this is such a beautiful post. The things that make anyone most happy are the simple ones... a child's face in the morning, genuinely taking the time to really talk to someone, that little bit of 'me' time we get every now and then, and sometimes a tiny seed of happiness that continues to spread (if you can keep it out of Jax's mouth that is) ;)

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  13. great answers! my little guy is wearing those same PJ's right now :)
    floralandfudge

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  14. Such a sweet baby! Wish you a lovely weekend!

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  15. Oh my goodness... your Jax is just PRECIOUS!! Lucy mama :) Loved reading this!!

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  16. Ali- this is remarkable and I loved reading it! You have a great talent for writing! And of course, my comments on each of those; Jax in the moring: :& (this is a face that says, soooo sweet) I can't wait to have babies. Agh. Talking to strangers: fantastic. Gosh it's dehumanizing to be ignored by strangers, isn't it? This is a great idea, definitely inspires me to do this more too! You're making days for sure! You dad- sounds aweeesome. Love it.

    perfectly priya

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  17. lovely baby! :D mekstyle.blogspot.com check us! ♥

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  18. Awww, sweet post, thanks for opening up and sharing. I love the wall frame collage in Jax's room!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
    -Tiffany
    http://stylesidebar.blogspot.com/

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  19. This is such a precious post. Love the adorable pictures of your little Jax! Thank-you for sharing!

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  20. Love this idea! And separating that "me time" within a day is definitely really important!
    xo TJ

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