It’s a HAPPY Day: The Happy 101 Award

Guess what?!  Life with the Hawleys received the Happy 101 Award from my favorite crafty scientist!  Thank you so much Mel!  I’m so honored! :-) The Award Rules:

1. List 10 things that make you HAPPY
2. List 5 bloggers who brighten your day :-)

The first task will be easy for me, but the second will be a bit more difficult because there are so many bloggers that make me smile everyday!  Let’s start with the easy one: 10 things that make me HAPPY-

1. Jesus- He is not only the light of the world, but the light and purpose of my life. 
2. Phil- This man is by far the best man in the world, and I’m not just saying that because I’m married to him.  There isn’t enough space in blogland for me to talk about how a-mazing he is.
3. Tomlin- I never knew I could adore a dog as much as I adore this puppy.  We’ve only had her since May, but I honestly can’t imagine our family growing without her.
4. Good friends- I don't think I need to explain this one.  I know you know how valuable a great friend is and how much happiness they can bring to your life.  Thank you friends!
5. Coffee- Seriously, is there really a better way to start the day than with a giant cup of coffee?! Nope!  Well, unless that giant cup of coffee is accompanied by a warm doughnut.  Truth!
6. Crafting- I guess you probably could have guessed this one.
7. Autumn-  I regret that I never appreciated this season when I live in Virginia.  In fact, I don't think I ever noticed it until I moved to Houston; leaves on palm trees just don’t change colors <wamp wamp>  I make every effort to take advantage of this season now.  Some say I might be a bit obsessive, but I’m trying to make up for lost time.
8. The event of food- This may sound silly to some, but I absolutely love gathering around to eat with others.  Yes,  I love to cook, but that’s not my favorite part.  What fills me with the most joy is sitting down with others to eat.  I love to catch up about the day or what’s going on in someone else’s life.  Gathering to eat has become such a special time in the day when I get to love on someone else.  There is just something special about sitting around a table eating with loved ones; life develops and deepens over conversations around the kitchen table.  *love it!*
9. Traveling- I just love immersing myself in another country: seeing and learning (and eating, of course- see above) about another culture.  Places I have traveled to: England, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Canada, the Bahamas, and St. Thomas.  Places that are at the top of my list for future trips: Spain, Egypt, Ireland, & Greece.
10. Christmas-  My family has joked about this forever; probably since I could talk.  I love Christmas and think about it year-round.  I never actually stop playing Christmas music (Yep, I’m one of those crazy people).  My Christmas movies never leave the DVD player.  I start my Christmas shopping in January and am finished by June.  I love the food, festivities, the gatherings of friends and family; I just love it all.

Five bloggers that never cease to wrap a big, goofy, cheesy, grin around my face:

1. Joy from Confessions of a Southern Socialite
2. Erin from Dishes & Wishes
3. Sherri from Life of a Wife
4. Danie from Embrace the Journey
5. Jessica from Housewifing on a Budget

These bloggers are amazingly talented and I cherish their friendships dearly.  You must click over to their blogs and see for yourself how wonderfully creative and HAPPY they really are!

Have a wonderful, and HAPPY weekend!!!!