Happy is as Happy Does

As a little blog in the blog pond, I am always surprised when someone comments or follows. So when I was recently paid a high compliment by the lovely Jeanne at Collage of Life, I was humbled, honored, and delighted. Jeanne's blogs are full of encouragement and beauty, and are a wonderful respite on any day. Thank you, Jeanne, my 'blog warrior' friend, for sharing your inspirations. Oh, how I do love an award with cupcakes! x

When receiving an award, one is instructed to do the following:
1. Post-back to thank the person who recognized you. Naturally, etiquette is observed.
2. Offer 10 things that make you happy. Though I've noticed straying from that number is acceptable.
and 3. Pass along the award to 10 bloggers who make you happy. Which may not be such an easy task!

So, in an attempt to respect the set limits, here are "10 things that make [me] happy":
Laughter
Reading
Finding a good math curriculum
Myst
My boys, who aren't 'things', and their tromping through mud, flying arrows, skinned knees, voracious appetites, and flashing eyes
French toast, lemon bars, and potatoes
Wit
Exploring
Design
The color red

Now, it is my happy honor to pass along the above award to the following bloggers, each of whom is a delight for their kind words, sweet thoughts, and good times:

CapeBags
Chatting at the Sky
Daily Violets
Earmark
High Street Market
Home Girl
Marymcdonald
Pillar Box Post
Sweet Puffins
The Indomitably Courageous U

Glancing through my blogroll, it is replete with wonderful reads from diverse, happy people. For those so inclined, please peruse to your heart's content! Or as my husband says: "So many blogs, so little time, huh?" Exactly.

Here's to a happy day, blogfriends!   tIO x

A Starter, Main, and Dessert

If you don't at least crack a smile at these two I will be seriously disappointed. Seriously.
And a word of warning: there is some naughtiness and off-color language.




(Thanks to Omniscient and Malinky2Stoatir; via youtube)

May your day be full of laughter and amusement.   tIO x

Baby Peach

Our nightly post-dinner habit of MarioKart for Wii has turned ugly. My sons (and husband) demand to know how this:


driving this (shown here with Baby Luigi):


continuously bests them in this race:



My response: Baby Peach is an Italian (with English, Scottish, and German heritage as well) who majored in physics at university. And no one drifts like she does on the Bullet Bike.

Hang in there, Karters; Friday's coming.   tIO x

PS: As regards this post, I did not lose a bet; I simply asked my children what I should post. This was their mutual - and immediate - response.

PPS: Please consult the time before you phone us in the evenings. If it's between 6:30-7:30pm EST, I encourage you to wait a bit. Having to pause the game really messes with the Peach's mojo.

(All images via MarioWiki.)

"Come with Me"

A little bit of happy on this Friday:



Have a good one.   tIO x