Lovely memories make for Happy moments!

Happy Saturday my Happy clan!  I hope you all are having a great day so far!  It's been a nice day of reminiscing today with my bestie and her (technically mine too) little sister.  I helped them clean out their mom's office at her house today and as so very sad I am that she is gone, while cleaning up that office we were reminded over and over how very much gone she is not!  But then again, she was one of those women who left her mark everywhere she went - and it was always in wonderful, uplifting and loving ways!  Anyone who knew her was lucky and very blessed too!  I am so very grateful that I not only knew her but was treated like her other daughter :)

It makes my heart smile seeing everyone so happy as they talk about her and all the amazing memories they have because of her!!  So, thank you, Patricia Rummer, for all the memories!!  Thank you for always being such an amazing person and for always spreading your beautiful love!!  Thank you for loving me and treating me like your other daughter!!  I love you and am so very blessed that you were a part of mine and my family's life!!

Today's Happy is a poem written by Mary Alice Ramish called When I'm Gone.  Every time I read this poem it makes me feel a lot better:

Release me, let me go.

I have so Many things to see and do.

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,

Be happy that we had so many years.

How much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

Buth now it's time I traveled on alone.

then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for awhile that we must part

So bless the memories within your heart.

So, if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near,

and if you listen with your heart,

you'll hear all my love around you soft and clear.

I gave you my love and you can only guess,
So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must
I won’t be far away, for life goes on,
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and welcome you home!

I hope you all liked this poem as much as I do and it brings comfort to those who need it!  I love you all - always remember that!  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

Just another smile!

Happy Friday my Happy clan - I hope you all are having a wonderful Friday!  I'm sitting at my best friend's writing this Happy for you as I wait for her to get back.  You see, this week - I'm her constant Happy whenever she needs or wants me to be.  After all, she is my best friend and I will do anything I have to in order to make her smile right now.  It's a hard task to smile when your heart is hurting so badly, but I'm still going to do all I can to try and help that smile break through!!!

Smiling is pretty difficult when you're sad, but sometimes all it takes is a little smile to start the transformation from sad to happy... Or at least a little happier than you were before.  I wish I had the power to take pain away from all those I love, so pretty much everyone!  So this is why I write this Happy blog for you - to try and take a little bit of sadness away and add Happiness instead!!

Today's Happy is one of my favorite songs to listen to when I'm sad, Smile by Charlie Chaplin.  It's just a great song to remind me that even though things are sad, there are still reasons to smile!

I hope this helps you all smile a little bit more today and any time you need it!  But it's time for me to make my bestie smile so until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

Don't just live but love every moment!!

How does one write a Happy post when they're heart is so sad... Today I am writing your Happy while sitting in the airport waiting to go fly to Chicago to be with my best friend and her family as she lost her mother this morning.  Her mother was my 2nd mom - I've known her for over 20 years and each one of those years holds so many wonderful memories of this amazing woman!!

I'm so sad knowing she is gone but am comforted knowing she is no longer suffering and is in Heaven watching over us.  I'm so lucky to have known her and that she was a part of my life.

So, your Happy for today is just a reminder that life is not forever so live each day like it's your last, love everyone with all your heart and always forgive.  Life's too precious not to!!  I love you guys!  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

A simple message from me :)

Happy Wednesday my Happy clan!  I hope you all are feeling much better than I am today.  I've been fighting a cold for the past couple days and today it decided to explode in my throat and head!  Thankfully I have plenty of salt and water to gargle with, and warm coffee and tea do wonders as well ;)

But, talking to my loved ones and hearing how much they love me is really what is making me feel better.  Which made me start thinking about the phrase laughter is the best medicine...  I used to think that was such a silly phrase, even though I loved to say it.  However, after 34 (almost 35) years of living I've learned how very true that statement is.  Sure, it may not cure you of an illness - but it will definitely make you feel better!  In fact, medicine may sometimes make your illness better but it's not what makes pain go away.  Love does that!  Because why ... ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE!!!!!!

I literally cursed my phone when it started ringing earlier today during my "trying to nap" time - but after I hung up I actually felt better because of how loved my sister and husband (yes, they both called) made me feel!  Knowing how much they care about me made such a huge difference!  And you can make others out there feel like that - all you have to do is let them know you care!!!  The greatest way to make yourself smile is to make someone else smile!!!

So, today's Happy is a simple message from me to you:

And I want you all to know that I mean this from the very bottom of my heart!!!  Now, go remember to tell all your loved ones you love them too!  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

Find comfort in Him...

Happy Tuesday my Happy clan - I hope you all are having a wonderful day so far!  I write to you with a sad heart, but one that is being comforted by God.  And also guiding me in comforting those who need it.  I thought how I'm sure there are some of you who also may be needing His loving arms around you right now, so today's Happy are reminders that God is always there when you need Him to be!!  So, to get right to it, here you go:

God didn't promise days without pain,

laughter without sorrow &

sun without rain...

But He did promise strength for the day,

comfort for the tears &

light for the way!

Lord,

I surrender my heart to You.

I give You all my disappointments, pain and suffering

which You alone can understand.

Please give me the strength to move forward!

Sometimes God calms the storm.

Sometimes God calms the sailor.

But sometimes, He makes us swim!

People think I'm strong

for the troubles I've had,

problems I've encountered

and pains I've felt.

But, they are wrong.

Because I am weak,

but behind me is a strong God!

Don't tell God how big your storms are,

Tell your storms how big your God is!!

Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Phillippians 4:13

There is no fear in love,

but perfect love casts away fear!

1 John 4:18

I hope this brings comfort to those of you that need it now and to those of you who need it later!  Just remember that God loves you and is always with you!!  And if you don't believe... He still loves you and is there for you!  And I love you all too!  So, until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

It's okay if you want to stay in the clouds!!

Happy Monday my Happy clan!!  I hope you all are having a marvelous start to your fresh new week!  Today's Happy is going to be a simple and to the point Happy.  I know we all are fighting hardships so I just wanted to post a song that is full of positivity and happiness and love and hopefully it will fill you with positivity, happiness and love!!!

I found this song on accident about 6 months ago and I turn to this song a LOT!!!  It's called Clouds by Zach Sobiech.  So, listen to it - twice if you have to  and go out there and live your life!  Smile at everyone, say I love you - give hugs!!!  Enjoy every moment you have, keep moving forward and keep looking up, up, up!!!  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

Enjoy each daily gift of life you receive!

Happy Super Sunday Evening my Happy clan!!  I hope everyone enjoyed their day and that you all are finishing up this week on a beautiful note!  If not, then maybe my Happy will give you that smile you need before heading off to bed :)  I decided that since I've given you an evening Happy all week I might as well finish off the week the same way.

It was a very quiet day in the Powell household today.  Not that we didn't do anything, we did quite a bit.  Matt and Johnny went to the park and played some basketball together while I took Dukey to get his nails clipped and then for a 2-mile jog.  We got some stuff done around the house, cleaning and laundry for the most part.  I also made some updates and changes to the newsletter I recently became in charge of at my new part-time job.  So, I guess it was a lot more productive of a day than I thought but after my sister and her family left things seem so calm around here - and I prefer crazy and hectic ;)

However, my favorite part of every day is just being there!  Every morning I wake up I'm reminded that I was given another chance to do something great, another opportunity to make someone smile, another gift of life!!  And every night I thank God for all these daily Happies!  After all, those are the reasons we live... Remember, yesterday is history, tomorrow's a mystery, but today is a gift - that's why we call it the present!!

So, today's Happy to send you off to sleep with are quotes about the awesomeness that life truly is!!  Here are the handful I picked out for you that I felt would bring out your biggest smiles!

Remember to always live your life to the fullest and enjoy every single second of it as well!!  And try and help those around you enjoy it as well - after all, spreading joy only brings more joy to you!  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

Let's Play Two - an Ernie Banks Happy

Happy S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night my Happy clan!  I hope you all had a splederific day and your evening has been sensational :)  I had a very nice Saturday, even though my sister, brother-in-law and 2 nephews had to head back home this morning.  It really is so hard saying goodbye - which is why you should never say goodbye since it never really is goodbye, it's always "see you later"!  And remember, it's also okay to cry - a good cry can be quite cleansing!

Sadly, we also had to say "See you later" to Mr. Sunshine himself, Ernie Banks.  I was very saddened to hear of his passing - but found myself quickly welling up with tears of happiness and joy as opposed to sadness.  Why?  Because I started thinking of all the amazing things that Ernie has done!  I mean, he truly was Mr. Cub and I firmly believe he is the greatest Cubs player ... EVER!!!  He will truly be missed but knowing he is up in Heaven shining down on Wrigley, the Cubs and all us Cubbie fans makes me smile!

I thought we could have a little tribute to Ernie Banks today so in honor of all the Sunshine and Happiness he always passed on to everyone today's Happy will be Ernie quotes :)

"You must try to generate happiness within yourself.  If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace."

"But it all comes down to friendship, treating people right!"

"Loyalty and friendship, which is to me the same, created all the wealth that I've ever thought I'd have!"

"The only way to prove that you're a good sport is to lose."

Thank you Ernie for all the amazing moments and memories you have given us Cub fans and for all the happy and positive words of wisdom you left us as well!!  He definitely deserved the Mr. Sunshine nickname!!!  I hope you all enjoyed these great quotes and remember them for always and until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

Smiling is the easy way to be happy!

Happy super late Friday (and almost Saturday) my Happy clan!  I hope you all had a fantastic day!!  I had a marvelous day once again!  I did have to work and ended up being there almost 2 hours later than I was supposed to be, but that just means a little extra in my paycheck right ;)  I did hope I'd be home earlier to play with my nephews a little more before they leave in the morning but as soon as I hear them get up tomorrow I'll be getting up with them!

I'm quite sad they are leaving tomorrow, but I am so excited about all the time I got to spend with them while they were here.  And I can't wait to go out and visit them in Chicago soon!  So, even though it's sad I'm able to find the happy buried within.  Because there is always something happy buried within every moment in life, you just have to keep your eyes opened!  So often we focus so hard on the one bad thing that has happened we miss the thousands of happy things happening right in front of us.  But the easiest way around that is just to keep smiling and be happy!  Remember, you want your smile to change the world but never let the world change your smile!!!

Today's Happy is this exact reminder... Of course you don't always feel like smiling - unless you always tell yourself that you do feel like smiling.  It's what I do every morning, afternoon and night!  And you can do it too!!  When things start getting you down, smile!  When traffic starts making you angry, smile!  When your boss doesn't give you the credit you deserve or takes you for granted, smile!  When it feels like you're all alone - Smile!

I hope you all remember to smile and stay happy!  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!
Karen :)

Just look, you'll find your sunshine!

Happy Tremendously Amazing Thursday my Happy clan!  I hope you all had a wonderful day!!  As always, I did too!  I could have very easily had a bad day - I was at work an hour later than I was supposed to (yet I still got a lot of work taken care of that will help out for tomorrow), I hurt my knee from wearing the wrong shoes on my last two 4-mile jogs/power walks with my sister (but I found my good running shoes and was able to do the 4-mile jog today) and my favorite hair product decided to stop working so well on my hair (but I was able to style my hair in cute pigtails using a new oil that seems to work quite well instead).  You see, I always look for the positive in every situation.  Of course, it's definitely easier to do some days than it is than others, but I always find a way!

There is always a silver lining - no matter what!  You just have to stop being afraid to look for it!!  Sometimes it's exactly what we thought it would be and other times it ends up being our unanswered prayers, but in the end we find our silver lining.  And as I sit here writing this, a song keeps running through my head that I actually feel would be the perfect Happy for this post.  No, it's not Unanswered Prayers by Garth Brooks, but instead it's one of my favorite songs all about finding your happiness no matter what life may throw your way.  So, here's not only the video for it but also the lyrics as well:

The Sound of Sunshine

Michael Franti and Spearhead

I wake up in the morning, it's 6 o'clock

They say there may be rain but the sun is hot

I wish I had some time just to kill today

And I wish I had a dime for every bill I got to pay

Some days you lose, you win

And the waters as high as the times you're in

So I jump back into where I learned to swim

Try to keep my head above it as best I can

That's why here I am

Just waiting for this storm to pass me by

And that's the sound of sunshine coming down

And that's the sound of sunshine coming down

I saw my friend, Bobby, he said "What's up man?

You gotta little work or a twenty to lend?"

I opened up my hand, he said, "I'm glad to see

They can take away my job but not my friends, you see"

And here I am

Just waiting for this storm to pass me by

And that's the sound of sunshine coming down

And that's the sound of sunshine coming down

Yo, yo, here we go

I want to go where the summer never ends

With my guitar on the beach, there with all my friends

The sun so hot and the waves in motion

And everything smells like suntan lotion

The ocean and the girls so sweet

So kick off your shoes and relax your feet

They say that miracles are never ceasing

And every single soul needs a little releasing

The stereo bumping till the sun goes down

And I only want to hear that sound

And that's the sound of sunshine coming down

And that's the sound of sunshine coming down

And now say

You're the one I want to be with

When the sun goes down

You're the one I want to be with

When the sun goes down

Sing, you're the one I want to be with

When the sun goes down

You're the one I want to be with

When the sun goes

That's the sound of sunshine coming down

And that's the sound of sunshine coming down

When the sun goes down

When the sun goes down

When the sun goes down

I hope you all enjoyed this song and can use for future happies you may need or want!  I know I use it quite often ;)  But now, it's off to dream land for me so until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

Unexpected Achievements Bring Unexpected Happies!

Happy Wednesday evening my Happy clan!  I hope you all are having a wonderful day!!  My family is still in town visiting which is the reason for all my late posts this week.  But the way I see it - a Happy is good at any time of the day, don't you agree?

We had another nice day today, even though I had to work, it was still a great day!  My sister has been forcing me to jog with her while she's been here and today was day number 2 that we jogged 4 miles!!!  I'm so proud of myself!!!  I am not a runner so this is definitely a challenge but one I want to keep up with!  I never thought I'd feel so awesome after running but wow... What a rush!!!

So for today's happy I thought I'd share with you a poem about always believing in yourself and never giving up.  The poem is actually called "Believe In Yourself" but I can't find the author of this beautiful poem.  If any one of you knows who wrote this please let me know!

Believe In Yourself

Believe in yourself and you can achieve,

Things you never thought possible.

Believe in yourself and you can discover,

New talents hidden inside you.

Believe in yourself and you can reach,

New high that you thought immeasurable.

Believe in yourself and you can elucidate,

The problem that defy every solution.

Believe in yourself and you can tackle,

The hardest of all situations.

Believe in yourself and you can make,

The complicated things seem simple.

Believe in yourself and you can enjoy,

The beauty of the nature's creation.

Believe in yourself and you can learn,

Skill of gaining knowledge from experience.

Believe in yourself and you can discern,

New depths in your life.

Believe in yourself and you can perform,

Way beyond your expectations.

Believe in your aim and work towards it,

With elation, determination and dedication.

Believe in yourself and you'll feel blessed,

As you are the God's special creation.

I hope you all take something from this poem because it is true!!!  You can do anything you want as long as you believe you can!!  So until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

A Well Spent Day Brings Happy Sleep!

Happy Tubular Tuesday my Happy clan!  I hope you all had a fantastic day!!  I apologize for the late post again today but I'm really enjoying this time with my Sis, my bro-in-law and my 2 nephews.  Matt, Johnny, Dukey and Tiger are all enjoying their time with them too!!

Today we took my nephews to a Dude Ranch while Johnny was at school.  Oh my goodness that was so much fun!!  We got to pet a bunch of super cute animals in the Petting Zoo, and there were two new baby goats - they were so cute!!!  Then we practiced roping fake cattle, played some bean bag toss and ring toss games and then both boys got to ride a pony!  They were just too cute :)  We're definitely going back with Johnny - he would have so much fun there too!

On the way home both boys passed out in the car.  It was actually quite humorous to look at!  And also quite contagious!  Watching them sleep made me remember how tired I was ;)  This made me think about how very much I love sleeping ... And I know you all feel the same so that's why tonight's Happy are some simply sweet sleep sayings!

Day is over, night has come.

Today is gone, what's done is done.

Embrace your dreams through the night,

Tomorrow comes with a whole new light!

I'm so good at sleeping I can do it with my eyes closed!

The best way to see what tomorrow brings is to sleep through the night.

Dear Sleep,

I know we had problems when I was younger but I love you now!

Sincerely, Me

I have a date tonight with my bed.  We're totally going to sleep together!

Sleeping is the healthiest thing you can do without doing anything.

"To sleep, perchance to dream." -William Shakespeare

And tonight, I'll fall asleep with you in my heart!

I hope you all enjoyed these and have a fabulous sleep with super sweet dreams!!  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!!

Karen :)

A Late Monday Happy

Happy Magnificent Monday my Happy clan!  Tonight's post is coming to you a lot later than usual... Mostly because I was busy playing with my almost 1 year old nephew all day long.  I would love to say I was playing with my Johnny and my 4 year old nephew, George, but they were too busy playing together I didn't get the chance to play with them.  But, that's okay because watching them play together was just awesome!  I really get sad sometimes thinking about how we never had any more kids, but I'm so glad we only have our Johnny!  Yes, sometimes I think a sibling would be really good for him but other times I think how a sibling might have just make him an actual monster!  But, the way he acts with his cousins now is just amazing!  To the point where I almost want to document it ;)

But then I sit and think about how he does have a sibling - he's got Dukey!  Our puppy is definitely a part of this family!  In fact, he's not our only furry baby - we have him and our little honey bunny, Tiger!  So, whenever people ask me if I want any more kids I always tell them I don't need any more, I already have my 2 1/2 kids - I have one son, one dog and one bunny :)  And let me tell you, a mom couldn't ask for a better bunch of guys!  I love my boys - human and animal!  And they are all a very huge part of me and my life!

So for today's happy I thought I would share with you  a video compilation of cute babies and animals because they are just the perfect Happy!

I hope this brought a smile to all of your faces!  I know it brought an extra one to mine!!!  And I hope you all had a marvelous day and evening  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

Lazy day for you and me!

Happy Splendid Sunday my Happy clan!  I hope you all are having a fabulous day so far!  I most definitely am - even after waking up at 5:45am :)  But I woke up to my 2 little nephews smiling faces so how could I not be in a good mood!  Plus, I got to watch the sunrise with my sister (for the most part) and it's been a long time since I've been able to do that.

I'm looking forward to a nice lazy day with my family - and I know they are too!  Besides going to get my nails all prettied up with my sissy all we have to do today is chill!  And how can that not make you happy?  Lazy days are the best!!!  Especially when you can be lazy with your loved ones :)  Luckily we got a bunch of new movies for Christmas so we'll probably be watching a lot of those today - I should probably get some popcorn too.  You can't watch a movie without popcorn!

So, today's Happy are a few songs that are all about being lazy and enjoying every second of it!  And you know what, it's okay to be lazy sometimes - we all deserve a day off every once in a while!

We'll start off with The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars.  I really wanted to share the one with Leonard Nimoy but I know some younger ones (like my son) read my blog so figured this would be the better video to go with ;)

The next is Lazy Day by Spanky & Our Gang.  I absolutely love this song and even though I know it's now going to be stuck in my head all day long, I'm still going to listen to it and share it with you all!

And the final lazy song for this morning is Lazy Days by Enya.  I just adore Enya and can listen to them no matter what mood I'm in!

I hope you enjoyed your lazy musical selection for today - and I hope you all get to have a lazy moment at one point today, too!  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

I'm so rich! Are you too???

Happy Stupendously Superb Saturday my Happy clan!!  I hope you all are having an amazing day so far!  I'm as happy as can be today!!!  I've been seriously dancing around all morning - even though I should be cleaning ;)  And why am I even happier than usual today you may ask?  Well, because my sister, her husband and my two awesome nephews are coming for a visit and they get in today!!  I am so excited to see them!!!

Isn't it funny how something as simple as a visit from a friend or family member can make all the bad disappear when they show up?  Just the thought of them getting there makes everything so much better :)  That's because in life, our most expensive and priceless treasures are our loved ones.  It's not things.  Sure, when you buy something new - of course it makes you happy, but it will never return that happiness to you.  Your TV will never hug you.  Your car will never give you a shoulder to cry on.  Your money will never tell you I Love You!  It's the people in our lives that do these things - and so much more!!!

Today's Happy is a reminder of what the definition of being rich really is.  Being rich doesn't mean you have a lot of money, it means you have a lot of love!!  I don't have a lot of money but I'm one of the wealthiest people in the world.  I'm surrounded by so much love!  And in the end, love really is all you need!!  So, here's your Happy reminders for today:

We are all so incredibly blessed to have people that love us in our lives!  These are what make us all rich, much richer than you may even know!!!  So, remember to treasure these gifts you have been given and always remember to tell everyone you love them!  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!
Karen :)

Helpful Hints on How to be Happy

Happy Fantabulistic Friday my Happy Clan!!  I'm so beyond excited that it's Friday!!  Even though I know it's going to be a very long day at work because we're short staffed, I don't care!  I'm going to go in with a smile and tackle the entire day smiling - and when I leave for the day, I will STILL be smiling!!

Happiness is a part of me, it always has been.  My entire life I've had people ask me how I can be so happy (especially at 7 in the morning) or where they can find these happy pills I take!  But it's just me ladies and gentlemen.  This is just who I am, and this is who I'll forever be!  I love being happy all the time.  I hate when I am in a bad mood (yes, they're rare occasions but they happen sometimes).  So, whenever I need a little reminder that it's just as easy to be happy as it is to be upset I just turn to one of my Happy quotes.  And guess what, some of these quotes are going to be your Happy today!  Now, any time you need a little reminder you can just open up to this page and read these again and walk away smiling!!!

Now, are you feeling Happy?  If not, read these again, and again if you need to!  Remember, you choose if you are going to have a Happy Day or a miserable day... Go make it a Happy one!!!  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!
Karen :)

Dreaming the Day Away :)

Happy Thursday Morning my Happy clan!!  I hope you all are having an absolutely beautiful day so far!  I sure am :)  Even though it's going to be a longer day for me I'm still as happy as can be!  But that's because I choose to be happy, I don't do "grumpy" very well anyways ;)

So I woke up this morning feeling all warm and cozy inside - I had such a wonderful dream last night!  I just love dreams like that!  I woke up and knew that HAD to be our Happy for today.  Yes, not all dreams are the best, but sometimes we all get that really awesome one.  The one where you wake up in the morning and wish you could go back to sleep to get back in that dream.  The one where you are half way through your day but are still all kinds of happy because of lingering thoughts and feelings of that dream.  The one where you wish you could wave a magic wand and make it a reality!!

You know the dreams I'm talking about, and I bet you're smiling right now thinking about them aren't you?  But, the reason these dreams make us feel so incredibly wonderful is because, as our dear Princess, Cinderella, taught us, a dream is a wish your heart makes!!  And they really are!  All dreams have the possibility of becoming a reality - maybe not exactly how you saw them in your mind, but pretty much dead on what you dreamed.  Just never stop believing and never stop trying for what you want!

So, here's your Happy for today brought to you by Cinderella:

How many of you sang along?  You know I do - every single time!  Anyways, I hope you all have a marvelous day and keep working on making your dreams a reality!!  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

How about a joke to get your day going?

Hey Happy clan... Guess what day it is?  C'mon, you know what day it is... That's right - HUMP DAY!! :)  And a very Happy Hump Day to you all!!  I hope you are all having a very enjoyable day so far!  My day is starting off well - Johnny's completely ready for school (and has been since 7:30am), laundry is just about finished drying, dishwasher has been emptied and dirty dishes have been rinsed off and put into the empty dishwasher and all is well in the Powell household :)

I am in a very giggly mood today though, so I have decided today is JOKE DAY!!!  What better way to help others laugh than by telling jokes!  So, some of these may be a little "groan-ish" but they're still funny and I guarantee you'll at least smile :)

So, here is your line-up of jokes for today:

• It's hard to explain puns to kleptomaniacs because they always take things literally.
• Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana. (think about it...)
• Why is 6 afraid of 7?
     Because 7 is a registered 6 offender...
• What do you call it when Batman skips church?
     Christian Bale!
• I used to be addicted to soap but I'm clean now!
• What do you call a magic dog?
     A Labracadabrador!
• A plateau is the highest form of flattery.
• What do you call a fake noodle?
     An Impasta.
• Why are pirates called pirates?
     Cause they ARRRRRR! 
• Why are frogs so happy?
     They eat whatever bugs them!!!!!!!!

I hope this brought a smile to your faces and keeps it there for as long as possible!!!  But, now it's off to work for me so until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

Simple Smiles :)

Happy Thundering Tuesday to my Happy clan!  I hope you all are having a fantabulous day so far!!  It's still raining by me and I am still loving every single second of it!  Still no rainbow but there's still a chance I'll see one :)

I'm working from home today ... I have to say, it's so much nicer making calls and sending emails and putting together spreadsheets and call logs in my pj's and slippers!  How is it that something so simple as pajamas or slippers can bring so much happiness?  I'll tell you how - because I choose to find the Happy in every situation!  Obviously, in this scenario finding my Happy was pretty easy ;)

And I have to share this with you - but as I am writing this blog I am listening to the Beautiful Instrumentals music station on DirecTV.  The song that is being played is My Favorite Things played amazingly on the piano by George Shearing.  Coincidence or fate ... whatever you may believe ... that song is my Happy for you all today!!!  I thought it was a perfect Happy to share on another rainy day - or sunny day, or snowy day, or whatever type of day you may be experiencing!  Sometimes it's good to remember the very simple things in life that make us smile.  After all, smiling always leads to Happier things!

Since I'm completely obsessed with Julie Andrews, I am of course going to be sharing her version of My Favorite Things from one of my all-time favorite musicals The Sound of Music.

And it really is that simple folks!!  Just start thinking about what it is that does make you happy and soon all the bad starts to just disappear!  I hope this helps bring a smile to your faces for the day like it is for me :)  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

We Are Family!!!

Happy Rainy Monday my Happy clan!!  I hope you all are having a super day so far!  You did read my intro correctly - it is a rainy day again in Arizona.  It's been rainy for a few days now and I'm just LOVING it!!!  I haven't seen a rainbow yet but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed I will soon ;)  But whether I see a rainbow or not, I'll still be happy.  Just because I can't see it doesn't mean that it's not there, right!!!

Kind of like your family - we're always there for one another no matter what!!!  Take my siblings and I for example.  We are all very, very different people.  We fight ... quite a bit sometimes and for the absolute dumbest reasons too for that matter, but we always have each other's backs!  Even if we aren't currently "speaking" to one another - if we found out something bad was going on we'd be at each other's side in a heartbeat!  See, we may be 9 different people - but when it's needed, we join together as 1!  Why, because that is what family does for one another!

And family isn't just blood relatives, family is anyone who truly loves you, who is there for you in good times and bad, who will tell you honestly if you look good or not in those new pair of expensive jeans and who will protect you and stand by your side when bad things happen.  Family will only raise a hand at you to draw you in for a hug or to wipe a tear from your eye!  Family is love!!!

So that brings me to today's Happy!  First, I want to start off with a picture of me and my siblings - since they are my Happy today!!

The Beyer Clan (from left to right): Kat, Jimbo, Tommy, Murphy, Billy, Lizzi, Sarah, Kelly & Karen (Me)

And here's your Happy - a few simple sayings to remind you that we all have "family" out there that love us very much and will always be there for us, no matter what!!!

I've learned that it's not what I have in my life

but who I have in my life that matters!!

BLOOD
makes you related;
LOYALTY
makes you family!!!

FAMILY:
Where life begins and love never ends!!!

Friends are the family we choose for ourselves!

Together we make a Family!!!

Family isn't always blood.  It's the people in your life

who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you

for who you are!  The ones who would do anything

to see you smile & who love you no matter what!!!

Ohana means family.
Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten!!

Family isn't who's blood you carry,

It's who you love and who loves you back!!

FAMILY:

The secret to having it all

Is knowing you already do!!!

So whenever you feel like you are alone, you're not!!  There is someone out there who loves you very much because you are their family!!!  And, I am one of them!!!  So go hug your loved ones and tell them you love them too!  You can never do it too much!!!  And in case you forgot, I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)

Sweet thoughts for your Sunday evening :)

Happy Sensational Sunday my Happy Clan!  I hope you all had a fabulous day today!  I definitely did :)  My girlfriend and I went to the movies today and we got to see The Wizard of Oz not only on the big screen but on IMAX experience too!!  It was so incredibly awesome!!  I was just in complete awe ... absolutely amazing!

You're probably thinking that's why today's blog is being posted so late but that's not the reason ;)  The reason is because tonight I wanted to give you and evening Happy to send you off to bed with.  Since it's the end of the week I thought it would be nice to have an end of the night Happy!  If you go to bed with Happy thoughts then that leads to Happy dreams which in turn leads to a very Happy morning!!!

Tonight's Happy actually goes hand-in-hand with today.  Sunday is the Sabbath day - so I'll be sharing with you some of my all time favorite spiritual quotes!  Sunday is also the 7th day of the week so you will be getting 7 Happies tonight!

1) "The great things to remember is that though our feelings come and go, God's love for us does not!" -C.S. Lewis

2) "Every evening I turn my worries over to God.  He's going to be up all night anyway." -Mary C. Crowley

3) When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy! -Psalm 94:19

4) If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it!

5) When you feel like you're drowning in life, don't worry - your Lifeguard walks on water!!

6) Jesus said "Never will I leave you or forsake you!"  So even in your loneliest moment you are never alone!

7) If what's ahead scares you and what's behind hurts you, just look above.  He never fails to help you!

I hope you all sleep well and have amazingly wonderful dreams!  And if you are reading this in the morning - then have a great day and you have another blog coming your way soon! :)  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!

Peace, Love and Happiness!
Karen :)

How about a hug?

Happy Sensational Saturday my Happy clan!!!  Hooray!!!  We made it!!  I've been quite busy today, worked a little this morning, went and saw a friend, watched part of Rocky IV with Matt and Johnny (and cried my eyes out too ... watched the Apollo vs. Drago fight for the first time). And now I'm writing a Happy for all of you!!!  

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite parts of the day - Johnny's too!  He told me yesterday he favorited this blog so he can read it every day too!  That was probably the highlight of my day :D  I hope that one day this will be one of your favorite parts of the day - I can't even begin to describe how incredibly Happy I would be knowing I made others Happy!!!

Today's Happy is brought to you by the letter H and the number INFINITY!  H is for Happy!  H is also for HUGS!!!!  Coincidentally - your Happy today are INFINITE HUGS FROM ME!!!!!!!!!!!!

  

I hope these hugs reach you soon - but don't worry, I'm going to keep sending them!!!  I was serious when I said infinite!  I love you all and hope you have a wonderful rest of your day!!  Until tomorrow, keep smiling and spreading that love!!

Peace, Love and Happiness!

Karen :)