My Favorite Spots

I have several spots that I would consider my 'happy places'.

First off is my bed.  I have had a long standing relationship with my bed.  Happy, sad, exhausted...whatever I am feeling my bed is there for me.  It holds me up...literally.  I read books and magazines, watch TV, nap, get lost on the web.  I could stay there all day...if only my family would let me.

Another happy place is my parent's house because it's the closest thing Scott and I get to a vacation.  My parents help watching the kids and my mom cooks delicious meals and my dad does the dishes.  It doesn't hurt that they have a nice house and an amazing view and a town with plenty of family friendly stuff to do.

It's almost embarrassing to say but Target is a favorite spot of mine but only if I am alone.  I can get a little of this and a little of that.  I can find a nice treat or surprise for my kids.  I can find a nice treat for myself.  I think about all the things the kids need for whatever activity they have coming up...new school year, soccer camp, friend's birthday parties, etc.

Scott and I were married on a Southern California beach and we are very lucky to live close to a few great beaches still. It is a free activity that makes the whole family happy.  Since our family started on a beach and we only ever go there with all six of us, the beach represents family to me.  It's definitely a happy place as there are rarely tantrums at the beach.

Last but certainly not least, there is a park that is very special to the kids and me.  It is a public space but our co-op preschool is located there.  All four of my kids have learned to climb and swing and imagine themselves as pirates or princess on the jungle gym.  And every afternoon when school is done they play and let me have my daily grown-up conversation with moms with like-minded parenting ideas.  Even in summer, like today, several of us meet and let our kids play while we talk.  I was reminded today that I likely only have one more year being at this playground daily.  I will miss it when the girls move on to kindergarten.

And that is my list of my happy places!