happiness is an attitude

Happiness is an attitude: it is not a possession or destination.
This is my new Motto that I am trying to ingrain in the kids. Ryan has the gimmies (just in case if you haven't noticed or experienced it). Yesterday after he begged to get a Happy Meal (he only wants the toy) I told him to go in his room and take a toy out of his toy chest that he never plays with and it will be LIKE getting a new toy. He seemed to be on board with that...
This is my newspaper clipping for the day... from 'Mentally account for tax refund'
'consider spending on experiences rather than on material things. Research shows experiences, especially with other people, add much more to our happiness than more stuff does.'
BINGO! We do a very good job of that at birthday time. We love to do more than we love to have.
That is why we are going to Hawaii. Not to get new stuff (although I did need a new swimsuit). Not to go to a tropical island; OK, Yes, to go to a tropical island, but so that we can do new experiences. Can't snorkel in Plano. Can't attend a luau in Plano. Can't find another good reason to share our children with Grandma for 8 days straight. Aloha!