Smiling started off being a reflex in babies. But as we grow older and older, it sometimes feels like smiling is a deliberate effort, especially when situations and circumstances make it difficult to do so.   The last one month felt like a particularly difficult month for me, with the many events and incidents that happened. Baby Jayne fell very sick for more than a week, with high fevers hitting 40 Degree Celsius. Then I fell sick with serious throat infection and fever, and had to stay home for 4 to 5 days before I finally got better. And of course, the freak accident that happened to Joey on Good Friday. But being an optimist, it is not my nature to dwell on the unfortunate things for too long. So, today I choose to look beyond those unhappy stuffs, and focus on FIVE THINGS that make me smile.   #1 - DATES WITH THE HUBBY   It is a blessing that hubby and I are working in the same organisation and office, which means I get to see him anytime during the day that I want. A couple of days a week, we also have lunch together. The best thing is of course having the same off day together every Monday, so when the kids are in school, we get to spend quality time together. I look forward to our Monday dates every week because that is essentially the energy I need to kick-start my week.     #2 - LITTLE FEET   My kids' little hands and little feet always fascinates me. As I see them grow bigger and bigger day by day, I am reminded that it is a privilege to be a mum to these two angels in my life, and I should cherish every single moment with them now before their little hands and feet grow to be as big as mine. Thinking of them always makes me smile, even in the most stressful situations.     #3 - DOTING PARENTS   The older I am, the more I feel my parents' love for me. During my growing up years, they may not have a marriage without squabbles and quarrels, but they pulled through together as a couple and provided a happy family for my brother and I. My dad used to be really quiet, but would occasionally surprise us with late night trips to Mc'donalds and the movies, etc. When I was studying in the Secondary School, he drove me to school everyday. When I started work, we would have breakfasts together then he would drive me to my office. When I got pregnant with my first kid, he would bring me out for dinner every weekend to satisfy my cravings. Now that I have two kids, he would offer to drive us around and fetch us home whenever he could. My mum would send over cakes and food that she prepared, and buy toys and clothes for my girls. Whenever the kids are over at my parents' place, my mum stuffs them with all sorts of food goodness. I am very blessed to have such doting parents.         #4 - MY BROTHER WHO GREW UP WITH ME   You know how it is, when we were young, we fight over everything and anything. But somehow at some point of our lives, we started becoming best friends who would talk about anything and everything under the sky. My brother always tells me how much he looks up to me as an elder sister, and how I am always the first person he would think of whenever he needs to share something. I am honoured, really. The truth is, my childhood would not be half as fun without him. Now that both my parents are getting old, I am feeling more and more glad that I have another sibling to take care of our parents together. We can share our worries, fears and concerns. Especially when my mum discovered water cysts in her liver recently, we would accompany her to the hospital together. Totally halve the burden. I love my bro with all my heart.     #5 - A HOBBY THAT MAKES ME GLAD   When asked what is my hobby, I will always say blogging without batting an eyelid. Blogging started off as a hobby, and is still now my favourite pastime. Writing is therapeutic for me, and I enjoy taking photographs, so blogging is really a combination of two of my favourite activities. Plus, having two adorable and active girls give me more than enough materials to blog about everyday. It is a bonus that the blog has also brought me many other benefits such as product review opportunities, media invites and even some forms of income. On top of that, I have had the opportunity to meet with many like-minded people with the same passion as me. About a year ago, I joined the Singapore Mom Bloggers and have learnt so much from this group of mummy bloggers. The support in the group is amazing, and I am just glad to be able to be a part of them.     Happiness is a choice, and today, #ichoosejoy. :)