Well Hello Again

 

 

(order on Etsy here )

This little quote came to mind when I thought this was a fine time to pick back up with my blog! I have missed it! Blogging has been such a fun hobby for so many reasons.  First, I love the opportunity to write--to try and  record my thoughts and life.   Next I LOVE to  connect with others.  I seriously enjoy the comments, emails, and getting to "meet" other women that I never would have been able to with out blogging.  In fact, I got the sweetest email just yesterday from someone all the way across the country who has read this little blog for years!  It made my day and inspired me to get back to it!  Last, this is my place to focus on the good and happy things in life.  I will be the first to admit that life is hard--  it is not all sunshine and roses but one of my favorite quotes is:

 

“Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend … when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”   

^{(Comes from this awesome talk here )}

So I will start back with some of the little happy moments that I have tucked away in my heart recently.

 

Last week was our Fall break and we took off for just a couple of days to one of our favorite spots here in the South...Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. 

After 6 hours in the car the boys wasted no time hitting the waves!

They dove in with such pure joyful reckless abandon--I loved it!

 

 

 

Although I miss my boy so much, I LOVE that he is so happy serving in his first area...way out in the boonies, in a tiny little town in Alabama.  He is spending his days serving others in anyway he can, sharing with them the love of God, testifying of Jesus Christ and teaching those who want to listen.

Just look at that genuine smile on a recent baptism day:

 

 

Last for now...I will never forget the first few days of Fall Break when I decided to plant 250 bulbs.  Yes, I am not kidding-- I got a little carried away one evening shopping online!

 

I  was really questioning my judgement ordering all those tulips when it came time to plant them. It was so hot and humid! I was exhausted after the first 50--but luckily my cute boys came to the rescue.  All of them were out digging and helping me get it done.  I just hope my yard doesn't look ridiculous come Spring.  HAha!

 

 

Well it is good to be back!  I am already thinking about a 'Friday Favorites' tomorrow--just for fun!

Oh and I need to start posting my weekly menu again.  That was so helpful for ME!

I go in spurts with menu planning--but life is so much better when I do them:)

xoxoxo

Happy Monday

We had a solid week of gray skies and rain last week so you can imagine how a glorious blue sky and sunshine is appreciated today!  It is a great way to start out the week!

 

We had a nice weekend--Cannon got to try a egg mcmuffin for the first time. We are not big Mcdonalds fans around here--but still I pretty surprised when he told me that  he had NEVER had one before.  Saturday morning everyone was gone except for the two of us and that is what he wanted for breakfast when I told him we could go somewhere for breakfast.  Silly boy!

Verdict:  It was "pretty good" but he likes my pancakes better:)

 

My boys were thrilled to see our BYU Cougars in the March Madness brackets!

This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago in the wee hours of the morning when BYU made history beating Gonzago at home ending their 4 year winning streak.  Let me tell you it is hard to be a true blue BYU fan when you live on the East Coast.  Most games end up being in the middle of night for us--ugh!!  It never stops these super fans though:)

Connor finished his big Capstone Senior Project last week--phew!  That was hanging over his head all year!  He did a great job so we celebrated with a lunch at Cheddars!  I am going to really miss this boy next year!  He had his interview with the Stake President yesterday and his mission papers should be in by the end of the week!  He is SO excited to get his mission call!

 

Bridger has found a friend that shares his obsession for Hockey!  These two boys are living in the wrong place to play hockey (there are no leagues here to join) so they created their own! They play at our house ...

and at his house.  Pretty much anytime they get a chance:)  Bridger now has all the Hockey games televised set to record!  Some of his brothers that are trying to record basketball games  complain that hockey is taking over the DVR!

Last weekend we took the boys to see McFarland (the cross country team running movie with Kevin Costner)

It was a good movie!  The boys liked it but I was excited with this preview: 

 

 The boys all swore that there was NO way they were going to that movie and that I would have to go by myself!  Then my very sweet husband surprised me by coming home early Friday night with tickets!!  What a guy!  It was super fun!

It reminded me of another Cinderella movie Ever After...have you seen it? It came out a long TIME AGO-- but I remember that  I loved it!  Now I may have to find the DVD on Amazon:)  Won't my boys be thrilled with that purchase?!  Haha:)

 

 

I hope you have a wonderful week! 

 

 

Happy Stuff

Happy Friday!

Now that puts a smile on my face--how about you?

I am looking forward to pizza and movie night at home with my boys tonight! 

 

Some other random happy stuff:

I found my beloved Milton's healthy Bread again.  Have you tried it?  It is so good! It went missing from my Costco for awhile but I located  it somewhere else--phew!

This makes the world's BEST toast, seriously!  Add some Justins Maple Almond butter and some sliced fresh pear and you have one fabulous breakfast:)

Yesterday I went to the Atlanta temple with a couple friends and it was awesome!  I LOVE being in the temple.  There is such a peace and strength that fills me there!

 

Cheering on my boys playing the sports they love makes me so happy.

 

Bridger got to pitch!  He was so excited!! 

 For such a little guy--he has a powerful throw! I was impressed!

 

And this guy---makes me happy to just to see that  cute little smile!

 

 

Coleman's first year playing tackle football--he is so happy that I finally agreed to let him play and it is contagious!  I have to admit that it is really hard for me to have my-not-so -big children play this rough sport.  ACK!  And now Bridger is begging to play too!

 

The weather has been amazing here in Chattanooga and the trees--ahh I love them!!

 

Panera Bread has an Autumn Squash soup on the menu--sooo yummy!!

 I found this cute piece of furniture at Costco that was perfect for my dining area--and it was very inexpensive!  Woo hoo!!

 Have you ever played Corn Hole?  It is pretty big here in the South especially for tailgating or backyard cookouts.  I came into the kitchen one day to find Brad playing a live version of corn hole with his boys being the target for candycorn instead of bean bags!  So funny!

 What is making you happy right now?

Thinking of happy stuff always puts me in a good mood!

I hope you have a fantastic weekend!!

A Walk with Anne

 

I decided to walk my 3 not so little boys to school this morning and then go on a morning walk. When we got to the end of the little tree lined walking path in our neighborhood, right before we set foot on school property my 11 year old Coleman tried to tell me good bye! He was very sweet about it, but I could tell he didn't want to be seen with his Mom walking him to school. Then I turned to Bridger who obviously agreed, giving me a quick little hug with a shy smile.  When I asked Cannon  if he wanted me to walk him to the school, he said "you can if I want to, I don't care."   Which I knew really meant that he didn't want to hurt my feelings but would rather be old and cool like his big brothers...ha ha! Even my baby is growing up!  

They were all so kind about it...but I was excused! So I wished them each a happy day and turned back for a brisk morning walk by myself.  No more clinging little ones.  It is bittersweet for sure, but I am trying to enjoy the freedom these days provide and not dwell on the fact that my boys are growing up too fast!   It was a chilly, but beautiful morning here in Tennessee, everything was covered in frost, but the sun was shining bright!  It felt so good!

 

I listened to Anne Of Green Gables on my phone and it was DELIGHTFUL!   I found myself grinning from ear to ear my whole walk--I am sure I looked kind of silly!  It was so fun to listen to that darling Anne Shirley! And  the thought did occur to me that I could not have done this years ago as I was always pushing a stroller and trying to keep a little person riding a bike upright, listening to lots of chatter and answering gazillions of questions.  I really do miss those days, but I remind myself that they were exhausting!  I am finding that each season of our lives are full of different blessings to be enjoyed.  I guess the key is to focus on the current joy and not what is hard or lacking. 

Anyway, this is the free app that I used and I highly recommend it.  Just type in Audiobooks and this one by Cross Forward will come up:

All the books on this app are free to listen to and there is a surprisingly large collection to pick from! I am so glad I found it!  After Anne Of Green Gables I will start Pride and Prejudice. 

In other news...I have new little niece...Ririe Malinda

 

 Isn't she so sweet?! My Mom sent me this picture and it made me homesick! How I miss my Mom and my family and I hate being so far away when my sisters have their babies. It breaks my heart a little. Good thing we have the technology to send lots of pictures and talk whenever we want!

 

 Well I am off to do my housework and a little baking.  I am trying very hard to stick to my own simple "work chart"--I will post on that soon!

Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

xoxo

Melanie

 

"Happy Happy Happy"

Source: simplypix.tumblr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Just a few simple things that are making me happy:

#1  SUNSHINE

Going on a long walk with these inspiring talks on my ipod, warm sun shining down, birds chirping--makes me"happy happy happy" I tell you!   Yes I admit I am quoting Duck Dynasty--it;s my kids fault they  are loving that show right now and it is contagious--"Jack"! 

#2  A Metal free smile

Connor got his braces off!

This is a happy day for both of us.  I no longer have to constantly nag  gently remind him not to eat certain foods, to wear his rubber bands (and to pick them up all over the kitchen and bathroom) and to brush/ floss better anymore! yipee!

#3  My jeans are looser and I have more energy thanks to this app:

My Fitness Pal.--simple to use, and free with no strings attached

I do not believe in dieting --it just makes me stressed, unhappy and fatter

BUT, I do believe in being healthy and taking care of my greatest blessing--my body.

This app makes it easy and has opened my eyes to calories in, calories out.

I love it!  Are you a fan of this app too?

Don't laugh at the next one--but hey--you can eat yummy food and still be healthy --its true!:)

Deprivation is just sad, moderation is the key here

#4  Strawberry Shortcake

With real whipped cream--seriously yummy!

This was our family home evening treat recently.  Berries are so good right now.

It made me think of this cake--I have to come up with an excuse to make it soon. 

#5  My tulips are coming up--yeah!

I love Spring and hope she will get here soon!

 I think I am going to get out all my Spring decor today and possibly even plant some pansies--to help hurry her along:)

What is on your happy list today?

xoxo

Happy Stuff

Source: bippityboppityboo.tumblr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

How is your Wednesday going?

Mine is dark and gray

We have had a TON of gloomy rainy days lately. 

 I have to admit that although I love a good rain, I am getting a bit tired of the constant gray skies--blah!

Today I really need to focus on some happy stuff 
-so here are a few badly needed bright spots..

*We had a 2 hour school delay this morning (SLEEP IN--yeah!) due to constant rain and flooding around these parts.  When we got the call cheers were going up and there were lots of fist pumping!  I was especially happy because I knew I could stay up late and watch an episode of ...

*Downton Abby season 3.  I just found out that it has started! Episode 3 airs on PBS this Sunday, so I have to catch up quickly.  Love that show!  So fun to watch a couple episodes from Amazon on my ipad last night when all the boys were in bed. 

*whole wheat cinnamon swirl bread in the oven--yum!

*a fresh coat of "ballet slipper" on my nails
*sparkly clean fridge--finally cleaned it out--no more things toppling out when you reach for the jam!

*looking forward to a game of UNO with my little boys in front of a warm fire tonight.

What is bringing you cheer on these gray winter days?  
or are you a lucky one with sunshine?

Hip Hip Hooray!

Just wanted to share a few cheer worthy items with you today!

1. First of all:

Source: bippityboppityboo.tumblr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Do you have big plans this weekend?

  I have a date with my man and some of our favorite friends tonight.  We are going to dinner and to see the movie 2016. Nothing like a night out to kick off the weekend:)

2.  Did you watch the Republican National Convention? 
Weren't the speeches great? I thought so.
One of my favorite parts was at the end when all of the Romney grandsons were going after the balloons!  That is EXACTLY what my boys would do!  So funny!  

 I loved this video  I was inspired and excited!  Go Mitt!




3.  BYU had a GREAT season opener last night and walloped Washington. To be honest I have not watched it yet...being a Cougar fan on the East Coast is a little rough.  Kick off was at 10:15 our time.  My boys are so excited to watch it after school, but I couldn't help but check the score this morning....30-6!!  Woo hoo!!!!

4.  I spent the morning making these seriously YUMMY  Snicker Doodle muffins for the Friday 'Happy Cart' at my boys elementary school.  The PTA provides a little cart to treat teachers to a drink and snack or their choice.  I think it is a great idea and help whenever I can.  My boys have been blessed with excellent teachers--I am so very thankful!

5. I got to have lunch with my two little boys in the school cafeteria today.  It was ADORABLE how happy they were to see me, and how all their classmates called me "Cannon's (or Bridger's) Mom" the whole time!  So cute!  I was thinking these are the only two of my 5 that still want their Mommy to come to school for lunch.  Thankfully my presence there is still super cool at their age:)  I decided I better go often before it is too late!

I hope you have a very HAPPY weekend!

Happy Friday Thoughts

Source: google.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Happy happy stuff on my mind:

*Brad gets home at 7pm after being out of town all week--can't wait to see him!  And the boys can't wait to have their Daddy back!

*BYU plays tonight...we are hoping they can redeem themselves after last weeks devastating loss-ugh! 

 Lets hope that a miracle happens and they come out STRONG!

*I have been re-reading all the conference talks from April in preparation for next weeks General Conference.  This one and this one have inspired me today.  I am so thankful to have these beautiful words of counsel and direction from current prophets and apostles.

*Can't wait to sleep in tomorrow morning--ahhhh!  Getting up daily at 5am wears me down by the weekend:)   I am going to  enjoy a lazy Saturday morning and make some pumpkin pancakes--we don't really have time for that during the week, you know?

*Finishing up a "BOO" banner for my Halloween mantle.  It turned out just as cute as I imagined--which doesn't always happen with my crafting projects:)

*Looking forward to the Relief Society General Broadcast and dinner tomorrow night at the church.  Always so inspiring!

*Going to go for a family bike ride this weekend. We will enjoy the {slightly} cooling temps and first hint of Fall colors!

I LOVE this time of year, don't you?!

Happy Weekend to you!

PS

 Monday I will share some tips and ideas for organizing your kitchen pantry and cupboards!  Let me tell you, completing that project was something to smile about:)  I have LOVED the results!

Happy Thoughts on a Thursday

Source: twigandthistle.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Aren't daisies such a happy flower?  And they remind me of my Mother--a happy thought for sure:)

Source: michelleums.tumblr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: bippityboppityboo.tumblr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: lh3.ggpht.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: simplypix.tumblr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: bippityboppityboo.tumblr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Hope your day is a happy one!

More on finding lasting happiness here.