Lula Belle

30 Days of Happiness: Day 30

Involved mama day!

Today I volunteered in Tommy's class room.  I am not usually the mom you see on the party planning committee or anything, but I just may be coming around.  He was so proud to have me there and he was sad when it was time for me to leave.  It made me feel very special and it was nice to get a peek at his day even if it was form a spot in the corner sharpening pencils!  I have to savor these moments while I can because I know that they won't last forever.  He is not going to be telling all of his friends that I am HIS mom and waving at me every 30 seconds from across the room.  I love that he is still my baby.

I also made plans to do a craft with Katie's class this month and get this......I went to a PTA meeting!!!!  I don't know what got into me today, but it was strangely satisfying.  "I second the motion to approve Mrs. Smith's request for $350 for internet science programs and rain gauges for her classroom." Teeheeeheee.

This concludes my 30 days of Happiness experiment.  It was quite fun.  It reminded me daily to slow down and enjoy the moments as they came.  It helped me appreciate the little things a little bit more than usual.  It helped me realize that every day has it's wonderful moments, even the days that I would call bad.  This has inspired me to carry the 30 days happiness on as an everyday challenge.  Why not try to find a little magic, a little something special, something that makes you smile everyday and appreciate it?  Thanks Erin!!!!!  

30 Days of Happiness: Day 29

Yesterday we went to a apple cider festival with friends.  It was a lovely fall day to be out on a farm.  The kids went on a hay ride and played games.  They got to check out the old school apple press and pet the pigs.  And there was so much good food!  We all had a great time! 

When we got home we worked on cleaning up the yard.  We collected so many sticks, including last years Christmas tree, that a fire was in order.  It was a perfect evening for it too.  The air was cool and the fire was warm.  While I was sitting there drinking warm cider, eating popcorn, listening to the kids chatter and play and eat way too many s'mores, I had one of those moments.  One of those moments when you realize that everything is perfect, that the world is as it should be and that you are right where you should be.  Pure happiness!

30 Days of Happiness: Day 28

This afternoon the clouds and rain let up and THE SUN CAME OUT!!!  It was a welcome change.  You could instantly see a change in the mood of the house!  The kids began running and playing outside and mama found a new album to listen to!!!!  My favorite Christmas song last year was by Zee Avi.  She didn't have any other music out though.  So I was quite surprised upon googling her today that she had put out a full length record!!!  So, yay for sunshine and new tunes!!!!

30 Days of Happiness: Day 27

Goodness from the kitchen with lots of help.

Katie and I have been enjoying being in the kitchen much more than usual these days.  Having company makes cooking and washing so much more fun!  

For dinner we made Chicken Chili.  It was spicy and delicious!  Katie did all of the adding and stirring.  I just read the recipe and helped chop the onion.  We made one little change to the recipe.  Instead of skinless boneless chicken, we put some bone in chicken in the crock pot so it would shred.  I just like it better that way!  Also next time I might cut the cayenne pepper in half.  It was a little too spicy for some members of our family!

For dessert, and breakfast too, we made Blueberry Boy Bait.

Mmmmmmm!

30 Days of Happiness: Day 26

Fall planting.

30 Days of Happiness: Day 25

Fairy houses.

As I was busy in the yard getting the garden ready for fall, aka pulling and weeding, Katie was busy building fairy houses in the yard.  Thankfully the fairies let the ponies try it out too!

30 Days of Happiness: Day 24

In the kitchen.

Fall is my favorite time to be in the kitchen.  I love the cool breeze that blows in the window and the warmth of the oven.  One of my favorite things to make and eat is soup.  I found a wonderful recipe yesterday for Italian sausage soup.  I made it early this afternoon and haven't been able to stop eating it ever since.  I'm thinking of possibly adding some eggplant and maybe some potatoes next time.

We also finally got around to baking the pumpkin chocolate chip muffins that I mentioned yesterday.  YUM!

30 Days of Happiness: Day 22

Delanie.

Katie got a new baby today.  This is the first one that she has ever picked out for herself.  She is adorable with it!  I can't tell you how many times I've heard the word Delanie today!  That is the name that she came up with all on her own.  She and her doll have done everything together.  They ate dinner and brushed their teeth.  Katie even insisted on wearing matching(ish) clothes for bed.  As I type I can hear her in her room now all tucked in kissing Delanie.

She even had to make a drawing of her new BFF!

(Sorry for the fuzzy photos.  I really need a good low light lens!)

HAPPY FALL!!!!!

30 Days of Happiness: Day 21

Rain, Rain.

I love rainy fall mornings!  All of the games and inside play is a nice change.  We sat and watched the rain fall for awhile,

and played some games,

and played felt castle.  Katie was the dragon and boy was it hard to keep her from "firing" all of the people in the town.  We finally put her in the zoo after we took her fire power away!  Shoo!

When the rain finally stopped, we got to go on a mushroom hunt and splash in puddles.  Pure happiness!

30 Days of Happiness: Day 20

A slow Sunday morning with homemade quiche and warm banana chocolate chip muffins.