The Pursuit of Happiness

Reminder: I'm switching blogging sites and this is an oldie but a goodie... enjoy!

                              

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be” - Abraham Lincoln

What is happiness? To me, the definition of happiness is the good excited feeling you get, and when you smile on the inside and out.

As I have gotten older the things that make me happy have changed. I think that is a part of finding happiness. 

Knowing yourself, what you want, and what is important to you can help you find your true happiness.

The other day I was sitting watching out the window and just thinking of all the things that I had planned for the future. I remembered the feeling I had when I was younger. The feeling that I had my life ahead of me and all the dreams I dreamed were waiting for me to go and grab them! As I thought about it I realized all the things I hadn't done that I thought I would. Wow how time flies!

I started to think about happiness and what it meant to me. For me, my faith is a big contributor to my happiness. It hasn't always been that way, but it is now. If I don't read my bible or have some quiet time with the Lord, I just don't feel right. Family or human connection is important. For some, family may not be a positive part of their life. I only have a few family members that I am really close with, but it's enough. I'm more of a quality instead of quantity kind of person. Security and health of course is also an important aspect of happiness for me, but I think that is pretty common for most people. I love a sense of adventure. Not the kind of adventure that you almost die doing. I love the outdoors and animals, so anything involving that I am game for. Except for at night, or in dark deep waters... ha.

Once you realize what makes you happy, set time for you to do it each day if you can. Believe it or not, we need to plan our happiness. Sometimes life can just take you over and will have you forgetting about your dreams. 

Something like a dream journal can keep you on track. God wants us to have the desires of our heart! Maybe once a month remind yourself of your dreams and what you want in your life. Nobody will take care of you better than YOU!

What makes you happy?

Always,

D in my jammies :)

This Too Shall Pass

Yesterday as I was getting Ava out of her car seat, I was remembering how little she slept during the day at first. I remember not being able to get anything done, and being so frustrated because of it. I've mentioned before how I am generally a better person when my house is clean, or let's say "in order." I remember thinking, this isn't going to last forever, before I know it she will be in fifth grade trying to hide makeup in her backpack, and coming home from school looking like she tried out for Ringling Bros. Circus. Then it hit me. This too shall pass. I realized I have frequently come back to this phrase throughout my later years in life.

When my finances were in shambles, this too shall pass.

When my marriage was shaky, this too shall pass.

When Aiden gave me a monumental hard time about the clothes he put on his body EVERY MORNING, this too shall pass.

When Ava slept in thirty minute increments, this too shall pass.

When Aiden asks me a million questions on why I am doing what I'm doing, or what I'm doing it for, this too shall pass.

No matter what you are going through, this too shall pass. I use my faith along with this phrase, and that is what gets me moving, and keeps me going. One day you will look back, and it will be all just a bad memory. Keep you chin up, and keep on truckin'. I guarantee you will learn something from it.

I used to have a tendency to keep myself in the moment and just fret about my current situation. I would think, what about this, what about that? The best thing you can do is take your mind off of your problem if you have done everything you can do regarding that problem that day.

Matthew 6:34 So do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Keep your mouth from spouting negativity. It seems so simple, but it is so important. Matthew 12:34 ... For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.

Have you ever heard the phrase, fake it till ya make it? I know it's hard sometimes, but even when you are down, put on a smile. When you are sad, talk about what you ARE happy/thankful for.

I have been there let me tell you. Stay close to positive people. Misery loves company, so stay away from her too!

... and remember, this too shall pass!

State Park Adventure

In an effort to live purposefully, I wanted to go to our local state park. I had never been and thought it was a great time to go seeing that the weather was beautiful today. Aiden loves to get out and he especially loves to be in nature. I decided to do a nature scavenger hunt. Aiden really enjoyed that and got a kick out of making sure we got every thing on the list. This was also Ava's first time to the park and she loves being outdoors as well. We also brought Max. He has been cooped up in the house lately and I knew he would absolutely love this trip.

Being that today was Veteran's Day, it was free for us to get in. It's not much any other day, but I love some free fun. To be honest we had some trouble trying to find the walking path. We kind of just roamed around for about a couple of hours. We didn't get to really "hike" any trails like we wanted to. Plus we were just about the only people there.

The river running through the park is beautiful. It reminds me of the Mississippi creeks I used to frequent with my dad and step mom. The fact that I can see the bottom is even better. As I have gotten older I am definitely not as brave as I used to be. I start thinking about all of the creatures that we know of that could be lurking in the water waiting to get a bite of my toe. I even start imagining some ancient reptile that has never been discovered, and it particularly likes blonde haired humans... I don't know why I do this to myself. In some cases ignorance is in fact bliss.

Anyways, it was a short excursion, but it was fun nevertheless. 

I encourage y'all to get out and about. Look online for activities in your area. Make plans. Write them down, and do them! You're never going to remember how clean your house was, but you will remember those memories you made with your family. I promise that your children will remember; probably even better than you! Aiden said this was the best day ever... until we got home and I told him no more playing games today. 

On another note, I just want to mention how thankful I am to live in a country that is free. It is free because of the many men and women that put their lives in danger to protect us, protect our rights as American citizens. I am grateful that I am married to a man who has served his country to do just that. I am blessed that he came back alive, because I know that many don't.

Field Day!!

Yesterday was Aiden's first field day. He wasn't sure what to expect, but I just knew that he would l o v e it. He's very athletic. He even nicknamed himself "Flash" a couple of years ago.

        

I remember field day. Actually I only remember one field day. I don't remember what grade I was in, but I know I was in elementary school. It makes me wonder, why do I only remember that one? The only distinctive event that happened that day was that my P.E. teacher told me I ran/walked a 13 minute mile, which is NOT good. I didn't know that then. I thought I was the BOMB! Yeah, I just used the word BOMB, whatcha gonna do about it?

Being that I only remember one field day, I do know that Aiden's field day was not like mine at all. On my field day, everyone had a tag with the activities listed on them and spaces for your times and scores. Aiden's grade,,, not a single tag. They were all grouped in with their class and with each activity each child took a turn for the exercise, but it was the class time that mattered. Field day for me was more of an individual sports day.

It was so much fun watching the kids try their hardest. You could see their personalities shine through, and they were just so precious. As Aiden starts each competition, at first I get really excited, and then nervous hoping he doesn't trip, or something crazy like that. As soon as the whistle blows he darts off, and I start yelling, "Go Aiden!!!" My eyes start to well up with tears. I have no idea why they do this, I mean he's just running. I'm weird like that.

After I leave the school and head home with a fussy/tired baby girl, I start comparing the field days in my head. I wonder why it's so different from the one that I remembered. The only idea that I can come up with is that maybe just maybe the school doesn't want any discouragement. Since there was no individual exercises, there's no winner and more importantly, no loser. Loser is just not a good word, period. There is nothing wrong with losing. Kids today NEED to know that. Losing a game or not being as good in a subject does not make them less. Why is it that kids and the kid's parents are so sensitive to this. Of course 

I want Aiden to be great at everything, but being great at everything does not build character. Being great at everything does not make you grow. Making mistakes and not being the best helps our mind adapt to be better. I make sure that I tell Aiden that it's ok if you don't win, just try your best. Life is not a perfect place where we as parents can cushion our children's egos all the time. Believe it or not we are actually doing our kids harm if we shelter them like that. God teaches us to be humble, do not boast, and encourage others. If kids won everything, it would be a lot harder to learn those characteristics. I guess my main point is...balance is key. Too much of anything is no bueno. I don't care who ya are...

Ok, I'm stepping off of my soapbox now...

Teeny-Weeny Bonfire

                 

Fall has officially started! The only reason for this statement is because we had a teeny-weeny bonfire last night! It was amazing. We had s'mores and all. Well let's say Aiden and I ate them. Hubby is such a s'mores party pooper...

Max is hanging out pretty close to the s'mores station. He's waiting for one to drop into his mouth. Haha. We used all of the wood we could for the fire, which wasn't a lot. I don't own a single wire hanger, because Joan Crawford says, "No more wire hangers!!" By the way, that movie freaked me out as a kid. That being said, we used the end of the rake for the marshmallows. We sterilized it in the fire first. Don't worry. It served its purpose, so that white area on the end of the rake is marshmallow guts.

The fire didn't last long, but we had fun and made some memories. That's all that matters, right? Hubby likes to start fires and Aiden likes to be around them.  I on the other hand,  just like to watch them. They are two of the few of my favorite people on earth.

No TV?

I am sad. Do you want to know why? I have realized that I watch too much TV. I can record shows and movies anytime, and I take full advantage of that. If anything on TV looks interesting, I record it! Once I see ALL the shows I have recorded, I feel determined to watch all of them. I can't leave one show out, because it might feel neglected. Who wants to feel neglected? Not me, that's for sure. Listen, I know I have personified TV shows, but hey it's my prerogative.

The other day I was reading my daily devotional by David Wilkerson, he mentioned that he stopped watching TV so that he could focus his energy on what was most important to him. It struck me like a lightning bolt! Maybe the reason I can't get some of the stuff done is because I am addicted to the Real Housewives of Where Ever!  Duh... I'm not going cold turkey now, that would just be horrendous. Let me tell you, you would not like to be around me if I did. I am giving myself a limit. I'm thinking maybe an hour and a half a day? We will see. I am also making this part of Aiden's days as well. He watches more TV than me! Since we all know that TV rots your brain, it is best that we back off. At least that is what I keep telling myself.

If this is the product of no TV, or not a ton of TV I'll take it! She loooooves her brother. He is her hero, and that is just the cutest thing in the world!

What will do I do with all this free time? I will invest in myself, my kids, my husband, my faith, my friends! This is the next step to living a more purposeful life. When we get old and gray, are we going to talk about our relationships with each other and the fun times we had, or about episode 1043 of Reality Crazy Mess show?

The next task on my list (yes, I am a list maker) is to look up some fun art and science activities to do at home.

Till then my peeps :)

Seeing Faith

My faith is a big/special part of my life. I have always believed in God (father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). It wasn't until I had my first child that I really started to hunger for a better relationship with God.

Before my Hubby worked in the oil industry, he was an entrepreneur. He had a small floor laying business. Any of you who know anything about construction work know that when it's good it's good, but when it's bad it's bad. When money would get tight I would pray to God and ask for provision. He would provide. Then when things would get better I would stop praying. It was a cycle that went on and on for years. I finally realized that I wanted to keep my commitment with God, and stop turning to Him when life was not so good. I was like the Israelites. I forgot the works of the Lord.

I grew up Catholic. I was at every church function. I used to practice having mass in my room. Seriously.  I thought I wanted to be a nun. The God I know now is the same I knew then, but my relationship with him now is so different.

Now I don't consider myself of a certain faith. I believe in the bible and what it says. I don't believe in condemning others, so don't expect to see kind of stuff here. God made everyone. He loves everyone, so why should I treat others  with disdain when they don't believe exactly as I do. I don't have all the answers, nor do I act like I do. I believe we should encourage each other in faith.

I used to believe that faith was something that you had, which is true, but it goes deeper than that. Faith is in your actions, words, and thoughts. There are so many verses on faith in the bible. Faith is believing in something without seeing it.  Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. God's word is true. It can never fail. Knowing that and knowing His word can give us the courage, strength, and hope for our future. It is something we can bank on.

I am still growing in faith everyday. I want people to see my faith, not just hear me talk about it. I actually used to roll my eyes way back when others would try to witness to me. It would turn me away from God because it seemed like they were condescending to me. I am very careful now about how I talk about God to others. I ask the Holy Spirit to lead me and if I need to mention Jesus and His salvation I will. The last thing I want to do is to make others feel like I did.

I hope y'all have a great day!

Peace out :)

Taco Soup

Hubby and Aiden love soup. I mean love it. I am not as much of a fan as they are. When Hubby is home I try to make sure and make some soups to please his palate. Taco soup is one of them.

I received a taco soup recipe years ago from a coworker. I lost it somehow, but I remembered the gist of it. Now I've got it down. Besides gumbo (which I haven't perfected yet), taco soup is his favorite.

Ok, for some reason I had a brain fart and forgot to take pictures before this moment.

1.Turn the stove on medium to medium-high. 

2. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a dutch oven. 

3. Dice a whole onion and two cloves of garlic. Toss them into the pot and let them cook for a minute or two. Throw a pinch of salt and let the onions sweat. 

4. Season one pound of ground chuck with some salt and pepper. Put it in the pot as well. Get it all good and mixed. Let the garlic, onion, and ground beef get to know each other. 

5. Once you brown the beef, you will need to get most of the yucky fat out of that pot. I just used a ladle, but however you do it is fine. 

6. Drain and rinse the beans, and pour them in. Open up a 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes and pour them in as well. 

7. Pour two cups of beef broth and three cups of water into the pot. You can adjust the amount of liquid, but I wanted it to be well... soupy. 

8. Now it's time to make it all taco-y! Add one teaspoon of cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Add two teaspoons of salt. I season as I cook. Taste as you go so that you can get exactly what flavor you want. 

9. Get the soup up to a boil and then put it on low and let it simmer for about forty-five minutes. While the soup is simmering, grate up yo fave cheese. In this instance I used Monterrey Jack cheese. Cheddar would be super fabulous as well!  

10. After the forty-five minute mark add the drained corn. Let it sit about fifteen minutes or so.  Corn chips make this soup over-the-top!

You can customize this in so many ways. Adding a can of Rotel, or dicing up some jalapeno would be great. Just throw in what you like, or what you have on hand. I love versatile recipes!!

I hope y'all enjoy this as much as we do!

Here are the ingredients at a glance:

1 tblspn butter

1 whole onion diced

2 garlic cloves diced

1 lb ground chuck

Pinch or two of salt

28 oz. can of diced tomatoes

2 cans of black beans drained

1 can of corn drained

2 cups of beef broth

3 cups of  water

2 tspns of salt

1 tspn black pepper

1 tspn cumin

1 tspn chili powder

CHEESE!!

Max the Great

Max is a common name for a dog, but Max is not a common dog. Well after all he is a Golden Retriever, which is a common dog, but the essence of Max is not common. Redundant much? Ha.

This is our ferocious Max. See how he is completely alert to any threatening danger? No? Me either. Since the weather has been so nice outside, I have kept the windows open during the day. He just sits there taking in the moment, the breeze, and quietly guards our home sweet home. When an animal or person walks by he growls a bit, and maybe barks a time or two. He really is a sweet dog, I promise.

Look how precious he is laying his sweet little head on the window sill! He didn't know I was standing there, he doesn't like his picture taken. 

This right here is what life is all about. Life in this moment cannot get any better than this, unless I was eating chocolate... Do you see how Max has become Max the Great? 

Max and Aiden are 6 months apart in age. Don't ask me what I was thinking when I decided to get him when I already had an infant. Nevertheless, it has been worth it. Aiden and Max are the best of friends. It looks like Max already loves Ava too! 

I have a confession...

I have a confession to make. I am quite sure a good bit of you suffer from the same affliction. I. Am. A. Food lover. Ok I said it. Whew! That felt good getting it off my chest. Actually, any of you who know me, know this fact well. I have recently become obsessed with trying new recipes, and then taking pictures of them. Being that I have mush for brains half of the time, I make the recipe, marvel at it, and then EAT it! After I am full as a tick on a hound's neck, I realize that I forgot to take the picture.

Homemade pancakes... I was feelin' the love that morning.

Omelet with onions and peppers topped with cheese and salsa. If you like it spicy add some sriracha. Yum!

Chicken n dumplings. 'Nuf said.

Beef enchilaaaaadas and mexican rice dude (in my Cheech Marin voice)!

These are the few recent recipes I have made AND took pictures, before I devoured them! More to come...

Soccer Time!

Ok, yes I thought that I was doing good at my picture taking of the kids playing soccer. I realize now that I was delusional. I promise I will be better next time. We have been to the soccer field at least 3 times during the week. Aiden loves it so it's ok with me. The games are an hour unlike tee ball so that is also a win for me considering I have an almost 8 month old Ava. The weather is just starting to get cooler and it is just FABULOUS to be at the soccer field. 

Ava loves being outside. If she is ever fussy we can just bring her outside and she stops. It's amazing. Needless to say we spend a lot of time outside. This is her at the soccer field just hangin' out. 

Of course when it rains, we just sit in the truck and watch from inside. The kids really loved playing in the rain. This particular day it was warmer outside so the rain really cooled them off. 

Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Yes, yes just like about every other family with small children, we went to the pumpkin patch in October. This was our first adventure in a pumpkin patch; I mean a REAL pumpkin patch. Normally there are a sea of pumpkins all in pretty little rows that are in the front yard of our local church. In this case, the farm also produces peanuts so the aroma of boiled peanuts filled the air. We went on a hay ride to the field. Of course Aiden picks the largest pumpkin he can find. I remind him that I cannot help him because I am holding my own 17 lb. pumpkin Ava. 

This is the PUMPKIN.

This is how he tried to get it back to the trailer... until he realized that it was a better idea to get one that he can manage. Smart boy!

This is the line for the zip line. Yes! They had a zip line! I was so much fun to watch them. If I had gone, my butt would have dragged the ground. I will give you a moment to picture this ... and laugh...

This is like a sand box, but full of corn kernels! I have never seen such a thing. The kids loved it. 

Ava had a great time as well. She is biting on her upper lip here because she is getting her two top teeth in any day now. Needless to say she has been fussy lately, but today she was quite the angel. 

It was a great day. The weather was perfect and the kids had a great time which is the most important thing. 

Have ya'll been to any pumpkin patches this season? Were there any pumpkin patches that were out of the ordinary? If so let me know!! I would love to hear from ya'll!

My Not So Bountiful Harvest

I have always wanted to be a full on gardener. Well only during the summer months at least. Ha! I have realized this year that you have got to fully commit or you are going to waste some money and time. I don't know about you, but I am not into wasting money or time for that matter.

Don't let this picture fool you. They may look like regular green bell peppers, but they are a mini version of the real thing. I have tried let me tell you, I have tried to wait and see if they will grow to be mature like their parents, but it never happened, so off the plant they came and into my humble abode. Tomorrow is the time for me to harvest the pole beans. We will see how that goes...