Living Happily Ever After

A little while ago my friend Bianca and I were helping with the food  for a women's conference at our church.  We were hard at work making this salad (soooo good!!) for 300 ladies.

It was fun, especially getting to work with my sweet friend!

Once everyone was served we were free to take our seats and enjoy the speakers.  The theme was "Living Happily Ever After"  and I loved every minute!

I have always been a firm believer that we must make a conscious choice to be happy.  That no matter what life hands you, we can choose to live happily ever after.  I know this is possible under any circumstances because I have watched people who have a deep sense of happiness and peace even in what I would call very depressing situations.  

I believe that the key to deep and true happiness is found in living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  And this is easier said than done sometimes! I think as women we can be so hard on ourselves!    One of the speakers that morning shared a blog post she had read about "Drops of Awesome"  Since I am a blogger, I perked right up:)    I have to say that I completly related to her sentiments and was deeply touched by the post she shared.  In fact I loved it so much that when I got home I tracked down the blog! 

I found the original post here, and I think you should read it when you get a chance! 

Basically this witty and wise young Mom taught, that we as women should not beat ourselves up for what we don't do....but celebrate and find joy in those moments when we are doing well! 

She writes:

"Drops of Awesome!  Every time you do something good, something kind, something productive, it’s a drop in your Bucket of Awesome. You don’t lose drops for every misstep. You can only build. You can only fill."

I think of this little concept all the time now! 

I know that our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy and it starts inside our head and hearts!  He has promised to make weak things strong in us when we put our trust in Him.  He will consecrate our heartfelt efforts, especially in our family to be enough!  

So stop focusing on what you are not doing right and instead start counting those drops of goodness, because really

you are awesome!

Yes, pat yourself on the back:)

Our Menu

With our recent Celiac diagnosis around here, I am trying some new gluten free meals out.  This new way of cooking for my family has turned my world upside down, but  I am slowly figuring it out--thanks in part to so many of your wonderful suggestions and help!!.  One thing, I am finding is that gluten free can be very expensive!  I thought that our whole family would eat that way, but honestly I feel like I can't afford it!  Lately, I have been mostly feeding my family food that is naturally gluten free, but at some of our meals I provide GF bread/treats etc for only my two Celiac boys.  They are fine with that, but sometimes my 5 year old cries that he wants their waffle/ cinnamon roll etc.  He doesn't think it is fair that they get to have special stuff!  I know  I tell him, life is just not fair, darn it! :)

Look for some new recipes on The Sisters cafe soon for some of the dishes listed!

Two Week Menu

Monday:  BBQ Chicken, green salad, rolls, oranges

Tuesday:  Honey Mustard Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Spring mix with blueberries, feta and almonds salad

Wednesday:  Marinara Sauce with spicy Italian Sausage over Quinoa Pasta, ceasar salad, grapes

Thursday:  Quinoa Stir Fry, orange slices, cucumber slices

Friday: Grilled Hamburgers, baked fries, fruit salad, 

Saturday:  Pizza night!  *I found frozen gF pizza wheels:)  Salad,  apple slices

Sunday:  Bean Tosatados, chips and salsa, grapes

Monday:  Beef Stroganoff, GF noodles, salad, steamed carrots

Tuesday:  Greek Quinoa with Avocado, watermelon slices

Wednesday:  Garlic Basil Chicken Drumsticks, roasted veggies, grapes, green salad

Thursday:  Southwest Wraps (I found GF tortillas), guacamole, fruit

Friday:  Leftovers/ going out

Saturday:  Paninis, salad, fruit

Sunday:  Perfect Pot Roast, mashed potatoes, green salad with buttermilk dressing, rolls

*Notes:  I like to add fresh veggies and fruit as sides for every meal,  I feel like then we need less of the main dish or meat...more healthy in my opinion that way.  I make those sides for the most part super easy ...as in sliced fresh fruit or vegetables that I have on hand.  Also I love salads and you will find so many wonderful ideas and recipes here.

Mothers Day in Pictures

 It started Saturday night with a "Mothers Day Date" downtown and two of my favorites.. Taco Mamacitas and a walk across the Walnut Bridge!

Pretty flowers....can you spot the butterfly?!

The boys did pretty good, eh?!

Before church pictures with Mom--oh yeah!

So sweet!  I sure LOVE these goof balls!

Just for laughs I had to text this to my Mom--ha ha!

Happy to be Home

I am sorry I have neglected this little blog the last week or so! I have been so BUSY BUSY BUSY catching up on my life! I tell you what...being gone so much this last month or so coupled with the end of the year activities is keeping me hopping! I must say though--it is busy in a very happy way! I was delighted to go with my littlest man to the very last kindergarten field trip of the year...to the Chattanooga Zoo!

It was such a blessing to be with these sweet little guys! These two are Cannon's best buds, Aiden and Beau. (both of which are 7....he is still 5. Remember how I agonized about sending him to school this year? I really do know it was the right decision for him and he is thriving, but darn it, his 2 best friends are both more than a year older! Oh well)

It is such a treat to watch your children building friendships and developing relationships with others. It is also so interesting to see the type of personalities they are drawn to. These two little boys were both so nice, good mannered and kind. I think Cannon is pretty good at picking friends! I hope he continues in this trend. I have always felt that it is so important to be a friend to all, but choose your close friends very carefully!

Even now as an adult, I try really hard to surround myself with good friends. People who lift and inspire in some way, you know?!

I think Cannon's favorite part was the petting pen, until I realized he was picking up little poops and trying to feed it to the animals! AUGH! So gross! I didn't want to alarm him as he was kindly trying to give the goats a treat...but I quitely whispered in his ear and let him know. He immediately dropped the contents of chubby little hand in horror and requested that we find a place to wash up. He was so embarrassed and kept saying over and over again how he thought that was their food! He tries so hard to be independent and grown up, that this mistake was quite a setback in his mind, poor guy!

Two days later we found ourselves back at the zoo for a birthday party! Cannon LOVED it and was so happy to show his big brother around, since he was so experienced now in the Chattanooga Zoo adventures.He very matter of fact-ly advised against trying to feed the black round things to the animals, because they are NOT food...but poop he whispered to Bridger. Of course not giving a hint about how he came to that little bit of information.

I love how Cannon is still little enough to proudly wear the monkey hat, while Bridger kindly turned it down. It is so cute watching Bridger slowly take on an older more mature role. At least that is what I try and tell myself! Really I am get a little lump in my throat when I see how grown up he acts! Part of my wants my two youngest boys to stay cute and little forever!

Bridger spotted a cougar on our way out and wanted me to take his picture with it!

I think my boys will be true blue BYU Cougar fans forever! Moving half way across the country hasn't seemed to cool their love at all. Even the little ones are still going strong:) Lol

I feel so blessed to be a Mother.

I am so thankful that Heavenly Father has blessed me with 5 beautiful boys to love and cherish.

They may be messy and exhausting but they are mine and I love them with all my heart!

 

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